Summer is a great time for vacations, for a long stay in country cottages, for traveling, trips to the sea, to exotic countries. Swim and sunbathe, enjoy sea ​​water and warming up in the sun - what could be better?

However, in last years the incidence of hypersensitivity many people in the sun. This is an allergy to the sun, the symptoms of which occur either at lightning speed - after 20-30 seconds, or after a few hours, or 2-3 days after sunburn. In medicine, such an inadequate reaction of the body to excessive radiation is called photodermatosis or phototoxic reaction.

Types of sun allergies

Exposure to sunlight causes various unnatural reactions in humans, which are called photosensitivity:

• Phototraumatic reactions

this is a normal reaction of the body after a very long exposure to the sun, even in absolutely healthy person after many hours of intense ultraviolet irradiation sunburn may occur. We will not dwell on this option, since everyone knows not to sunbathe. long time especially from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Phototoxic reactions

can also appear in any person in the form of a sunburn - edema, blisters, erythema. It is most commonly caused by oral or injection use some medicines, herbs, products containing photosensitizers.

• Photoallergic reactions

it pathological process, which occurs only in people whose body for some reason rejects UV radiation and their skin and mucous membranes react to the sun's rays as hostile, alien, toxic external influence. This is due to immune disorders and a similar reaction manifests itself as papules, oozing, vesicles and lichenification of the skin ov (a rash with an enhanced pattern, which is accompanied by a sharp thickening of the skin, and a violation of pigmentation, while the skin becomes rough and wrinkled).

Those at risk for developing sun allergies include:

• Persons with diseases endocrine system
• Individuals with liver and kidney disease
• Persons with various violations immune system

What are the symptoms of sun allergy?

Signs of an allergy to the sun can be varied and vary depending on the causes that caused it, on the age of an adult or child, on a provoking internal or external factor. The most common symptoms of sun allergy are:

• Redness, rash, itching, abscesses of skin areas exposed to sunlight.
• Allergy to the sun on the hands, on the face, on the legs, on the chest manifests itself as rough, small bumps in the skin that hurt, itch, sometimes merge into swollen, reddened foci.
• Sometimes there are crusts, scales, bleeding.
• Most often, skin allergies from the sun look like hives, eczema, or vesicles.
• Signs and symptoms of sun allergy do not only appear in places where there has been active sun exposure, if an allergic reaction occurs in the form of eczema, it can also be in places far from the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

The physically strong healthy body there should be no solar allergy. Therefore, especially often there is an allergy to the sun in infants, in children who are not strong after an illness, in the elderly and people with many chronic diseases.

Causes of Sun Allergies

Most often, people with the first skin phototype, which is also called Celtic, are susceptible to sun allergies. The skin of such people practically does not tan at all, but allergic reactions to ultraviolet light occur on it quite often.

Specific substances, photosensitizers or photoreactive agents, are the cause of sun allergy, the symptoms of which depend on the intensity of exposure and on the amount of these substances. In the body of a person exposed to natural or artificial UV radiation (sun tanning, solarium, UV lamps), these photosensitizers cause changes that manifest themselves in the form of an allergy to the sun.

Phototoxic reactions can be caused by certain substances, in order to find out why such an allergy appeared, you should know where such provocative substances can be found:

• In hygiene products- in antibacterial soap
• In cosmetics and perfumes- in most lotions, perfumes, colognes, deodorants, lipsticks. Most creams, which include walnut oil, essential oils of all citrus fruits, cumin, dill, bergamot, musk, amber, patchouli, cinnamon bark.
• sun protection- a paradox, but it is when applying sun protection that you can get the strongest allergic reaction. If the composition of such funds includes PABA - para-aminobenzoic acid and benzophenones.
• In some food additives - for example, in sweeteners.
• When getting tattoos- since the auxiliary substance cadmium sulfate is used, it is also capable of causing photosensitivity.
• In household chemicals - for example, in naphthalene balls.
• In medicines- moreover, even if after the withdrawal of the drug some time has passed, several weeks or months, after ultraviolet irradiation, an allergic reaction may occur, since substances accumulate in the body and in the human skin and are sometimes excreted very slowly. There are times when sensitivity to the sun's rays due to drugs persists for several months or even years.

Gunther's disease rare form photodermatosis is Gunther's disease or erythropoietic porphyria. Patients with this recessive mutation fully correspond to the classical descriptions of vampires: they are afraid of daylight and sunlight due to ulcers and cracks in the skin, gradually turning into deformations of the cartilage, are quite pale, have excessively thick eyebrows and eyelashes. In patients, tooth enamel and urine may be stained with pink color. In ultraviolet light tooth enamel glows blood red. To date, the disease is still not completely cured.

Pellagra is rare disease also accompanied by photodermatosis. Pellagra (rough skin) is a violation of the absorption or insufficient intake of nicotinic acid (vitamin PP) into the body.

List of drugs, plants and foods that cause sun allergy symptoms

The instructions for use of a very large number of different drugs contain indications of such a possible side effect as photosensitivity, and also that such an effect is extremely rare, about 1/10,000 cases. These medicines include:

Oral contraceptives —
Antibiotics:

• Fluoroquinolones - ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, etc.
• Tetracyclines - doxycycline
• Macrolides - Sumamed, Macropen, etc.
• Co-trimoxazole - Biseptol, a folic acid inhibitor
• Pipemidic acid - used for the treatment of cystitis, pyelonephritis (Palin)
• Antimycotic - especially Griseofulvin, and others

NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory - and Piroxicam.
Antihistamines- Diphenhydramine and Promethazine.
Cardiological means, for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases:

• Fibrates are fibric acids
• Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic agent Cordarone, in addition, it also causes a bluish tint of sunburn.
• Digitoxin is a cardiotonic drug.
• Atorvastatins -

, - Doxypin, Melipramine, some sleeping pills.
Thiazide diuretics- diuretic Chlorthiazide and any others diuretics can also cause or enhance skin allergy in the sun, its symptoms.
Sugar-reducing drugs for treatment diabetes- Glibenclamide and Chlorpropamide.
Essential oils - bergamot oil, lime oil, St. John's wort, essential oils of almost all citrus fruits - lemon, tangerine, orange.
Corticosteroids- hormonal creams and ointments for long-term use.
Boric and salicylic acid, methylene blue, ointments containing tar.

