What does a skin allergy from the sun look like? Allergy to the sun: what to do if it appears, what medications to take

Photodermatosis occurs in some people starting in May. Children are often allergic to the sun, especially those who are out of habit climate zone taken to the south. Sun rays are not an allergen, but can provoke the accumulation of a large number of allergens in people suffering from diseases internal organs(liver, adrenal glands, kidneys). The causes of the disease can be external factors: taking certain medications, using bergamot and citrus aromatic oils, endocrine disorders

Sun allergy - symptoms

A few hours after exposure to the sun, the following appears on the skin: symptoms
1. Itching and redness of the skin
2. Rashes in the form of small blisters and rashes
3. In severe cases – swelling of the skin and mucous membranes

Consequences

Allergy to the sun goes away on its own, after 2-3 days, but in weakened and sensitive patients bronchospasm and decreased blood pressure, loss of consciousness. If skin rashes occur frequently, eczema may develop. In children, this type of allergy often goes away with age without consequences.

People with severe sun allergies should wear clothing made from thick fabric, long sleeves, avoid the sun, in sunny weather do not use deodorants and aromatic oils. If symptoms are mild, you can train the body by exposing the skin to irradiation in small areas for a short time

How to treat sun allergies? Folk remedies

During treatment, it is necessary to eliminate the cause that caused the disease: put the liver and kidneys in order.
Folk remedies can help eliminate the symptoms of the disease: relieve itching, swelling, rashes.
IN folk remedies In the treatment of sun allergies, cabbage is widely used (lightly beat off a cabbage leaf so that the juice comes out and apply it to the affected area of the body), compresses made from grated potatoes or potatoes cut into slices. Similar to potatoes, you can use cucumber. Compresses made from these products last for 30-40 minutes.
To eliminate the causes of the disease, in folk methods means are used to normalize liver function and metabolism.

Allergy to the sun - traditional treatment of allergy to the sun - recipes from the newspaper Vestnik ZOZH

How to treat sun allergies with wormwood and celandine
The sun caused a rash, redness, and itching to appear on the skin. We used the following folk treatment for allergies: in the spring, pick wormwood and add alcohol and leave for 3 days. Wipe areas of possible rashes with this wormwood tincture. At the same time, take baths with the addition of celandine infusion. Soon the allergy disappeared without a trace.. (Healthy lifestyle 2010, No. 10, p. 33)

Oil with celandine

After relaxing at sea, my skin became covered with red blisters and there was severe itching. Oil infused with celandine helped. To treat sun allergies, fill a liter jar with celandine flowers, without crushing, up to half, pour vegetable oil so that the celandine is completely covered, leave for 21 days, strain. At night, wipe the affected areas of the skin with hydrogen peroxide, apply a napkin moistened with this oil, then a film, and secure with an adhesive plaster. In the morning, remove the compress, wipe the skin with peroxide, and repeat the procedure the next night. Relief came after the third procedure. (HLS 2009, No. 4, p. 31)

Wormwood decoction in the treatment of sun allergies

If you are allergic to the sun, a decoction of wormwood will help: prepare a strong decoction by boiling for 10 minutes. Wipe the affected skin with this decoction. The itching subsides after a few minutes, and soon the disease goes away completely and forever. Wipe the skin with a cotton swab dipped in the broth as often as possible. (HLS 2004, No. 14, p. 24).

Treatment of sun allergies herbal baths

Sun allergies were cured with herbal baths. The woman suffered from this disease for 36 years, no medications helped, her skin and eyes swelled in the sun, and unbearable itching appeared. Only in winter and autumn was it possible to live normally. Herbal hot baths helped cure the disease. Every evening she dipped her arms, legs, and face into them. And when severe itching and throughout the day I did such baths. Took 2-3 times a week hot bath with herbs: the itching went away, redness, swelling on the skin subsided. She carried out the treatment persistently and systematically in the spring and summer for two years. And for 5 years now she has been quietly working on the site in the sun, without experiencing any symptoms of solar allergies. For treatment she took different herbs and the leaves that were available: leaves of birch, linden, walnut, viburnum, rose hips, pine needles, spruce, celandine grass, mint, lemon balm, clover, plantain, chamomile, tansy, yarrow. In the spring I used dry raw materials, in the summer I used fresh ones. (HLS 2011, p. 27, No. 1)

An allergy to the sun is not entirely correctly called a reaction that manifests itself in certain people under the influence of sun rays. The correct name for it is photodermatosis, or solar dermatitis.

