Prevention Of Sun Allergy

If you have an allergy to sunlight or increased sensitivity to sunlight, may help prevent a reaction of the following steps:

Limit your time in the sun. Keep out of sun 10:00-3:00 when the sun is the brightest.

Avoid sudden exposure to a lot of sun. Many people have Sun allergy symptoms when exposed to more sun in spring or summer. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend outdoors, so your skin cells time to adjust to the sunlight.

Wear sunglasses and protective clothing. Sleeveless shirts and wide-brimmed hat can help protect your skin from the sun. Avoid substances that are thin or have a loose weave - UV rays can pass through them. You might consider wearing special clothing to block UV rays that can be found in sporting goods stores.

Apply sunscreen often. Use a sunscreen with factor broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF) of 30 or higher on exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Treatment Of Sun Allergy

Treatment depends on the particular type of sun allergy you have. These may include:

Corticosteroid creams. These creams are available over-the-counter and prescription strongest form. For example, drugs hydrocortisone (Cortaid, others) are available over-the-counter medications, and triamcinolone (Kenalog, others) require a prescription.

Oral antihistamines. These drugs block histamine, a symptom that is causing chemicals released by an allergic reaction. Your doctor may recommend using over-the-counter antihistamine pills, or you can write a recipe. Examples of-the-counter antihistamines are loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Parents-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Clemastine (Tavist) will work as well as new ones, but can cause drowsiness. Prescription antihistamines are desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), and levocetirizine (Xyzal).

Oral corticosteroids. For an allergic skin reaction severe, you may benefit from a short course of powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, oral corticosteroids such as prednisone are given before a period of sun exposure, as before the summer break. Oral corticosteroids can cause serious side effects when used long term, used to prevent and alleviate the severe symptoms of allergy to the sun only a short term basis.

Other drugs. In some cases, the drugs commonly used to treat other conditions are used to treat allergies Sun, for example, malaria drug hydroxychloroquine may help relieve the symptoms of rash and other allergic Polymorphic Light Sun In some cases, Antibiotics - usually used to treat infections - chronic actinic dermatitis for.

Ultraviolet light therapy. This treatment is called phototherapy. A special lamp is used to shine UV light areas of the body, which are often exposed to the sun. It is usually done a few times a week for several weeks every spring. During treatment, the doctor gradually the dose of UV radiation. The skin becomes accustomed to UV light, reduces the symptoms caused by exposure to the sun. This treatment is usually available only in specialized clinics.

Symptoms Of Sun Allergy

Sun allergy symptoms depends on the particular type of sun allergy you have.

Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE) Symptoms usually appear within minutes or several hours after sun exposure. A reaction usually starts with itching and small bumps (papules) that appear whitish or yellowish with a red background. Flat bumps (plaques) can develop. Inflammation of blood vessels can cause your skin becomes red and swollen. PMLE, also known as sun poisoning can affect the neck, back, arm, face and hands. The symptoms usually disappear within a few days the affected areas are protected from direct sunlight. For most people, it seems PMLE in spring and early summer. This is the most common type of allergy Sun

Actinic prurigo usually occurs in children and young adults. Symptoms include red spots on the skin bumps and itching that can last all the skin was not exposed to sunlight. Bumpy fluid can form and open. Actinic prurigo often causes cracked and split lips (cheilitis), and may affect the cheeks, neck, ears, arms and hands. In some people, scars Actinic prurigo. Symptoms usually begin in the summer months and improve in late fall.

Chronic actinic dermatitis can cause patches of thick dry skin and itching and inflammation, scalp, face, back and sides of the neck, upper chest and back of hands and forearms. Large areas can be affected by the "islands" of exposed skin, is not affected. In some cases, symptoms occur on the palms and soles. Chronic actinic dermatitis symptoms are similar to symptoms caused by direct contact with allergenic substances (contact dermatitis).

Solar urticaria symptoms start within minutes of sun exposure and can include hives, itching and blisters. The solar urticaria can affect both exposed areas and areas covered by clothing. It occurs most often in older people. Symptoms usually improve during the first hour to cover exposed skin.

When to seek medical advice

Consult a physician if you have unusual, irritating skin reactions after sun exposure. For severe or persistent symptoms, you may need to see a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases (dermatologist).

Causes Of Sun Allergy

Allergic reactions occur in the sun's ultraviolet radiation is triggered by changes in skin cells. These changes cause the immune system mistakenly identify the proteins in skin cells as harmful invaders. The immune system then makes antibodies to attack the cells, and this leads to symptoms.

For most people with allergies to the sun, exposing the skin to the sun shining in the spring or summer triggers allergic skin reaction. However, some people may have an allergic reaction during the winter months. In people who have a severe sun allergy, an allergic reaction can even be triggered by the interior lights.

Certain medications, chemicals and medical conditions that can make the skin sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). For example, an ingredient in your shampoo or having a disease like lupus can increase photosensitivity. In most cases this is not a true allergic reaction. However, it can cause symptoms similar to those caused by an allergy to the sun - and if you have an allergy to sunlight, which can aggravate your symptoms.

It is not clear why some people have a sun allergy, and others do not. Heritable traits can play a role.

Sun Allergy Overview

SUN ALLERGY

Sun allergy is a condition in which sunlight causes a reaction in the skin. For most people, allergy symptoms include itchy red rash Sun in areas that were exposed to the sun. Allergy to the sun can cause severe rash, blisters or other symptoms. There are several types of sun allergy - including Polymorphic Light Eruption (PLE), actinic prurigo, chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) and solar urticaria.