Plants that are allergic to the sun

Very often, when special substances come into contact with the skin - furocoumarins, which are contained in meadow and other plants, and when sunlight hits these areas of the skin, an allergy to the sun occurs. Symptoms of photodermatitis in this case are as follows:

• The appearance of rashes and blisters
• Skin redness
• severe itching
• In place of the affected areas of the skin, pigmentation remains for a long time.

To plants - exogenous photosensitizers, which should be avoided in summer time, relate:

• , Buckwheat, Quinoa, Yasenets, Ranunculaceae, Hogweed, Fig tree.
• If you take medicinal herbs orally, then it is also possible to develop symptoms of an allergy to the sun: St. John's wort, Clover, Angelica, Sweet clover, Repeshok, Hogweed, Tribulus.
• Sedge and blue-green algae can also cause sun allergy because they contain chlorophyll and phycocyanin.

Products with a photoallergic effect

The following products have such a provocative effect:

• Before you go out into the sun, do not cut, do not eat, do not drink juices from such products, since the hands and lips may suffer from an inadequate reaction of the body to the sun's rays: carrot juice, sweet peppers, figs, citrus juices, sorrel, parsley.
• Sensitivity to ultraviolet rays also increase: spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, especially wine and champagne, all products with an abundance of dyes, artificial additives and preservatives.
• An increased risk factor for the development of sun allergy symptoms exists in individuals who are already allergic to coffee, nuts, and chocolate.

sun allergy treatment

When an allergy to the sun appears - how to treat this strange reaction? First of all, you should find out true reason appearance allergic reaction to ultraviolet. If these are drugs, foods or herbs, then you should stop these drugs or the use of products. If it is impossible to refuse the use of necessary medicines, then it is better to avoid any contact of the skin with the sun, constant protection from UV radiation is needed.

• Creams and ointments

And if this is not associated with taking any drugs, then you should find out possible internal failures in the functioning of systems and organs, including the immune system. What means, medicines, on the sun exist? What are in the sun?

Corticosteroid creams and ointments are very effective, but they should only be used for severe sun allergy and should only be treated by a doctor. The course of treatment with such serious ointments should be short, since they long-term use can itself cause various skin disorders, erythema, rosacea, vasodilation on the skin, as well as addiction quickly develops to them and their frequent use can result in skin atrophy.

Among non-hormonal creams and ointments for allergies, you can use Fenistil gel, Desitin, Gistan, La-cree, Dexpanthenol, Panthenol, Radevit, Elidel, Protopic, Losterin, Vundehil, La-cree (for more details about these creams and ointments, see). Also a list of gels, creams, ointments in our article - Floceta, Psilo-balm, Solcoseryl, Vinylin, Karotolin, Livian, etc.

• Antihistamines

After a comprehensive examination by a general practitioner, dermatologist, allergist-immunologist and establishing the cause of the allergy, doctors may prescribe antihistamines. Depending on the cause of photodermatosis, these remedies help someone very well, someone does not help at all.

Among them, you can try Claritin, Suprastin and Tavegil. such as Zodak are very effective in various allergic reactions, do not cause drowsiness and have a prolonged effect, they can be used for a long time.

• vitamin therapy

One of the reasons for the appearance of allergies can be a decrease in immunity, a deficiency of vitamins, so vitamins such as vitamin C, B groups, vitamin E, as well as nicotinic acid can become one of the components of the complex treatment of sun allergies.

• Cleansing the body with enterosorbents and drinking plenty of water

It is necessary to cleanse the body of allergens and toxins as soon as possible, for this you can use sorbents, such as Polyphepan, Enterosgel. You should also drink as much pure water as possible per day, more than 2-2.5 liters, this will help the body to quickly remove allergens from the body.

• Folk methods

If it is not possible to urgently consult a doctor, then you can try to find among folk remedies those that may help to alleviate skin inflammation for the first time - this is Fresh Juice cucumber, cabbage or potatoes. Potato and cabbage juice has amazing properties mitigation and fast healing wounds, skin lesions. Also, an infusion of calendula or, which can be used to make cold compresses, has a softening effect.

When pathological photosensitive reactions appear, the doctor should tell how long the reaction to the sun began, what were the manifestations, what the rash looked like and how you feel about it.

Dermatitis or dermatosis is allergic manifestations on the skin in the form of a rash, blisters, redness. If the prefix photo- is added to these terms, then they are caused by the influence of ultraviolet radiation on the dermis.

No one is safe from sun allergy, it can cause many problems:

• discomfort on the skin in the form of itching and pain;
• unaesthetic appearance skin during the summer period;
• restriction of certain food and personal hygiene products;
• you can not sunbathe until the dermis is fully restored after injury.

There may be several types that have different manifestations and causes of occurrence.

In what other cases can photodermatitis occur:

1. Due to the occurrence of a reaction between ultraviolet radiation and individual chemical elements in the composition of cosmetics, as well as components plant origin which causes skin irritation. Such photosensitizing components include: almost all essential oils with a rich odor (bergamot, grapefruit, sandalwood, etc.), various acids, eosin, alcohol, herbs (St. John's wort, nettle, etc.).
2. Eating foods that, under the influence of ultraviolet light, provoke the production of histamine in the body. For instance, Exotic fruits, all plants and fruits with a high content of vitamin C, alcoholic beverages, hot spices, preservatives, dyes, sweeteners, GMOs.
3. Availability various diseases associated with renal failure, liver dysfunction, duodenum, thyroid gland, dysbacteriosis.
4. Various types of allergies to pollen, food, animal hair, dust can provoke photodermatosis;
5. Weakened immunity, frequent colds and infectious diseases, lack of vitamins in the body after the cold season can cause allergies to the spring sun.
6. Exposure to the sun's rays on wet skin, on which water with a chlorine content remains after swimming in the pool.

