Sun allergy affects more and more people, although most of them are not aware of it. Sun allergy occurs when our immune system reacts incorrectly to the sun’s rays. Thus, any part of the body exposed to the sun can become covered with red, itchy spots. If you notice these changes on your body and you don’t know what they are, contact your doctor. The sooner the better, especially since the sun is very strong now.
Sometimes an allergic reaction can be much more serious. The development of the disease can occur rapidly, and then blisters and clusters of pimples appear instead of spots on the skin. The causes of this type of allergy can vary. Metabolic, genetic or exogenous. The latter distinguishing feature is quite surprising because allergies to the sun can be caused by some cosmetic products (e.g. hair dyes), medications and even herbs. Sun allergy is often associated with herpes or rosacea. So if your skin has pimples, red spots, blisters or hives a few hours after sunbathing, you are probably allergic to the sun.
Sun allergy affects about 10% of adults, but this group is dominated by women – as much as 90%. cases. An interesting fact is that very young people – people under 18 years old, and very mature people – over 50 years of age are resistant to sun allergy.
Treatment and prevention.
It is known that each body reacts differently and needs an individual treatment. After diagnosing an allergy to the sun, the doctor prescribes oral antimalarial drugs (they work the fastest) and antibiotic ointments to be spread. The likelihood of developing an allergy is much higher if one of the parents is or has been sick. Allergy symptoms may disappear after 8 – 15 days if we do not expose ourselves to the sun after the occurrence of red spots or hives. Unfortunately, once the burning and itchy pimples appear, even after a temporary disappearance, they can return, and literally every stay in the sun can favor the development of this unpleasant allergy. But it can be difficult and long. It requires a lot of sacrifices on the part of the patient and, above all, a lot of patience. However, with proper treatment, allergic people are able to function normally.
It is good to use several prophylactic treatments that can prevent the appearance of allergies:
- Take care of your skin and use creams that protect against UVB and UVA rays with an SPF of at least 25. For the face, it is recommended to use SPF 50. Apply it to the lips, ears, neckline, arms, legs.
- It is worth taking a beta-carotene treatment, which should be started at least 2 weeks before going on holiday. In this way, the skin tone will strengthen and will not be prone to redness. Of course, you should sunbathe carefully and in moderation.
- Avoid exposing your body to full sun.
- Avoid the sun when it’s at its hottest – between 10am and 15pm
- Be sure to wear a headgear, hat, scarf, jockey. The head must be adequately protected from the sun.