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According to specialists, about 10% of people are allergic to the sun. It occurs most often in spring or early summer, when the sun is at its strongest.
What is a sun allergy?
Solar allergy is a disease characterized by hypersensitivity to sunlight. Hypersensitivity can vary in intensity depending on the chemicals found in perfumes, creams, deodorants and other cosmetics. Sometimes medications can also cause allergies.
What are the causes of sun allergies?
Causes of allergies to the sun are not clearly defined. Some UVA rays are thought to be responsible. The vast majority of tanning emulsions produced contain only UVB filters. Therefore, they do not protect against UVA rays, which leads to an increased incidence of allergies.
Hypersensitivity to UV rays may manifest as blisters, rashes or spots. Depending on the factor, their intensity and time of appearance change from the moment of contact with the sun. Symptoms occur in exposed places, exposed to sunlight.
If rash or skin changes have occurred for the first time, you should consider what new cosmetic or medicine may have caused an allergic reaction. Its elimination will allow you to calm down hypersensitivity to the sun’s rays. For such people, a cream with a filter is helpful (the lighter the complexion, the larger the filter should be), which should be applied to the exposed parts of the body about half an hour before sun exposure.
Strong sun should be avoided by people with certain conditions such as rosacea or porphyria. For these people, it is necessary to wear long-sleeved clothes, shading the face, sometimes even gloves. You also need a cream with a UVA and UVB filter, minimum SPF 30.
People who are sensitive to the sun should follow a few simple rules:
- read the composition of cosmetics – if they contain information about ingredients that cause allergies, you should avoid the sun when using them;
- avoid solariums;
- stay in the sun in moderation;
- use sunscreen creams;
If skin reactions if they worsen or last longer, it will be necessary to visit a dermatologist who will indicate the appropriate antihistamines to calm down the allergy. Until the treatment path is determined by a specialist doctor, you should lubricate the irritated places with ointments containing zinc, which has a drying effect.
You can also use home remedies to help reduce allergy symptoms:
- milk – soothes itching and rashes; milk should be applied to the skin when you return from the sun. After rubbing in three times, wash the skin with cool water,
- coconut milk and natural yogurt – you should mix both of these ingredients and drink it shortly after returning from the sun. Helps to improve the condition of the skin,
- cucumber — mash the cucumber into a mush and apply it to the irritated areas. It soothes redness, prevents the spread of the rash.