Sun allergy symptoms

Visible manifestations of dermatitis attract attention instantly. This and small rash all over the body, and blisters, and severe burns. But there are cases when an allergy may not appear on the skin immediately, but at the same time, after exposure to the sun, the following symptoms occur:

• body temperature rises;
• the skin becomes hypersensitive to any touch;
• arises headache or dizziness;
• heat stroke may occur;
• eye redness;
• a sharp increase in pigmentation (freckles, spots) on the face and body;
• pressure drop;
• the appearance of edema on the face;
• weakness all over the body.

Both basic and additional symptoms appear primarily in fair-skinned people with or without pronounced pigmentation, in children, in solarium lovers in winter time of the year. Age-related changes in the body also affect symptomatic manifestation photodermatosis, so people over 50 need to be careful when interacting with the sun's rays.

Allergy to the sun in a child

The child's body is very susceptible to various kinds of allergens, if a long stay in direct sunlight is added to this, then the child's skin will certainly react to this with redness, rashes, burns or hives. How to prevent a sun allergy in a child:

1. If possible, exclude allergenic foods for the period of active exposure to the sun;
2. Use only children's hypoallergenic sunscreens, because some components of an adult product can cause an allergic reaction when interacting with ultraviolet light;
3. Dry the child with a towel after swimming in the pool. Chlorine is the most common cause the appearance of photodermatitis;
4. It is better if the child spends most of his time on the beach in the shade.

If your child still has an allergy to the sun, then you should consult a doctor. Most often, in such cases, a soothing ointment for burns and antihistamines are prescribed.

How to get rid of allergies: treatment

Allergy to the sun is different in that it is not a separate disease. It can manifest itself as a consequence of more serious health problems. Therefore, at the first signs, it is better to consult a doctor who will not only tell you To how to get rid of allergies and prescribe symptomatic treatment, but will also comprehensive examination body to identify the main cause of photodermatitis. Remember that taking hormonal or anti-inflammatory drugs for allergies can only be done in consultation with your doctor.

Home treatment includes:

• the use of soothing, cooling and itching ointments and creams (Fenistil, Panthenol);
• taking an allergy remedy in tablets or drops (Erius, Zirtek);
• vitamin complexes to increase immunity;
• taking drugs that help eliminate toxins from the intestines (Enterosgel, activated charcoal);
• To restore water balance and cleanse the body, you need to drink plenty of water.

In order to reduce pain syndrome, soothe itching and burning can be applied folk remedies. These include those that can have an anti-inflammatory and cooling effect. For example, from potatoes or cabbage leaves juice is squeezed out and applied to damaged areas of the skin. infusions medicinal herbs can be used for night compresses (chamomile, calendula).

Sun Allergy Prevention

Prevention helps prevent skin problems and promotes joyful sun exposure. TO preventive measures relate:

1. Staying on the beach when solar activity is low (morning and evening);
2. Use of sunscreen and after-sun lotion;
3. Vary the time spent in the sun and in the shade;
4. Wear a summer hat and glasses;
5. Wipe the skin after bathing and apply the cream on it again;
6. Prevent dehydration of the body, drink 1.5-2 liters of pure water per day;
7. Do not use perfume and cosmetics with essential oils, alcohol, fragrances, acids in its composition;
8. Start strengthening immunity at the end of winter: drink vitamins, walk more in the fresh air;
9. Eat berries and fruits containing antioxidants, vitamins A, E, B. For example, blueberries, apples, pomegranates, bananas;
10. If possible, give up spicy dishes and exotic fruits;
11. Conduct a preventive examination of the whole body for the timely detection of health problems.

Proper sun protection and self-care will help make the summer time carefree and joyful.

Doctor's advice on how to deal with sun allergies.

In summer, every person wants to relax: go on a trip to the sea, to exotic countries, or to Vacation home, to the country house and, of course, at the same time get a lot of pleasant emotions and positive. After all, swimming in the sea, warming up in the sun, being outdoors brings a lot of joy.

But all these pleasant moments can be overshadowed by an allergy to the sun, which occurs in people with increased susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation. Such an allergic reaction can develop either instantly or after a couple of hours, or a couple of days after sunbathing. V medical encyclopedia such an organism's reaction to excessive exposure to radiation is called photodermatosis, a phototoxic reaction.
Manifestations of photodermatosis in many people begin to occur from the month of May. Very often, such an allergy occurs in children who go on vacation to hotter climatic zones. So, an excessive amount of ultraviolet radiation can provoke the development of an allergic reaction in a person who suffers from diseases of the internal organs.

Photodermatosis occurs in almost 3% of the total population. People with dark skin are less susceptible to such a disease, and children whose skin is very sensitive are much more likely to succumb to the negative effects of sunlight. Photodermatosis is often confused with urticaria due to the similarity of symptoms.

Varieties of solar allergies

When the sun's rays affect the human body for a long time, it may experience the following responses called photosensitivity:

• phototraumatic reactions are considered the body's natural "response" to prolonged exposure to the sun. So, any person, when he receives large dose exposure to ultraviolet rays, suffers from sunburn. To prevent this, you must observe the safe tanning time, and do not take sunbathing when the sun is at its zenith.
• phototoxic reactions also appear in the form of sunburn, swelling, blisters, erythema. They are caused by oral or injectable intake of certain medications, herbal preparations, products that contain photosensitizers.
• photoallergic reactions are considered a painful process that occurs in those people whose body does not perceive sunlight, namely their ultraviolet spectrum, and their skin, mucous membranes react negatively to the rays of the sun, take them for foreign, toxic substances. Similar reactions occur in people whose immune system is weakened, and therefore the appearance of papules, weeping, vesicles and lichenification of the skin is possible. the last symptom manifests itself in the form of a rash with a clear pattern, accompanied by thickening of the skin, a violation of their structure, excessive pigmentation).

