Sun allergy

Rash is an allergic skin reaction to the sun. It most commonly appears in early spring in the form of itchy blisters or bumps. If you notice redness or pimples on your skin, avoid the sun. Also, see a dermatologist who will prescribe ointment or cream for you. This condition is mainly considered a problem for young people and occurs in spring when the first sun rays are very intense, and the skin hasn't yet adapted to them. The most common symptom is a small, very itchy rash and skin redness.

Allergy is a qualitatively altered tissue response to an allergen, involving an immunologic reaction associated with the formation of specific antibodies that, when bound to the antigen, lead to the release of various inflammatory mediators. It can manifest mildly, such as in the case of a runny nose or watery eyes, up to life-threatening anaphylactic shock and death. Sun allergy is a colloquial term for a range of various diseases, the common feature of which is sensitivity to sunlight. These diseases are referred to by doctors as photodermatoses. Typically, the provoking factor is ultraviolet radiation type A, although sometimes it's visible light or ultraviolet type B radiation. Disorders in which exposure to sunlight and additionally an allergenic substance is necessary for the disease to develop are referred to as photoallergy or photoallergic dermatitis.

According to estimates by European scientists, nearly 15% of people in Europe suffer from sun allergy. Polish statistical data shows that nearly 2.5 million Poles have an allergy to sunlight. But even those who are not allergic to the sun should be cautious because in combination with certain substances used in the production of cleaning agents, cosmetics, medications, the sun can trigger a severe skin reaction. Scientists have not deciphered the mechanism that makes people allergic to ultraviolet rays. However, there are two mechanisms for the development of sun allergies. The first is phototoxic reaction, where a substance increases the skin's sensitivity to the sun. It can occur in almost anyone. The second is photoallergic reaction, involving the human immune system. In both cases, the result is itchy rash-like changes.

To avoid showing pale skin in spring, many women opt for tanning beds after the first tan. Supporters of such tanning still exist, although dermatologists warn that tanning beds are more harmful to the skin than the sun on the beach. Sunlight is a mixture of rays, but tanning is mainly caused by UVB rays, which are less harmful than UVA rays emitted by traditional tanning beds. To tan the skin with UVA, it must absorb gigantic doses of these rays, even several hundred times more than on the beach. Dermatologists estimate that during one session in strong lamps, the body absorbs as much UVA as during a whole day of sunbathing. Additionally, we use protective filters in the sun, while in tanning beds, only tanning accelerators are used. For our skin, this is a complete disaster. UVA reaches the dermis, where it destroys collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating aging. But that's not the only trap of tanning beds. The skin remembers every dose of ultraviolet rays. It can react to large doses with an allergy. Rashes and blisters appear. The skin becomes excessively dry and instead of tolerating the sun better, it becomes hypersensitive to it.

Treating sun allergy is lengthy, costly, and burdensome for the patient, and in some cases, it doesn't bring the expected result. Therefore, it's better to prevent sun allergy than to treat it. It's worth being aware of what can trigger a phototoxic reaction. If you had sun allergy last summer, you're likely to experience it again this year. To avoid pain and spots on the skin, see a dermatologist. Although it's too late to start treatment the day before you go on vacation (you should start it early in the spring), protect yourself at least from the harmful effects of sunlight. In summer, apply products with a sunscreen of at least 25 to exposed parts of your skin, so-called blockers. Repeat the application of sunscreen every hour. If you care about a youthful appearance, start using UV sunscreen creams above 12 from mid-April.

A phototoxic reaction can be triggered by painkillers, hormonal drugs, antidepressants, contraceptives, some antibiotics (especially older ones), antifungal ointments, some additives to perfumes, deodorants, and other scented cosmetics (e.g., bergamot oil, musk), some "special purpose" cosmetics (e.g., with carotene or its derivatives, with fruit acids), some herbs and preparations containing them (e.g., St. John's wort), and some vegetables (e.g., celery).

To minimize the possibility of developing a sun allergy as early as spring, start gradually acclimating your skin to sunlight by taking short, gradually lengthening sunbaths. If you "must" tan, do so sensibly; first toughen your skin with several short exposures (e.g., in a tanning bed), then avoid prolonged sunbathing and exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. From early spring to late autumn, use sunscreen products suitable for your skin tone not only on exposed areas but also on seemingly covered areas, avoid using perfumed deodorants, lotions, toilet water, and perfumes before going to the beach, read leaflets included with medications and cosmetics, paying attention to whether they contain photosensitizing ingredients, in case of sun allergy, protect your skin by wearing appropriate clothing, a hat, using high-factor sunscreen products, and try to avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays.