Friday, April 19, 2024
HomePopularHow To Treat Sun Allergy On Face

How To Treat Sun Allergy On Face

What Are The Treatment Options For Sun Allergy Rashes

Living With Solar Urticaria | My Experience Of Having A Sun Allergy

There is no cure or treatment to get rid of sun allergies. However, symptoms can be prevented or reduced by careful sun protection.

A few treatment options include:

  • Use sunscreen with a physical blocker, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Reapply sunscreen each time after getting out of the water or drying off with a towel and every hour if sweating.
  • Intense cases may require steroid therapy. A dermatologist might prescribe corticosteroid creams. If the skin reacts severely to the sun, the doctor might prescribe a dose of corticosteroid pills.
  • The doctor may additionally advise on the use of vinegar compresses and antihistamines in case of painful itchy rashes.
  • People who are suffering from sun allergies may need a diet that includes foods or supplements that are rich in calcium, selenium, zinc and beta-carotene.
  • Aloe vera gel and coconut oil can sometimes serve as alternatives. Make sure the skin can tolerate these by doing a patch test on a small area behind the ears.
  • Use an anti-itch cream to protect the skin. If itching worsens, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
  • Take pain relievers if necessary or if the pain persists.

Sun Poisoning Blisters On Face

Blisters on the face can be due to sun poisoning. They can associate a sun poisoning swollen face and peeling of the skin. Quick measures need to be taken since they can erupt and cause bacterial infections such as cancer. Use of appropriate sunscreen and sun protection is the best way to prevent sun poisoning blisters on the face.

While going for sunblock, pay more attention to the sun protection factor and dont mind about the PABA since some sensitive skin types are allergic to PABA. This should not be used in children below 1-year-old as it can irritate. This chemical element is therefore not common in many sunscreens due to such side effects.

The product with high SPF offers more protection against UV and UVB rays. This is simply a ratio of the time such a product takes to produce a skin reaction on protected and unprotected skin. In laymans, a product with SPF 30 would allow an individual to be exposed 30 times longer than one with no sunscreen when other factors are held constant.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply enough and regularly. While on sun application after every 2 hours is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

In conclusion, besides sun poisoning on the face, too much sun exposure can cause premature aging of the skin cells, the formation of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, development of moles, eyes problems, and cancerous skin tumors.

What To Expect From Your Doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Examples may include:

  • What parts of your body are affected?
  • Exactly what does the affected skin look like?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • How long does your skin reaction last?
  • Do you have itching or pain?
  • Does your skin react just to direct sunlight or also to sunlight shining through window glass?
  • Does anyone else in your family have skin reactions to sunlight or other allergic skin conditions?
  • What products do you use on your skin?

Also Check: Common Side Effects Of Antihistamines

What Causes Photosensitivity

You can become from:

  • Medications: Some widely used medications, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , antihistamines and certain heart medicines and statins for lowering cholesterol, can make you far more sensitive to sunlight than youd usually be. Sun-sensitizing drugs can also aggravate existing skin conditions. Check this detailed list of medications that have been connected with photosensitivity reactions.
  • Diseases and medical conditions: Certain medical conditions and disorders, including autoimmune diseases like lupus, can make you hypersensitive to UV rays. Check our report to see a list of diseases and conditions that can cause photosensitivity.
  • Skin-care products: Certain ingredients in products you use to make your skin look better, such as retinols, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide, remove the outermost layer of skin to fight fine lines or acne. Brighteners like vitamin C may decrease the melanin in your skin, which acts as a natural defense against the suns rays. These may cause photosensitivity and increase your chances of damage from UV exposure. Being diligent about sun protection is crucial while using these products.

What Causes Sun Allergy

Allergic reaction to acne.org regimen ?

Allergic reactions to sunlight happen mainly because of excessive exposure to ultraviolet lights, ultraviolet A and to some extent also ultraviolet B light, which penetrates and damages skin cells.

The exact cause of these triggers is not fully known, but research suggests that it may be due to an inherited genetic disposition that runs in the family.