Those people with diseases of the endocrine system, liver and kidneys, disorders of the immune system are susceptible to get sick.

As soon as the first symptoms of allergy have arisen and clearly manifested, it is necessary to begin treatment. First of all, we exclude the factors that provoke such a reaction, after which you can take pills for allergies to the sun, which relieve swelling and itching. When taking these drugs, you must strictly observe the time and dosage. If a person has manifested solar urticaria, it is worth immediately taking measures to eliminate it, because in the future such a disease can turn into eczema.

Folk remedies for the treatment of allergies

Wormwood and celandine are able to eliminate rashes, redness of the skin, severe itching. In the spring, it is worth picking wormwood, pouring them with alcohol, insisting for three days. Wipe areas with rashes with this tincture. Also, baths are made with infusions of celandine. Soon, the allergy disappears without a trace.

Oil with celandine helps to get rid of red blisters, severe itching. We fill the jar, with a capacity of one liter, with celandine flowers, without crushing them, pour oil, and insist in for three weeks. We adjust a napkin with this medicine on the skin that has been exposed to ultraviolet radiation, after wiping it with hydrogen peroxide, and fix it with adhesive tape. In the morning, this compress is removed, they also wipe the skin with peroxide, and the next night they repeat the same procedure again. Allergy symptoms go away after the third treatment.

A decoction of wormwood is prepared by the following method: boil it for ten minutes. With this decoction, you can treat the affected areas of the skin, the itching will gradually subside, the disease will disappear forever. The more often you wipe the skin with a decoction, the faster the symptoms disappear.

In order to get rid of itching, chamomile decoction is made, in the proportion of one tablespoon of flowers per glass of boiling water. Lotions and compresses made from them are applied to the affected areas of the skin and additionally add such a decoction to the bath. Chamomile is an excellent antiseptic. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties.

Photodermatitis is treated similarly to the treatment of urticaria. To eliminate it, doctors recommended taking diuretics that remove toxic substances from the body. For these purposes, use celery juice, take it orally 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

A drink from a series is drunk instead of tea or coffee, always only in fresh when the color of the decoction is golden. Do not take such an infusion inside if its color is green or with turbidity.

Herbal preparations help a lot to prepare which use buckthorn bark and St. John's wort, aspen buds. These herbs are mixed and poured with 500 ml of boiling water, insisted for twenty minutes, filtered and taken 1 teaspoon a couple of times a day.

Herbal baths are also effective, they can eliminate itching, redness, swelling. To do this, brew birch leaves, linden, walnut, viburnum, celandine grass, mint, lemon balm, clover, chamomile, tansy, yarrow. Dry herbs are used in the spring, and fresh herbs in the summer.

To prevent sun allergies, remedies such as horseradish juice, which is mixed in a one-to-one ratio with honey, and taken one teaspoon three times a day, will help. Peppermint prepared as an infusion also helps with allergic rashes. Take two tablespoons of mint and insist in two cups of boiling water for an hour.

Hop infusion is also considered useful, which is drunk instead of tea, 70 ml three times a day.

It is also necessary to eat fresh cabbage and parsley, which are rich in vitamins C and PP, which reduce sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

Manifestations of sun allergy

Allergy symptoms can be very different and vary depending on what factors cause them, what age the patient is, and what is the reason for their appearance. So, the most common symptoms of solar allergies are:

• redness of the skin, rashes, an abscess in the area where the skin was under the influence of direct sunlight;
• allergic manifestations on the extremities, chest, face, which are present in the form of small skin irregularities. They hurt, itch, sometimes merge into reddened foci;
• from time to time on the skin there are crusts, bleeding;
• very common sun allergy in the form of eczema, hives, blisters.

Symptoms can appear not only on those areas of the skin that have been directly affected by sunlight, but also on areas closed from ultraviolet radiation.

When a person's health is good, he will not be allergic to the sun. And for people with weakened immune systems (babies, children after illnesses, the elderly, those who suffer from chronic diseases), the chances of getting photodermatosis increase significantly.

A symptom of photodermatosis is also considered an increase in body temperature, sometimes up to 39 degrees. If the case is severe, photodermatosis manifests itself in the form of bronchospasm, loss of consciousness, swelling of the mucous membranes. When these symptoms begin to appear in a person, he should be immediately taken to the hospital.

In order for any allergy to occur, a person must have reduced immunity, chronic latent and overt diseases, vitamin deficiency, impaired metabolism, and reduced liver function.

Sometimes a rash that is caused by a sun allergy is confused with insect bites. Abrupt change climate also greatly affects the well-being of a person with a weakened immune system, and contributes to the occurrence of allergies.

It is forbidden to take barbiturates ( sleeping pills), tetracycline, sulfonamides, birth control pills.

Causes of allergies

Special substances - photosensitizers or photoreactive agents cause an allergy to the sun, the signs of which directly depend on the strength of the exposure and its amount. When the human body is affected by natural or artificial ultraviolet radiation photosensitizer provokes allergic reactions.

These substances are contained in many means that surround us in everyday life, namely, they are filled with:

Internal factors contributing to the development of any type of allergy are:

• tonsillitis;
• failures in pigment metabolism;
• decreased immunity;
• period of pregnancy;
• autoimmune disease;
• long-term use of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents;
• taking hormonal contraceptives;
• light color of the skin;
• imbalance of hormones;
• rhinitis;
• otitis;
• caries;
• chronic inflammatory diseases of the liver, stomach, kidneys, pancreas.

Great danger to the immune system chronic colitis, intestinal dysbacteriosis, which are most often asymptomatic, but very strongly affect the development of skin manifestations.

Very susceptible to the influence of allergens are people who have a weakened the immune system such as during puberty or pregnancy. The development of allergic reactions occurs under the influence of bad habits, such as alcohol and smoking.

Stress is also considered an important factor that affects a person's predisposition to allergies. In combination with any of the above factors, it is converted into a disease.

Allergy to the sun begins to manifest itself after infectious diseases have been transferred, and the body is not able to resist allergens.