There is an assumption that this allergy does not appear due to exposure to the sun, because it does not contain protein in its ray.

In this case, the sun's rays are attributed only to a certain factor. It is believed that the sun can only affect a certain type of people who suffer from diseases system organs and accumulated a large number of allergens in your body.

In this article we will talk about sun allergy - its symptoms and treatment methods, and also look at detailed photos.

Causes

Allergic or toxic effect ultraviolet (sun) rays manifest themselves when they combine with substances already on the skin - exogenous photodermatitis, with substances located in skin cells - endogenous photodermatitis.

Sunlight, in principle, cannot be an allergen, but it can provoke several types of aggressive reactions not only immune system, but also the whole organism:

Photoallergy or sun allergy – photosensitivity.
Phototraumatic reaction – an elementary reaction from overly “zealous” tanning.
Phototoxic reaction – photodermatosis caused by interaction ultraviolet radiation and some types of medicines, plants.

All types of reactions are manifested by varying degrees of skin pigmentation; in addition, in people who are prone to allergies, even a seemingly safe half-hour exposure to the sun can cause severe allergies.

TO internal factors The development of photodermatitis includes:

Reception series pharmacological drugs, for example hormonal birth control pills with a high content of estrogens, some antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, etc.;
Vitamin deficiency in the body;
Reduced immunity.

TO external reasons it is customary to include the use of various creams and other cosmetics, which contain certain components such as sandalwood oil, musk, etc.

Prone to appear photodermatosis:

Small children;
people with light skin;
pregnant women;
those who the day before underwent cosmetic procedures using cadmium salts ( chemical peeling, tattoo).
persons who abuse solariums;

There are also substances that, if ingested, can cause photodermatitis. This group includes individual medications and some food products.

antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline);
drugs for the treatment of cardiac diseases;
aspirin;
antibacterial drugs;
ibuprofen;
antidepressants;
diuretics;
tranquilizers;
oral contraceptives that have high content estrogen.

Therefore, if you cannot stop taking any medications, consult your doctor about the risk of photodermatitis when taking them.

Symptoms of sun allergy

Sun allergy, like any other pathology, has a number of its own symptoms and signs. Conventionally, it is possible to distinguish among them local and general manifestations.

Main symptoms photodermatosis:

redness and inflammation of the skin;
peeling of the skin;
often accompanied by intense itching and burning;
rashes can be in the form of folliculitis (pustules) or papules.

Often this condition does not develop immediately. Unlike a burn, it can occur several hours after you leave the beach, and in some cases even after returning from the resort. A phototoxic reaction can occur within a few hours of sun exposure, while a photoallergic reaction can occur even days after sun exposure.

General symptoms:

An increase in temperature indicates penetration from the skin into bloodstream toxic compounds;
Dizziness;
As a result of allergen entering the bloodstream, it leads to fainting.

It should be noted that damage to minor areas of skin rarely leads to general symptoms allergies to the sun. What to do if you find yourself this symptomatology We'll look at it below.

Allergy to the sun photo

What does it look like sun allergy you can look at these photos:

What to do in this case?

Before treating a sun allergy, it is necessary to exclude other influencing factors. They also help. These are antihistamines that relieve itching and eliminate swelling. You can buy them at your nearest pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.

Treatment of sun allergies

There is no universal cure for sun allergies. In therapy it is important to adhere to individual approach. How to treat a sun allergy will depend on the location of the inflammation on the skin, the severity of the rash and the presence of general symptoms.

In most cases, the treatment program includes the following components:

Non-hormonal creams and ointments for external use: , desitin, etc.
Corticosteroid drugs: prescribed for severe forms photodermatitis and only as prescribed by a doctor.
Ointments based on zinc, methyluracil, hydrocortisone.
Antihistamines: “”, “”, “Erius”, “” and others (see).
Vitamin therapy, immunotherapy: the doctor prescribes immunostimulating drugs that will help strengthen defensive reactions body.
Enterosorbents: , Polyphepan, . Helps quickly cleanse the body of toxins and allergens.
To restore liver function, the doctor prescribes hepatoprotectors: “”, “Glutargin”, “Silibor”, “and other drugs of plant origin.

