Allergy to the sun

Allergy to the sun - an allergic reaction of the human body, which develops in response to a prolonged exposure to the skin of direct sunlight, or in the case of a combination of direct sun exposure with such concomitant irritant factors as medicines, deodorants, creams, plant pollen, chlorinated water in the pool.

Allergy to the sun is not at all rare, because according to statistics, about 20% of the inhabitants of the Earth have at least once experienced this disease. Solar allergy is usually a normal skin irritation, which can cover virtually any part of the body, which is manifested by skin peeling, red rash, islets of pustular rashes, swelling, itching, burning and redness of the skin.

Allergy in the sun in children usually manifests itself in early childhood. In most cases it develops once and with the growth of the child never again arises

Sun allergy - causes of

The causes of solar allergy can be very diverse, and often the perpetrators of the development of this allergic reaction are the people who with elements of fanaticism try not to miss any of the fanatic elementsSunbeam. Uncontrolled prolonged exposure to open sunlight leads to the fact that truly huge doses of ultraviolet irradiation lead to the activation of all the body's defenses aimed at producing the pigment of melanin. As a result - the proper functioning of the adrenal gland and kidneys is disrupted.

Despite this, it is also impossible to completely deprive yourself of the sun, since the subsequent deficiency of vitamin D can prove to be no less dangerous for the organism already because it can cause deep depression, deterioration of vision, provoke loss of appetite and weight, Such diseases as arthritis, rickets and osteoporosis.

The sun's rays themselves are not an allergen, however they are able to provoke the accumulation of these allergens in the human body. The first group at risk of developing allergies to the sun are people with various problems in the work of the adrenal, kidney and liver. One of the predisposing factors for the emergence of solar allergy is considered to be milky white skin color, as well as people who have a large number of birthmarks and freckles on the skin. Often, the development of an allergic reaction to the sun provokes pregnancy, since during the course of its course the overall load on the woman's body is significantly increased. The intake of some, especially anti-inflammatory drugs( sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, quinidine, tetracyclines, amiodarone, etc.) can also lead to the development of solar allergy.

The cause of this allergic reaction may be some cosmetic products applied to the skin, which contain provoking chemicals that cause an allergic reaction under the influence of sunlight. If in the composition of creams, perfumes and tanning agents there are polyunsaturated fatty acids, natural essential oils, retinoids, mercury preparations, paraaminobenzoic, boric and salicylic acid - they should be discarded for the period of stay under open sun rays.

In addition, there are certain substances( sensitizers), which, if taken internally, can provoke the development of solar allergy. This group of substances includes certain foods( all kinds of citrus fruits) and some medicines( aspirin, ibuprofen, diuretics, tranquilizers, antibiotics, antibacterials, oral contraceptives)

Sun allergy - symptoms

After a short period of time after a continuous stayUnder the open sunlight, more often in an hour and a half, on the skin integument there are itchy red spots and similar to burn blisters. Somewhat less often the body can react with a delay, and the symptoms of allergy to the sun appear after 15-20 hours, and sometimes several days.

In case of increased sensitivity of the body, possibly a sharp decrease in pressure, an attack of asthma( bronchospasm) may develop, sometimes a loss of consciousness may occur. The most annoying symptom of sun allergy is an intolerable unbearable pruritus

Allergy to the sun - treatment

Medical treatment of allergy to the sun should be aimed at eliminating both internal and external causes of solar allergy. With itching, ointments that contain components such as methyluracil, lanolin and zinc are helpful. According to the indications, hormonal ointments can be used. To remove skin inflammation usually prescribed antihistamine anti-inflammatory drugs( indomethacin, aspirin), which do not respond negatively to sunlight.

In addition to eliminating the root causes of the disease, it is indicated the appointment of medicaments that promote renewal of skin cells, normalizing liver function and metabolic processes. Usually it is nicotinic acid, antioxidants, vitamins B, E, C.

Depending on the severity of the course of the disease, the duration of treatment can be as few days or weeks. Re-solar allergy appears rarely, but if it does occur, it comes back in the form of severe eczema. If this happens - in the future stay of this patient in the open sunlight is strictly forbidden

Sun allergy - first aid

If the sun allergy leads to loss of consciousness or a person is close to it, it is urgent to call for emergency help and without waiting for her arrival to takethe following measures:

• To compensate for lost fluid, the patient should be given a large amount of

• Skin must always be covered with clothing, but it should befree to avoid irritation and so damaged skin

• In case of high fever( more than 38 ° C), apply a cold compress to the shin area, groin and forehead. If this is the case, reduce the temperature of the body

with the help of antipyretic drugs( paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.). • If a vomiting occurs against a high temperature, the patient should immediately turn to the side

Allergy to the sun - folk treatment

Traditional medicine to relieve itchingadvises applying to the affected places a plate of fresh cucumber, potatoes, or cabbage leaves. Significant relief of the condition can bring herbal baths, from a mixture in equal proportions of such herbs as chamomile flowers, valerian root medicinal, St. John's wort, large celandine, triple-leaf herb and medicinal sage.

Inside you can also take the following medicinal infusions: cocktail herb infusion, infusion of rhizome grass roots, infusion of nettle flowers deaf, celery root odor juice

Prevention of sun allergy

Sunbathing should always begin with a sufficient short-term exposure to the sun, for the first days it is ten-15 minutes, then you should hide in a shady place. It is necessary to know that sunlight can reflect well from sand and water, so in case of rest on the coast, it is better to put a light cloak over your shoulders.

Before being exposed to sunlight, avoid the use of the medicines described above, which can become a catalyst for the development of allergies. Also should be minimized, and it is better not to use any deodorants, aromatic oils and perfumes at all. For the body during exposure to the sun, you can apply only special creams with a sunscreen.

In case of a predisposition to sun allergy, it is recommended to wear clothes made from natural fabrics, which should cover the body as much as possible from direct sunlight.