Sensitization

A true allergic reaction is characterized by one distinctive feature: it has the same clinical picture of the disease, both at the first contact and at subsequent ones. So, if a person takes an analgin tablet for the first time and nothing happens to him, and then after a few days he takes it again and he develops severe itching, rash, swelling of the skin, and sometimes even anaphylactic shock. This reaction of the body is explained by the fact that it has accumulated a sufficient amount of antibodies that would react to a foreign agent. When it enters the body again, the reaction manifests itself in the form of the above signs.

False allergic reaction

Along with the development of the science of allergology, different types allergic reactions, including false ones. With their development, the immune system does not work in any way, and the body responds to the irritant with a large amount of histamine, which causes a rash, swelling, and itching.

So, if a person without a hereditary predisposition has never suffered from allergies in his life, he will eat not one, but five oranges at once, his body will be covered with a rash, red spots, it will begin to itch a lot. This is due to the fact that he eats a lot of allergenic products and therefore a lot of histamine is produced in his body, appears clinical picture which is very similar to an allergic reaction.

Sometimes there are situations when a completely healthy person suffers from an allergy to the sun. This allergic reaction is called idiopathic photodermatosis. According to doctors, it provokes the development of a protein allergen, which acts as an antigen to the sun's rays.

Treatment of photodermatitis

Before starting treatment, it is worth determining which factor provokes an allergic reaction. As noted above, they may be cosmetic product, drug, hair removal, deep peeling, and other factors that increase the skin's susceptibility to sunlight. Depending on what exactly caused the allergy to the sun, the necessary medications are selected, and certain folk remedies are used.

As mentioned above, the influence of the trigger is immediately excluded, and then the treatment is carried out in a certain sequence:

1. make wraps with a damp cloth of skin areas that are affected by ultraviolet radiation;
2. do not accept sunbathing several days;
3. drink plenty of fluids;
4. wear closed clothes on the street;
5. when a person has severe skin rashes, he is recommended to take 30-minute baths with soda;
6. after such baths, the body is wiped with oils (for example, menthol) or tomato juice.
7. areas of the skin that have been exposed to sunlight can be lubricated with aloe juice;
8. blisters are eliminated with chamomile compresses;
9. they can also be lubricated with a paste of salicylic acid and zinc;
10. decoction and infusion are very helpful in eliminating symptoms oak bark, juniper;
11. such ointments: advantan, loriden, oxycort, fluorocort, flucinar effectively lubricate the affected areas of the skin;
12. you can relieve skin inflammation thanks to aspirin, indomethacin;
13. taking vitamins B, C and E contributes to a speedy recovery;
14. allergy sufferers can take special antihistamines (like diphenhydramine, suprastin, tavegil, claritin, fencarol).

When a person is prone to sun allergies, they need to use sunscreens that protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation types A and B. This should be done after consulting a specialist.

Means for the skin

There are simple and effective means to eliminate inflammation of the skin, which help with sunburn. So, a cabbage leaf, potato and cucumber circles are applied to inflamed areas skin to soften, moisturize it. Geranium infusion is also effective. It's cooked in the following way: pour two tablespoons of leaves with two glasses of water, insist for a while, and make lotions or rub the inflamed areas with them.

Photodermatitis is also eliminated with gruel lotions. horse chestnut, which must be ground in a mortar to a mushy consistency. You can also use gruel from grated carrots, make lotions from it, which relieve itching well.

To prevent allergies to the sun, they rub the body with strong brewed tea, or make cold tea compresses on damaged areas of the body. A similar procedure can be done several times a day for half an hour each.

For prompt elimination symptoms of sun allergies, you can use the following tips:

• Before going to the sea, consult a doctor and find out which antihistamines can be used for you. If during the trip you will take antibiotics, hormonal drugs, you need to read the instructions very carefully and see if there is a note “causes photosensitivity” in it. If it is present, such drugs should not be used.
• Limit time spent in the sun;
• Support the liver with special means that can fix it normal work, improve metabolism, restore skin. These substances include vitamins B, C, E, nicotinic acid, claritin, antioxidants.
• If the skin is very inflamed, it itches, it is necessary to use ointments containing zinc, methirulacil, lanolin. Fenistil gel, Zirtek drops will be effective.
• Be sure to start treatment immediately after the symptoms are detected, because delaying time can contribute to the appearance of eczema, which is much more difficult to eliminate;
• If you are at a resort, you must immediately contact the doctor for help, he will prescribe medications that will relieve inflammation. Thus, you can continue to rest further.

Solar allergy is not permanent, it is only necessary to determine the cause and carry out proper treatment, and you can again spend time on the beach, swimming in the sea and sunbathing in the sun. Children can outgrow allergies altogether.

The role of the immune system in human life

The immune system must first of all protect the body from different kind agents, substances, foreign bodies, diseases. When this protection is in place, special antibodies (immunoglobulins) are produced in the body. They fight various infections and defeat them, contribute to the recovery of the body. So, when a cold occurs, the body specifically raises body temperature, provokes significant sweating, and thus eliminates the virus. When the immune system is strong, a person is quickly cured, otherwise, this process will be delayed in time.

When a person is allergic to any substance, their immune system reacts even to seemingly harmless substances. They can be various plants, dust, pollen, food and other substances that become foreign to the body. The reaction is manifested due to the production of cells of the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract various protective agents. One of the main substances is histamine. With the accumulation of such substances under the skin, tissues swell, in which leukocytes are sharply sent to a certain area of ​​the human body.

The consequences of such a reaction are:

• swelling of the skin;
• rashes of various kinds;
• red skin color;
• tearing;
• allergic rhinitis.

Crash in protective system body can occur for many reasons. One of the decisive factors is genetic predisposition To allergic diseases. In most people who suffer from allergies, relatives are also susceptible to this disease.

First aid for sun allergies

When the symptoms of a sun allergy appear suddenly and the person begins to feel very unwell, it is necessary to immediately call ambulance. While she is traveling, you need to provide first aid, which will alleviate the patient's condition.