Treatment depends on the specific type of allergic reaction. In mild cases, simply avoiding the sun for a few days may be enough to relieve symptoms.

Prevention

If you have an allergy to the sun, what to do, how to deal with it? First of all, it is important to understand that any disease is better to prevent than to treat. That's why:

Should be used with caution medications containing photosensitizing substances.
Start your appointment sunbathing from short stays in the open sun, in the first days it should be only 10-15 minutes.
If you are predisposed to sun allergies, it is recommended to wear clothes made from natural fabrics, cut to protect the body from exposure to direct ultraviolet radiation.
If the allergy has chronic nature Before the start of the spring-summer season, you can start taking medications with photoprotective properties, naturally after consulting a doctor.

How to treat allergies with folk remedies?

If it is impossible to consult a doctor, you can try using folk remedies, which will help alleviate the pain and itching of the skin at first.

For example, use cucumber juice, potatoes or cabbage leaves, as they have softening properties and help fast healing wounds and skin lesions.
Infusions of celandine and calendula are used to make cold compresses.

Many people do not know how to properly treat allergies and in most cases self-medicate, but this should not be allowed under any circumstances. After detecting the first signs of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor. By neglecting treatment, you can provoke the appearance of eczema, which is much more difficult to treat.

The sun's rays are a familiar factor for humans external environment, beneficial influence which is well known, but there are also Negative consequences passion for solar treatments, and one of them is sun allergy.

More medieval doctor Avicenna wrote that “one should not stay in the sun for too long, as the body dries out, hardens and becomes rough.”

Clinical picture

WHAT DOCTORS SAY ABOUT EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TREATING ALLERGIES

Vice-President of the Association of Children's Allergists and Immunologists of Russia. Pediatrician, allergist-immunologist. Smolkin Yuri Solomonovich

Practical medical experience: more than 30 years

According to the latest WHO data, it is allergic reactions in the human body lead to the emergence of most fatal diseases. And it all starts with the fact that a person has an itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, red spots on the skin, and in some cases, suffocation.

7 million people die every year due to allergies , and the scale of the damage is such that the allergic enzyme is present in almost every person.

Unfortunately, in Russia and the CIS countries, pharmaceutical corporations sell expensive medications that only relieve symptoms, thereby hooking people on one drug or another. This is why in these countries there is such a high percentage of diseases and so many people suffer from “non-working” drugs.

In the winter, autumn and spring months, exposure to the sun is limited to transitions from home to a bus stop or store, and the symptoms of a sun allergy may not appear even if you are prone to it; people begin to “sunbathe” intensively and purposefully in the sun in the summer, mainly on vacation , mainly near a body of water or the sea.

And about 20% of all people experience an allergic reaction to the sun caused by increased sensitivity skin, which usually manifests itself starting in May. This phenomenon is described by doctors and called photodermatosis or phototoxic reaction.

This reaction to the sun occurs with manifestations of allergy either lightning fast (in less than half a minute) or in more than half a minute. long time, from several hours to 2-3 days after irradiation.

Mechanism of allergy development

Sunlight is not an allergen, but the overall reaction to the sun may be undesirable with manifestations of allergies and reactions of 3 types:

Phototraumatic – sunburn due to exceeding the optimal radiation dose;
Phototoxic - caused by the interaction of ultraviolet rays from the sun with certain components of plants or medications;
Actually photoallergy is photosensitization of the body to sunlight.

How adverse reaction the skin becomes pigmented after a while, which is what we call tanning. Based on the speed of action, photosensitizers are divided into:

Optional - photosensitivity is observed infrequently, only with prolonged exposure to sunlight and an allergic predisposition;
Obligate - always lead to photosensitivity, which occurs after several hours of exposure to the sun.

