Sun Allergy
When the skin’s greatest enemy is the sun …
Sun allergy is a general term for the occurrence of skin irritations after prolonged sun exposure. The exact cause of sun allergy is not yet fully understood. Doctors now suspect that UV radiation from the sun alters a substance in the skin, to which the immune system reacts. The immune system triggers an allergic reaction to this specific substance, resulting in the typical symptoms of sun allergy.
Small, itchy, red pustules may appear, or blisters may form, which later develop into red, dry patches. Less commonly, large red areas can occur. Symptoms usually appear on the arms, legs, feet, and décolleté. The face is usually unaffected.
As varied as the symptoms are, there are also different types of sun allergies. The most common type is polymorphic photodermatosis, where bumps often appear approximately 12 hours after sun exposure. Another type is photoallergic contact eczema, which occurs when a substance applied to the skin reacts with UV radiation. Such substances can include sunscreen or perfume. There is also sun allergy urticaria, in which symptoms appear within minutes of sun exposure.
Finally, there is actinic prurigo, which primarily affects people with darker skin tones. This type can cause raised spots even on areas of the body that were not exposed to the sun.
Prevention:
- Avoid the sun between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- Wear appropriate clothing (e.g., long clothes, hats)
- Choose a suitable sunscreen: it should be free of oils and emulsifiers and have a high SPF
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours
What can help during an acute sun allergy:
- Quark (curd) compresses and aloe vera creams can help with acute symptoms
- For severe symptoms, special ointments (with or without cortisone) and antihistamines may be used as treatment
And to finish, here’s a tip on how to prepare for next summer:
Those who know they suffer from sun allergy can take beta-carotene or Calcium Sandoz Sun & Day preventively to avoid an outbreak. These should be taken at least three weeks before strong sun exposure to prepare the skin.
To help you enjoy the summer again, feel free to visit us for a personal consultation!