• First of all, it is worth giving plenty of fluids to drink so that there is no dehydration. You can not give a person milk, coffee, tea;
• the skin must be covered with clothing;
• if the patient's body temperature has risen, he must be given an antipyretic drug;
• cold compresses are applied to areas of the body that have been strongly influenced by the sun;
• if you have antihistamine, it is worth giving it to the patient.

Very often, sun allergy is accompanied by stomach disorders are accompanied by nausea and vomiting. That is why the patient is best settled on his side to prevent vomit from entering the respiratory tract.

After a person has been exposed to sunlight, the symptoms of sun allergy may disappear in a few days (2-3 days). But when the human body is weakened, it can experience bronchospasm, lower blood pressure, and even faint. When skin rashes appear frequently, eczema may occur.

Treatment of photodermatitis with pharmaceutical preparations

To eliminate allergy to the sun you need to apply various means, which will influence both the cause of the disease and the symptoms. Most often prescribed by doctors next treatment using application:

• non-hormonal creams and ointments. When such a reaction does not depend on taking any medications, then the reasons must be sought in internal malfunctions of the organs and their systems, as well as the immune system as a whole.
  Fenistil-gel has an effect against itching, reduces the intensity of irritation, and has a local analgesic effect.
  Indications for use are skin itching, insect bites, sunburn and other burns. It can be used by people of any age, except for babies up to one month.
  Gistan - non-hormonal cream for local application, which contains lily of the valley oil, birch bud extract, lupine, euphorbia, veronica spiky, string, violet, calendula.
  It is used in the event that bubbles, hives appear on the skin, severe itching occurs. It is used for eczema and atopic dermatitis, insect bites.
  Skincap is a cream-gel with antibacterial, antiproliferative, antifungal properties. It contains activated zinc pyrithione. It is used for dry skin, seborrheic and atopic dermatitis, psoriasis.
  Elidel is a cream, the main active substance which is pimecrolimus. It is also used to relieve symptoms atopic dermatitis, eczema.
  corticosteroid drugs. They are used only if a person has a severe form of the disease. The duration of their use should not exceed five days, because with an overdose and accumulation in the skin of this remedy, reverse skin processes appear: erythema, vasodilation, cosmetic skin defects.
• other ointments. They contain zinc, methyluracil, hydrocortisone, and can be dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription.
• antihistamines;
• vitamin therapy, immunotherapy;
• enterosorbents. The fastest cleansing of the body from allergens and toxins can be carried out using various sorbents - Polysorb MP, Filtrum STI, Polyphepan, Enterosgel. It is necessary to take a lot of liquid (2-2.5 liters), so harmful substances will quickly leave the body.
• hepatoprotectors;
• anti-inflammatory drugs.

The course of treatment is determined by the attending physician. Often it ranges from a couple of days to a month.

When an allergy occurs in children and adults, special attention is paid to the amount of allergens, that is, the more allergens enter the body, the more pronounced the allergic reaction. To reduce the risk of developing allergies, you need to minimize contact with chemical additives in food:

• when they buy household chemicals and care products for children, special attention is paid to the composition of these products, a large amount of fragrances, the presence of formaldehydes, methyl acrylates, propylene glycols, the risk of developing children's allergies greatly increases;
• need with special attention turn to washing powder, which is used to wash children's clothes. High content Surfactants in washing powder have a very bad effect on health. All these negative substances accumulate on clothes, which badly affect the skin of children;
• you need to purchase food products that contain a lot of flavors, additives, dyes, preservatives;
• when introducing exotic foods into the child's diet, it is necessary to give them to him in small doses and for one meal.

To learn more useful information about sun allergy treatment folk remedies You can contact our consultants.

Allergy to the sun it can manifest itself during a vacation at a seaside resort, in the mountains, or even in the country, if the days are hot. Recently, allergic reactions are more common, and all more people who have never encountered similar problem, unexpectedly for themselves, find out that they are . Of course, the sun's rays themselves are not an allergen, but they can provoke in the body increased emission biologically active substances- histamine and other inflammatory mediators that cause manifestations of an allergic reaction. An excess of ultraviolet becomes a kind of catalyst for the process, which can lead to the development of photodermatosis.

Cause for concern

Sun allergy symptoms resemble common urticaria. As a rule, it manifests itself quickly - after an hour and a half of exposure to the sun, rashes, red spots, sometimes blisters and swelling appear on the skin (there is swelling of both the skin and mucous membranes), a burning sensation and severe itching of the skin may occur. Less commonly, the body does not immediately respond to solar "irritation", skin rashes or itching appear only after 6-8 hours, in the evening, or even after two or three days.

What are the main reasons that can lead to the appearance of sun allergies?

At risk are adults and children suffering from chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver and adrenal glands; ; owners of light sensitive skin with a lot of freckles and birthmarks(I and II phototypes). Sun allergy is often: a defense mechanism against ultraviolet rays is formed in the body only by the age of three. Photodermatosis can develop when taking medicines, especially if they contain sulfur, fluorine or iodine; anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents (tetracyclines, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones); some drugs for the treatment of diabetes and diseases of the cardiovascular system. If you have chronic diseases or are taking medication, you should consult with your doctor before going on vacation, whether it is possible to sunbathe. Also, if the annotation to the drug refers to the possibility of photosensitivity, that is, increased sensitivity to solar radiation, in order not to provoke photodermatitis, you will have to do without sunburn.

Irina Tokareva

Allergy to the sun can be indirect sign the fact that a person has problems with the work of internal organs. And if you have photodermatosis, this is a reason for examination. Violation of pigment metabolism, some autoimmune diseases, hypo-, and more often hypervitaminosis can also provoke its development.

Prevention and treatment

If you are at risk or if you do not have a clear allergy to the sun, but you know that you are prone to allergic reactions, you need to be careful with a beach holiday. The time spent in the open sun should be reduced to 10-15 minutes in the morning or evening. During the day, wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves that cover your shoulders. The use of sunscreens with a high protection factor (above SPF 40) is a must.