Types of sun allergies

A photoallergic reaction occurs when there is increased sensitivity to sunlight, when the skin reacts to them as if they were toxins. The reason for the perverted reaction is impaired immunity. The following people are at risk:

With diseases thyroid gland, liver, kidneys, gall bladder and digestive organs;
Patients with pellagra;
WITH metabolic disorders and lack of production of certain enzymes;
People with chronic diseases;
Prone to allergies;
With a lack of vitamins A, E, PP;
With impaired immunity;
Blondes;
Children;
Aged people;
Pregnant women;
Visited some cosmetic procedures(chemical peeling, tattooing);
Taking certain medications.

Symptoms of sun allergy

Symptoms of sun allergy vary depending on age and the triggering factor, and are divided into local and general. TO local symptoms allergies include:

Itching, redness, sun rash, irritation, abscesses on irradiated areas of the body, hands and face, pustules appear as a result of scratching when itching;
Formation of inflamed lesions in the form of spots;
Swelling;
Bleeding may occur with the formation of crusts and scales;
External manifestations of urticaria and eczema.

When an allergy in the form of eczema passes, signs also appear in places that were not exposed to radiation.

Common symptoms of sun allergies include:

Feverish state as a result of toxins entering the blood;
Dizziness;
Headache, weakness and nausea;
Fainting due to low blood pressure.

These general manifestations of allergies develop only when large areas of the skin are irradiated.

For some people, an allergy occurs upon first contact with the sun, others can withstand several daily tanning sessions, but the allergy can overtake them 3 days after the first exposure.

Allergy-causing drugs, plants and foods

Sun allergies are caused by specific photosensitizers or photoreactive agents, and the severity of allergy symptoms is directly determined by the dose of radiation (for photosensitivity) or the amount of photoreactive agent.

Allergy-causing photosensitizers and photoreactive agents may be present in:

Medicines;
Plants;
Food products.

Medicines with photosensitizing side effects

In the instructions for medicines, there is sometimes a mention of the possibility of photosensitization by the sun. The frequency of occurrence of this is calculated in hundredths of a percent.

Sometimes an allergic reaction to the sun can occur several weeks or months after exposure (due to the accumulation of active substance in the body and its slow elimination).

Sometimes increased sensitivity exposure to the sun can last for several years.

Drugs with such “side effects” include some contraceptives, antibiotics, cardioprotectors, sleeping pills, painkillers and mercury-containing drugs, and many others.

Photosensitizing plants

In some meadow plants(for example, hogweed) contain furocoumarins, which photosensitize the skin to sunlight after contact with these plants, we are not even talking about eating them. Pollen from faded plants and sedge containing chlorophyll and phycocyan also cause allergies.

Photoallergenic products

From allergenic products Hands suffer when cooking and lips when eating them. Sensitivity to the ultraviolet component of sunlight increases:

Carrot juice and citrus juices;
Spicy dishes;
Figs;
Celery and parsley;
Sweeteners;
Dyes and preservatives;
Alcohol;
An additional risk factor for sun allergy is a diagnosed chocolate allergy.

Prevention of sun allergies and rules for staying in the sun

Prevention of sun allergies requires compliance with the following rules of heliotherapy:

A course of heliotherapy consists of 20-25 daily procedures, or carried out at intervals every other day;
Do not use cosmetics before going to the beach;
Do not perform heliotherapy on an empty stomach or during full stomach, an hour or two should pass after eating;
You should sunbathe in the morning from 8 to 11 o'clock or in the evening from 15 to 18 o'clock;
The first exposure to the sun should last 10 minutes, with each subsequent session also increasing by 10 minutes and bringing the duration to a maximum stay of 1 hour;
If you use sunscreen, your time in the sun can be doubled;
For children, the dosage is halved over time compared to adults;
A quarter of an hour after the tanning session, you should douse yourself with water or swim and go into the shade;
If you have difficulty accepting sunbathing, then perhaps 2 days before leaving on vacation, as prescribed by your doctor, it will be useful for you to start taking antihistamines. You already know why you should take them;
If your sun allergy is severe, tanning is not for you. In summer you should cover open areas with clothing and always wear a hat and protect your eyes with glasses.

As for nutrition, do not experiment with exotic cuisine, which offers ample opportunities when vacationing abroad, and stick to your traditional diet.