  • The skin reacts to sunlight with an immune response, usually redness and infection.
  • The occurrence of sun rash can be exacerbated by certain ingredients in skincare products as well as certain medications that increase and skin sensitivity in general.
  • The potential culprit medications include some antibiotics, chemotherapy medication, blood pressure medications and hormonal contraceptives. Always check for information about photosensitivity in the instructions.

Sun allergy manifests as skin redness, itchy rash or festering blisters on the back, shoulders, arms, chest and tops of the feet. Even though it mostly affects women between 20 and 40 years of age with pale or sensitive skin, it can happen to anyone regardless of age or gender. Depending on the intensity of sunlight and other factors, skin reactions can vary.

Don’t Miss: 24 Hour Allergy Relief

How Is Solar Urticaria Diagnosed

Your doctor may be able to diagnose solar urticaria from a physical examination. They will look at your rash and ask you about the history of its appearance and disappearance. Solar urticaria usually breaks out within minutes of sun exposure, and it goes away fast if you get out of the sun. It doesnt leave any scars.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your history and your reaction to sunlight. Your doctor may also need to do one or more tests to confirm a diagnosis:

  • Patch testing involves putting different substances known to trigger allergies on your skin, waiting a day, and then exposing your skin to UV radiation from a sun lamp. If your skin reacts to a particular substance, that may be what triggered the solar urticaria.
  • Blood tests or skin biopsies may be used if your doctor thinks your hives may be caused by another medical condition, such as lupus or a metabolic disease.

Treatment Of Sun Allergy

The following steps can be taken for treatment of sun allergies:

  • The most obvious treatment is that you must stop your sun exposure!
  • In most cases, sun allergies often resolve within 10-14 days, however, you must limit your sun exposure as much as possible.
  • Cool compresses or cold water sprays can help relieve itchiness Application of a cool compress
  • Drugs such as corticosteroids , oral antihistamines and in some cases, anti- malarial drugs in the form of lotions and tablets can also be used.
  • Anti-itch creams can should be used if needed
  • Stop the usage of drugs and other substances that are increasing your sensitivity to light
  • Application of moisturizers help alleviate the symptoms by retaining the skin moisture
  • If none of the above seem to relieve your symptoms or if you are seeing persistent or unusual symptoms such as swellings, make sure you make an appointment with the dermatologist. There is no help like professional help!

Recommended Reading: Loratadine Vs Fexofenadine

Who Is Most At Risk

People who are most at risk include:

  • People with fair to light skin, or those with red or blond hair and green or blue eyes, tend to be most sensitive, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. This is categorized as skin type I .
  • People with lupus, porphyria, or polymorphous light eruptions
  • People with exposure to UV rays for 30 minutes to several hours increases risk , as does exposure between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. .

Children And Sunscreen Allergies

Sun allergy (Polymorphous light eruption, PMLE)| Q& A with dermatologist Dr Dray

It is impossible to know how an individual child will react to a sunscreen. When applying a particular sunscreen for the first time, it is sensible to conduct a patch test to check for signs of a reaction.

A patch test involves applying a small amount of sunscreen to the inside of the childâs forearm.

If the patch test does not indicate an allergic reaction, a person can carry out a separate patch test on the childâs face. The facial skin is more sensitive and more prone to allergic reactions. A person should apply the sunscreen twice a day for a week to check for signs of a reaction.

Parents and caregivers should check with a doctor before applying sunscreen to children with sensitive skin, or preexisting skin conditions. They should also seek advice on how to protect the child from UV exposure.

Below are some general recommendations for protecting children from the sun:

  • Apply a broad spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen with sun protection factor of 30 or higher.
  • Be wary of spray sunscreens that are difficult to control and can be inhaled, especially by infants.
  • Dress the child in long pants, a long sleeved shirt, and a broad brimmed hat.
  • Keep children younger than

Recommended Reading: Nsaid Allergy Cross Reactivity

What Causes Solar Urticaria

The exact cause of solar urticaria is unknown. It occurs when sunlight activates the release of histamine or a similar chemical in your skin cells. The mechanism is described as an antigen-antibody reaction. That type of reaction occurs when your immune system produces antibodies to counteract the particular antigen or irritant that reacts to the sunlight. Hives are the resulting inflammatory reaction.