If, despite all the precautions, symptoms of photodermatitis occur, take an antihistamine (after taking the new, so-called second generation, the allergy will disappear for about a day, the previous generation drugs last 4-8 hours). For local treatment solar urticaria use antiallergic creams or ointments with antihistamine components. Antiallergic steroid ointments should not be used without a doctor's prescription. General treatment Solar allergies are usually based on the same principles as the treatment of other types of allergic reactions: strengthening immunity, treating chronic diseases, reducing the body's sensitivity to allergens, allergen-specific immunotherapy is often used. And, of course, prevention: those who have even encountered manifestations of photodermatitis subsequently need to be especially careful with the sun.

It is allergy, as a disease, that can be called the real scourge of our century. Nearly half of the world's population suffers from some form of it. At present, the danger can bring not only well-known allergens like pollen and dust, but also previously completely safe things.

One of them is sun allergy. Sunlight, especially in summer, when it is in its most vivid manifestation, can cause a special reaction in the human body.

That is why before you go to relax on the beach, you should find out how you can cure all the symptoms of photodermatitis, popularly known as an allergy to the sun.

What is sun allergy?

Allergy to the sun, as such, the disease does not really exist. The real name of the problem is photodermatitis. Similarity with allergies gives the reaction of the body of some people to exposure to ordinary sunlight.

It can appear immediately, just a couple of minutes after being under the scorching rays, or maybe only after a few days. This type Dermatitis is volatile, so it actually occurs in about a fifth of the population, it's just that many may not even know there is a problem.

According to the assumptions, it develops in that part of the population who have a huge amount of accumulated irritants in their body and suffer from diseases of important organs. In general, under the concept of allergy to the sun modern science calls all manifestations of the body on hypersensitivity to the sun.

Types of sun allergies

Since several body reactions accumulate under the name of one disease, in general, several types of allergies can be distinguished:

• phototraumatic reaction manifests itself after a person is under the sun during an intense sun. Such a reaction of the body is quite typical even for an absolutely healthy person. To avoid the problem, you simply should not be in direct sun from 11 am to 4 pm;
• phototoxic reaction often caused by the use of medicines, food and other substances containing photosensitizers. Manifested in the form of sunburn, erythrema or blisters;
• photoallergic reaction occurs only in people suffering from the body's rejection of ultraviolet radiation. Because of this condition, the skin perceives the sun as a poisonous effect, rejecting it completely. A rash, vesicles and papules appear on it, the skin gradually becomes highly pigmented and thicker.

Allergy - serious problem modern society. More than 93% of people have experienced it at least once in their lives: cough, itching, tearing, and others. The sooner you start treatment, the better. The tool not only relieves the symptoms of allergic reactions, but also eliminates the cause.

As a rule, the problem recedes 15 minutes after using the drops. This is a natural herbal complex created on the basis of natural herbs. I can confidently recommend the drug to my patients!

Sun allergy symptoms

Photodermatitis, like any pathological disease, has a number of characteristic symptoms, which can be roughly divided into 2 types.

Local symptoms:

• Manifested in the form of inflammation and redness on the skin in places where the sun hits;
• Gradually, the dermis begins to peel off, itching and burning quite strongly;
• The rashes that appear after a while are filled with pus;
• All these symptoms often do not appear immediately, but several hours after receiving a dose of sunlight.

General symptoms:

• There is an increase in temperature, as toxic substances enter the blood;
• severe dizziness;
• A sharp drop in pressure.

What does sun allergy look like?

Causes of allergies

It was previously mentioned that by itself sunlight does not provoke the appearance of allergies. Rather, it acts as a catalyst for the problems that a person already has. When ultraviolet radiation is combined with substances contained on the skin or in its cells, the sun begins to appear.

Internal causes appearances:

• Reduced immunity;
• Lack of vitamins;
• The use of a number of medications;
• Diseases of the endocrine system, liver and digestive tract;
• Enzymatic deficiency;
• Violation of pigmentation;
• Worm infestations;
• Chronic pathologies of the kidneys;
• The tendency of the body to allergies.

TO external reasons include:

• Cosmetics and perfumes;
• Hygiene products such as antibacterial soap and gel;
• Sunscreens;
• Food additives, mainly sweeteners;
• Use of household chemicals;
• Often the appearance of a reaction provokes the presence of components in the composition, such as musk, sandalwood and others;
• Tattoos due to use as excipient cadmium sulfate;
• Drugs related to the category of phototoxic.

There are people who are most prone to allergies.

• People with very light, so-called Celtic skin;
• Small children;
• Pregnant women;
• At times, an allergy to the sun appears in people who heavily abuse the solarium, because it is applied to the skin loading dose ultraviolet in pursuit of a beautiful tan;
• Photodermatitis can be caused by Gunther's and Pellar's diseases.

Medications and products that can provoke an allergy to the sun

Instructions for use of many drugs contain instructions that side effect taking these drugs will cause photosensitivity. It is very rare.

These medicines are:

TO medicinal plants that can cause allergies include:

to the products allergic in the sun are:

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I started taking these drops on the advice of a friend. The symptoms gradually subsided, I began to feel better, allergic rhinitis and runny nose stopped bothering me. Good drug from allergies and related diseases and deficiencies, I recommend!"

Diagnosis of the disease

It has the following properties:

• Relieves itching after the first application
• Restores, softens and moisturizes the skin
• Eliminates rash and peeling of the skin in 3-5 days
• After 19-21 days completely eliminates plaques and traces of them
• Prevents the appearance of new plaques and an increase in their area

How does sun allergy manifest in children?

Photodermatitis enough common problem in children younger age, especially in infants and in the first 3 years of life, when immunity has not yet fully developed, and the skin itself remains very sensitive. As a rule, exposed areas of the body, such as the face, shoulders and chest, become susceptible to the disease.

The skin of a child and a baby, especially light skin, is very susceptible to ultraviolet radiation.