Treatment of sun allergies

If an allergy to the sun is detected, the cause should be established and the agent that caused the allergy should be discontinued - medicine, dish, and contact with allergenic plants should be avoided.

Allergies can be treated, but treatment is always complex and carried out by a specialist. Treatment of even mild to moderate allergies can last 1-2 weeks, and in severe cases – up to a month.

Sun allergies are treated:

Creams and ointments;
Antihistamines;
Vitamin therapy;
Enterosorbents and drinking water;
Traditional methods.

Creams and ointments

For severe allergies, your doctor will prescribe corticosteroid creams and ointments ( steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex) or non-hormonal, with precise dosage, and on a short time, since they are possible side effects their actions in the form of skin diseases.

The table below shows the creams and ointments used for treatment, indicating the approximate price.

Already manifested sunburn is treated with Actovegin cream, Shostakovsky Balm (Vinilin), etc.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines include Suprastin in the form of tablets and Tavegil and Claritin in the form of tablets and syrup. They are prescribed by a doctor, their effect depends on the cause of the dermatosis; for some they do not help get rid of allergies. Most effective modern drugs Tsetrin and Zodak.

Antihistamines suppress the action of the hormone histamine, which contributes to allergies.

Vitamin therapy

The prescription of vitamins accompanies the complex treatment of sun allergies; vitamins C, E, PP and group B that help improve immunity are usually prescribed.

Enterosorbents and drinking water

Well cleanses the body of toxins and allergens Polysorb sorbents MP and Enterosgel. To remove allergens, you should increase the amount of water you drink - up to 2 liters per day if it is well tolerated.

Traditional methods

Traditional methods will help cure skin inflammation at home, before seeing a doctor.

Cold compresses with an infusion of celandine or black tea provide good relief; you can also apply cucumber, cabbage or watermelon juice. You can also smear the rashes with honey mixed with water.

You should increase your consumption of foods with vitamins C, B, E and antioxidants - fruits, cocoa, green tea, and exclude packaged juices, carbonated and alcoholic drinks.

What to do if you are allergic to the sun and providing first aid to the victim

If you suddenly develop an allergy to the sun, call immediately ambulance. Before the doctor arrives, do the following:

Give the victim clean water;
Cover it with a blanket or rug;
Apply a cold compress to the inflamed areas;
If available, give the victim a drink antihistamine;
Place the victim on their side to prevent vomit from entering the respiratory system if vomiting occurs.

If you have been diagnosed with a sun allergy, you need to follow the special measures to protect the skin from harsh ultraviolet radiation in the composition solar radiation– wear closed clothing, use sunscreen, take a course of vitamin therapy.

Diagnose allergies, determine how to treat them, prescribe complex treatment and only a doctor can check its effectiveness.

Video

During the conversation, experts discussed the following issues:

- How to understand what skin irritation- is it an allergy to the sun, and not something else?

- If you have never had skin manifestations, but there are allergies to some foods, is it possible to sunbathe in this case or will the sun’s rays provoke new allergy?

— What to take with you to the beach in case skin rashes?

— Are natural sun and solarium the same thing? If you are allergic to the sun, can you go to a solarium?

— How to choose cosmetics for the beach or is it better for allergy sufferers to do without it?

Answers from one of the participants in the round table, an allergist at the Meditsina clinic, candidate medical sciences You can read Sergei Bykov below.

Conference presenter: What is sun allergy?

S.A. Bykov: From the sun to the earth reach: visible light, ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis and plant growth and affects psycho-emotional state human, the formation of vitamin D, and also prevents excessive colonization of the skin by pathogenic microbes. However, sunlight can cause various disorders.

Damage from sunlight is associated with long-term exposure, but many people also react abnormally to normally tolerated levels of sunlight, particularly UV exposure.

Various parts of the ultraviolet spectrum can cause photodermatoses, photoaging of the skin and even skin cancer. Photodermatoses are skin lesions (dermatoses) caused by sunlight, mostly ultraviolet rays. Photodermatoses include: sunburn, solar urticaria, phototoxic and photoallergic reactions, etc.

