Is there an allergy to the sun, or how to avoid the development of photodermatosis

The summer season always brings a lot of trouble to dermatologists, as many patients neglect the recommendations to avoid active sun and then rush to the doctor with skin problems. Why do photodermatoses often occur in summer, how not to be mistaken in their diagnosis, and is it possible to prevent these diseases?

We asked a dermatologist, doctor of medical sciences, professor Olga Vadimovna BOGOMOLETS to answer these questions.

Photodermatoses – a group of diseases caused by hypersensitivity of the skin to solar radiation. In the people, photodermatosis is often called "allergy to the sun." However, as such, there is no allergic component in the sun's rays. The toxic or allergic effect of the sun is manifested by the interaction of solar (ultraviolet) rays with any substance that is on the skin (exogenous photodermatitis) or in the skin (endogenous photodermatitis).

Types of photodermatosis, examples and precipitating factors

Sunburn – the most common type of acute photodermatosis that occurs in a healthy person with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays on his skin. In 30-60 minutes after exposure to the sun, intense reddening of the skin occurs, accompanied by burning, itching, and soreness. There may be malaise, headache, fever up to 37-38 ° C, nausea. In severe burns, swelling of the skin is noted, bubbles filled with a clear liquid appear on it. With extensive burns, nausea, vomiting, intense thirst are possible.

An example of exogenous photodermatosis is the so-called meadow dermatitis. In the summer, during the flowering period, many meadow plants emit special substances — furocoumarins that come into contact with human skin and, when exposed to ultraviolet light in sensitive people, can cause symptoms of dermatitis. Sometimes the outline of the lesion on the skin resembles a leaf of a plant.

Sun allergies can also occur if a person who is sensitive to the sun uses perfume or a deodorant, cream or ointment before going out into the sun. Substances in various cosmetics or perfumes may react with ultraviolet rays and cause an allergic reaction.

Sometimes drugs (antidepressants, diuretics, antibiotics, oral contraceptives) act as photosensitizing agents.

It should be noted that all anti-aging procedures, chemical peels, laser resurfacing or mesotherapy are often accompanied by increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays and contribute to the development of photodermatitis.

Endogenous photodermatosis. This category includes quite rare diseases. The group of endogenous photodermatitis includes xeroderma pigmentosa, polymorphic photodermatosis, porphyria, Akne aestivalis and Hydroa vacciniformia. These diseases require special attention of specialists and careful diagnosis, because for their correct treatment it is fundamentally important to determine the true cause of the pathology.

Signs of photodermatosis and the nature of their manifestation

The signs of sun allergy can be varied and vary depending on the causes that caused it, on the age of the patient, on the internal or external factor provoking the disease.

Most often, the symptoms of solar allergy are manifested by a polymorphic rash in the form of nodules, vesicles, papules, pustules. The rash can evolve from small, barely visible nodules to large blisters, appear immediately or after some time against the background of red, swollen skin. Most often, the rash is small, accompanied by very intense itching and burning.

Signs and symptoms of sun allergy can occur not only in areas where there has been active sun exposure, but also in areas of the skin remote from direct sunlight.

Photodermatosis prevention

Be very careful with sunbathing, it is best to sunbathe before 10 am and after 4 pm. And it is better to sunbathe under an awning or in the shade.
Do not apply decorative cosmetics and perfume before going to the beach.
Use sunscreen creams.
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out into the sun.
Be sure to wear a hat on the beach.
At the first symptoms of an allergy, be sure to consult a doctor.

These simple measures will help to avoid trouble, protect the skin from damage from the sun's rays.