Manifestations:

• Everything is accompanied by a rash, blisters;
• The skin is quite reddened and itchy;
• Edema appears quite rarely, depending on the severity of the allergy.

What does sun allergy look like in children, photo:

Treatment of sun allergy in children

A fairly large number of drugs used for treatment by adults are simply not suitable for children, especially infants. Read the instructions carefully so as not to harm the child. Comprehensive treatment is required and a mandatory trip to the doctor to solve the problem.

Hormonal ointments

The safest hormonal preparations for kids:

• Ointment Advantan- helps to reduce inflammation of the skin. It cannot be applied when viral diseases skin, dermatitis and a number of other problems. For children, it is prescribed by doctors only after 4 months. It is applied no more than 1 time per day for a maximum of 4 weeks. Price - 550 rubles ;
• Elocom- hormonal ointment, acceptable for use after six months. It has soft action which allows its use. It is applied thinnest layer 1 time per day for no more than a week. Children should receive the minimum dose of the drug, sufficient to achieve the effect. Price - approx. 250 rubles .

Even non-hormonal ointments that are safer to use should be used to treat allergies in children only as directed by a doctor. Very often, an ointment can cause a number of undesirable effects if used in the wrong way.

The most prescribed non-hormonal drugs in pediatrics:

• Gistan- consists of herbs, helps to cure skin rashes that appear due to allergies to the sun, as well as remove itching. It is based on an antihistamine - betulin, which does not harm the child. Should not be used when individual intolerance preferably after a year. It is necessary to smear the damage with a neat layer 1 time per day until the end of the prescribed treatment. Usually the period lasts from 1 week to 1 month. Price - from 170 rubles ;
• Skin cap- in the form of a cream allows you to cure even serious illnesses skin, simultaneously providing an antibacterial and exfoliating effect. Appointed after a year. Usually, after application, you can feel a slight burning sensation of the skin, which is normal reaction. Apply to the skin 2-3 times a day before complete cure symptoms. Price - approx. 700 rubles ;
• La Cree- the cream helps to relieve redness and itching, reduces pain. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, does not cause skin atrophy. Appointed from the first days of life. Average cost - 200 rubles .

Preparations for internal use

Medicines for children should be prescribed only by doctors.

Antihistamines

It is best to replace with drops, suspension or syrup, since their action is much milder and not so harmful. children's body. It is also best to abandon the 1st and 2nd generation drugs to avoid a large number of side effects.

• Diazolin- an antihistamine that allows you to block the production of receptors. Duration of application - 5 days. Price - from 50 rubles .
  Mode of application:
  • Tablets for children under 5 years of age should be drunk 1-2 times a day, 50 mg, after 5 and up to 12 years, 50 mg 2 times a day;
  • There is a special children's Diazolin in the form of granules, which are diluted as a suspension in half a glass of water. Dosage for children under 2 years old - 2.5 mg, after 4 years - 5 mg. The entire intake should be divided into 3 doses throughout the day;
• - helps to cope with allergies, while not having an antiserotic effect. It is best to use in drops, then it is available to children from 1 year old. For use, they must first be dissolved in water. Children under 2 years old are allowed to drink 5 drops 2 times a day, and after 6 years - 10 drops in the morning and evening. Price - from 130 rubles .

vitamin therapy

Children under 3 years of age are rarely prescribed multivitamins, since immunity is only being built and almost all the right vitamins he gets from food.

Popular multivitamins:

• Pikovit- contains vitamins A, C and group B, which are so necessary for a deficiency in sun allergies. The supplements of this brand are presented different forms- for children older than a year, the manufacturer offers a syrup, for children older than 3 years, chewable tablets are produced, and for the age of 7 years and older, coated tablets are intended. Price - from 120 rubles ;
• Centrum- these vitamins can be used for children 1 tablet per day for a month. Tablets are produced in chewable. Apply during meals. Price - approx. 300 rubles ;
• Multi-tabs- one of the advantages of children's multivitamins of this brand is the absence of chemical additives in them. The Baby complex in drops is used for children under one year old. Multivitamin chewable tablets are recommended for children 1 to 4 years of age and 4 to 11 years of age. Price from 300 rubles .

Enterosorbents

To get rid of toxins, the child will need the use of sorbents. However, a fairly small amount of funds can be used from the very beginning. early age.

Here are a few of them:

• Smecta- can be used from an early age. It does an excellent job of cleansing the body, and it has an orange or vanilla taste. Up to a year, the drug should be diluted in breast milk or mixtures, and after a year in baby puree. In the first case, you need to give 1 sachet per day, after - 2 sachets. This dose is applied throughout the day. average price – 130 rubles ;
• Polysorb- acts as a detoxifying and sorbing agent with high efficiency. The children's dose is calculated based on the weight of the child - up to 10 kg you can only take a teaspoon of powder per day in 30-50 ml of water, up to 20 kg - a teaspoon per 50-70 ml, after 20 kg the spoon should be with a slide. Price - from 100 rubles .

Folk remedies

To treat a child from an allergy to the sun, only external agents should be used, it is best to completely abandon the internal ones:

• Chamomile compress- Helps with skin flaking. For a decoction, brew a spoonful of herbs in a glass of boiling water, everything is brewed for about half an hour. After that, the infusion is filtered, a cotton swab is dipped in it, and the damaged areas on the child's body are wiped 4 times a day;
• Solution drinking soda - can be used to dry blisters. A teaspoon of soda dissolves in water, after which the stains and pustules formed on the child's skin are wiped with the solution.

Sun Allergy Prevention

To prevent allergies, the first step is to limit the time spent under the scorching sun.

If this is not possible, then you just need to follow a number of rules:

Foods to Avoid Sun Allergies

Avoid reaction when proper nutrition easy enough. The main thing is to coordinate your diet by filling it with the necessary vitamins.

V in large numbers vitamins C, E and B are found in dark red and black berries and fruits, such as pomegranates, currants and blueberries.

Carbonated water and juices are best completely eliminated, leaving only clean water. And also on vacation, it is best to limit the consumption of exotic food, as the body may react strangely.