Sunburn (solar dermatitis), like solar dermatitis, is accompanied by redness and swelling of the skin, the appearance of vesicles and blisters. At early use Cooling compresses, lotion with glucocorticoids, anti-inflammatory and painkillers are useful.

Solar urticaria is characterized by the appearance of urticarial plaques (like nettles) within minutes of exposure to sunlight.

Chronic photodamage occurs when excessive exposure to UV radiation is the main cause of deterioration appearance(due to skin aging), as well as the development of skin cancer. The danger of UV radiation is associated with its accumulation over decades.

Phototoxic and photoallergic reactions are caused by drugs (for example, tetracycline antibiotics or sulfonamides) or cosmetics that increase sensitivity to sunlight. Upon contact with plants that increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, photophytodermatitis (meadow dermatitis) develops. The lesions are often accompanied by swelling, itching, burning and headache.

Phototoxic reactions manifest as severe sunburn. With chronic phototoxic dermatosis, the epidermis thickens, the skin becomes dry and thick, and increased pigmentation occurs.

Photoallergic reactions occur as delayed-type hypersensitivity after previous contact with photoactive substances. In chronic radiation dermatitis, due to exposure to UV radiation, severe eczema develops that is resistant to therapy.

Conference presenter: Can an allergic person sunbathe? For example, if there were no skin manifestations, but there are allergies to certain products? Is it safe or could it trigger a new allergy?

S.A. Bykov: Allergy is a state of increased immune reaction organism to exogenous or endogenous origin, leading to the development of allergic diseases affecting both the skin ( atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergic contact dermatitis, toxicoderma, medicinal lesions skin) and other tissues and organs (hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, drug, food, insect allergies, etc.). Naturally, against the background of such altered immunological reactivity, sunlight can complicate existing disorders and even provoke additional allergic reactions.

The skin can also become photosensitive through accidental contact with photocoumarins contained in plants and fruits (celery, dill, parsley, carrots, oranges, lemons).

Conference presenter: What to take with you to the beach in case of skin manifestations?

S.A. Bykov: To protect your skin from sun damage, such as sunburn, avoid sun exposure, use umbrellas, wear appropriate clothing, and wear sunscreen (filters that block or reflect UV radiation). The safest sun in middle lane Russia in the morning from 9.00 to 12.00 hours, and in the evening - from 15.00 to 18.00 hours; in the south - from 8.00 to 11.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00 hours.

You should have clothes made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen) with long sleeves and trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat. Red or White color clothes reflect ultraviolet light well. People prone to allergies are recommended to use sunscreens with physical filters containing zinc.

If, after exposure to the sun, itchy reddish rashes, blisters filled with clear liquid, you should hide from the sun as soon as possible. Reddened areas can be washed with clean cool water or wiped with a strained infusion of black tea, which contains tannin, which partially relieves itching and inflammation. Recommended drinking plenty of fluids, you can drink cool water. It is necessary to take an antihistamine appropriate to the age of the victim.

Conference presenter: Are natural sun and solarium the same thing?

S.A. Bykov: Yes, there are similar components and UV radiation. If you are allergic to the sun, you should not go to the solarium either. Photodermatosis can also develop due to excessive use of solariums.

Conference presenter: How do you understand that skin irritation is an allergy to the sun and not something else?

S.A. Bykov: It is possible to conduct a light test - the dose of ultraviolet radiation necessary for the burn to appear. Several areas of the skin are sequentially irradiated with ultraviolet light for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, and a day later the resulting biodose is assessed. In addition, there are laboratory methods differential diagnosis.

Conference presenter: How to choose cosmetics for the beach, is it just chemicals?

S.A. Bykov: Of course, there should be a minimum of cosmetics on the beach. Cosmetics, like medicines, can, when interacting with UV radiation, provoke pathological reactions to the sun.

Sunlight is an integral phenomenon in the life of every living creature.

On the one hand, the sun has a huge impact positive influence on the body: activates metabolic processes, stimulates the production of vitamin D, improves mood.

But, on the other hand, it contributes rapid aging skin, increases pigmentation, increases the risk of developing cancerous tumors, instantly aggravates allergic reactions and is a great provocateur of the immune system (the immune system begins to “incorrectly” react to harmless things).

Types of sun allergies

Ultraviolet rays with a certain wavelength excite immune cells (basophils), which are located deep in the skin. As a result, basophils explode under the influence of UV radiation.

This process activates the release of enzymes such as serotonin and others; they are elements of inflammatory compounds that are released into the thickness of the skin and cause an allergic reaction.

Exist the following types body reactions to sunlight:

Phototraumatic– This is when a person gets sunburn on their skin. The reaction can occur both in people suffering from allergies and in completely healthy people. UV rays act in different time varies per person:
- in the first 15-20 minutes, warming and antidepressant effects occur, as well as the production of vitamin D;
- After 2 hours of exposure to the sun, sunburn, pigmentation, and decreased immunity may develop.
Phototoxic– this is when burns appear on the skin, severe redness caused by certain medications or cosmetics, as well as certain foods. Medicine calls such substances photosensitizers. More often, women and children suffer from this type of reaction to solar radiation, as they constantly use cosmetics.
Photoallergic- This is a specific reaction of the body to UV radiation. Immune cells go into attack and the body begins to release substances that cause inflammation and swelling. Because of such a reaction, you can die if you don’t get help. timely assistance. Such a response from the body can occur both in the first minutes of exposure to the sun and over several days.

Photos of types of reactions:

Sunburn

Photodermatosis

Severe photosensitivity after taking medications

Symptoms of the reaction

Each of these reactions appears on open areas of the body:

on the face;
on shoulders;
on hands;
on foot;
on the skin of the body.

In children, rashes can be noticed in the first minutes or hours of sunbathing. Sometimes the consequences of sun exposure in a child look like.

Photos of sunburn in children:

Minor negative symptoms They are often read from the appearance of the first spring sun, and their intensity especially increases in the summer. By the end of the summer season the brightness negative signs subsides.

In adults, it all starts with the appearance of blisters, elevations on the skin, and roughness. This rash is itchy and itchy, and there is a feeling of heat in the affected areas.

Redness may spread beyond the “sick” areas and may take on a swollen appearance. When neglected, red spots turn into weeping wounds and cracks. Exposure to the sun also affects general condition person. There may be fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, decreased blood pressure as a result of fainting.

Causes of pathology

Sun allergies can occur in any place where sunlight is present:

in the city;
In the woods;
on vacation in hot countries;
after sunbathing in a solarium, etc.

List of reasons contributing to the appearance of photodermatoses:

People with fair skin and hair, children under 3 years of age, and pregnant women are especially susceptible negative influence sun.

Changes that occur on the skin under the influence of the sun childhood period irreversible. They accumulate and appear already in adulthood. If a child has received a sunburn (age under 3 years is considered the most dangerous), then the possibility of consequences from UV radiation increases significantly.

Video from Dr. Malysheva:

List of photosensitizers

Photosensitizers are substances of various origins, causing increased sensitivity of the skin to solar radiation. Often they are the ones who provoke negative states dermis.

Therefore, if you belong to a risk group or are planning a vacation at the height of summer days, then it is worth eliminating the list from use following products and medications:

alcoholic drinks, especially red wine;
tomatoes, carrots, sour apples, citrus fruits, figs, pomegranate, parsley, celery;
freshly squeezed juices from these products;
cosmetics containing oils of musk, bergamot, lime;
cream or medications containing St. John's wort;
antibiotics of the tetracycline group (Doxal, Doxicillin, Unidox, Tetracycline, Rondomycin, etc.);
corticosteroids hormonal drugs(Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Sinaflan, Dermovate, etc.);
drugs that slow down cell division (Flutamide, Methotrexate, Azotriopine, etc.);
means for lowering blood sugar (Diabeton, Siofor, Novonorm, etc.);
antidepressants, antipsychotics (Bifol, Azafen, Aminosyl, Truxal, etc.);
oral contraceptives with high content estrogens (Tri-regol, Ovidon, etc.);
aspirin;
cardio medications (Cardiomagnyl, Magnicor, etc.);
retinol cream;
vitamins B6 and B2;
diuretics (Furasemide, Pamid, Indap);
antifungal agents (Griseofulvin, Lamisil, Tsidokan, etc.);
fluoroquinolones (Ofloxocin, Ciprofloxocin, etc.).

In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, carefully study the instructions for medications and follow the recommendations of your doctor.

Treatment methods

Like any disease, photodermatosis has certain treatment tactics. The course of treatment should be prescribed by a doctor, especially if it concerns children.

How to get rid of an allergic reaction?

First of all, you need to exclude the factor allergic. During moments of intense solar radiation, wear clothes that cover all possible areas of the body, and hats with wide brims (this will add zest to a woman’s look).

Try to spend more time in the shade, although there is also UV radiation there, but in a less intense form. When the first symptoms appear, you should take cool shower or wet the affected areas with a damp, cool towel. Do not use in this moment detergents, this may make the problem worse.

Drugs

You should take desensitizing tablets internally:

and etc.

When choosing them, you should focus on the age of the victim and carefully study the instructions in order to correctly calculate the dosage. Drugs in the form of drops begin to act faster. Third generation drugs – the best remedy for safe relief of allergy symptoms, since they do not affect nervous system and are non-sedating.

For local treatment You can use gels or creams:

ointment;
Dermodrin ointment, etc.

These remedies will help quickly relieve itching.

For quick effect some doctors prescribe . Hormonal agents allow you to solve the problem within a day. Local use of hormones is safe, since absorption of the drug occurs to a minimum.

Such drugs include:

Prednisolone;
Sinaflan;
and etc.

For healing and To eliminate redness, you should use dexpanthenol-based creams:

D-panthenol;
Dexpanthenol.

To treat burns, it is better to use:

Panthenol spray;
Solcoseryl gel or ointment;
Psilo-balm cream.

It is also worth cleansing the body from the inside of toxins and allergens.

For this purpose, sorbents are used:

Smecta;
White coal, etc.

During this period, it is necessary to drink more clean water.

In this situation, you can use vitamins A, E, nicotinic acid, calcium. It is also worth adhering to, excluding alcohol and products containing photosensitizers.

Folk remedies

To improve results traditional therapy It's worth using the recipes. In such cases, she recommends ingesting Chinese tea. brown algae– spirulina. She raises protective properties body and normalizes metabolism.

The vitamins and microelements contained in it improve the condition of the skin, eliminate inflammatory processes, boosts immunity. It is recommended to take 2 capsules three times a day.

There are contraindications:

thrombosis;
heart attack or stroke;
stomach ulcer;
internal bleeding.

For local application Lotions with a decoction help a lot. For a glass of boiling water you need to take 2 tablespoons of string grass. Infuse the broth until cold and strain. Soak a sterile bandage in the broth and apply to painful areas for 15-20 minutes. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times a day. This will relieve inflammation and itching and speed up healing.

The use of folk remedies cannot be a complete alternative to traditional ones medical supplies. This is just a good addition to the treatment prescribed by your doctor.

Measures to prevent photodermatosis:

Start sunbathing in doses; the more gradually the skin gets used to sunlight, the lower the risk of developing negative reactions. It is worth starting to introduce kids to the sun with 5-10 minutes of exposure to the sun.
Avoid exposure to air in the summer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this period of time, UV radiation is the most aggressive.
Protect your skin with clothing as much as possible and wear hats. This is especially true for young children. Their skin is super sensitive and delicate.
Apply photoprotective cream to exposed areas of the dermis. For the best protective effect, they should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and repeated every 2 hours. Such protection should also be used on a cloudy day, since UV rays can be reflected and scattered. Choose a cream with a protection factor of SPF 50+ (this number shows the degree of protection; the higher it is, the more protected the skin is). For people prone to allergies and children, it is better to choose a product based on mineral filters. They are considered the safest sunscreen bases.
Avoid visits - this is an aggressive factor on the skin, which can cause irreversible consequences.
Read the instructions for use very carefully. medicines. The presence of components in them that increase skin sensitivity can lead to allergic rashes. Any unclear points should be discussed with your doctor.
Before a planned vacation, do an audit of the food in your home in advance. Avoid foods that contain photosensitizers for a while.

Protection depending on skin color type

You should always remember that the damage caused by the sun is cumulative, so you should always approach each new vacation wisely. This will help maintain health and protect against disastrous consequences in the future.