You may have an increased risk for solar urticaria if you:

  • have a family history of the condition
  • have dermatitis
  • regularly use perfumes, disinfectants, dyes, or other chemicals that may trigger the condition when exposed to sunlight
  • use antibiotics or other medications, including sulfa drugs, that may trigger the condition

In some cases, particular wavelengths of ultraviolet light trigger the allergic reaction. Most people with solar urticaria react to UVA or visible light.

  • between your inner thighs

Solar urticaria, on the other hand, only occurs as a result of exposure to sunlight.

Heat rash can also occur in any season. Babies can get heat rash if theyre wrapped in blankets. Heat rash usually goes away on its own in a few days, while solar urticaria typically lasts only hours.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sun Allergy

  • Actinic prurigo: This usually presents as very itchy crusted bumps .
  • PMLE and photoallergic reaction: A burning or itchy rash and fluid-filled blisters are common. The rash is often seen within two hours of exposure to the sun.
  • Solar urticaria: Hives occur in minutes for people with this reaction. Burning and a sensation of stinging may occur at first. The rash fades over days to weeks. In some cases, the skin may darken after the reaction.

Sun allergy is mostly seen in spring and early summer. With continued exposure to sun during summer months, the skin hardens and the likelihood of developing sun allergy diminishes.

Don’t Miss: Claritin Vs. Zyrtec

Feeling A Little Sensitive Perfume Or Medication Could Be Why

You spent a little time outdoors and 48 hours later, you develop a nasty, red sunburn where your skin was exposed to the sun. It doesnt make sensenot only was it two days ago, you werent even outside for that long!That delayed sunburn may not actually be a sunburn at all. It could be , a condition that occurs when skin becomes hypersensitive to UV light. Photosensitivity can be caused by a number of medications, both oral and topical, as well as some cosmetic products that are applied directly to the skin, like perfume or skincare with very high alcohol concentration.A can be tricky to identify because it often doesnt show up until one to two days after sun exposure. It most commonly manifests as a severe rash or sunburn, but in some cases, can resemble eczema and extend beyond the areas exposed to UV light.If you suspect your skin is photosensitive, consult your dermatologist. He or she should be able to determine the cause and help relieve your symptoms. If medication is to blame, you may want to consider changing prescriptions or exploring alternative treatment options . As a general rule, people with photosensitivity should avoid applying perfume directly to skin when spending time outdoors.If you suffer from this skin condition, its important to minimize sun exposure and maximize sun protection.

What Causes The Symptoms

Dr. Ronak Shah

The reaction sends a chemical signal to particular cells in a personâs skin, telling them to produce histamine. Histamine is the bodyâs way of trying to get rid of the allergen that is causing a reaction.

Histamine works by causing the skin to swell and itch. Itching is a response that compels a person to scratch away any allergens, which is why hives appear, and a rash develops.

Also Check: Which Type Of Asthma Results From Exposure To Allergen

Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Allergies

  • 13 May, 2021

Although the sun provides conditions essential for life onEarth, it can also cause problems for that same life. You may already know aboutthe potential skin hazards of too much ultraviolet radiation exposure – namely,sunburn. However, some people can actually display allergic reactions tosunlight that cause discomfort and cosmetic embarrassment.

If you think you might suffer from a sun allergy, you needto learn about the conditions that can set it off, possible treatment options,and smart strategies to keep your allergic symptoms at bay. Check out theanswers to these frequently asked questions about sun allergies.

What Telltale Symptoms Do Sun Allergies Produce?

Sun allergies typically cause itchy, irritated red rashes onthe skin after a certain amount of sun exposure . In moresevere cases, the rashes may progress to welts or blisters. Symptoms may clearup minutes or hours after exposure ends.

Sun allergies most commonly produce these symptoms on oraround the neck, on the backs of the hands, or on the outer surfaces ofsun-exposed arms and legs. In some cases, however, rashes and other symptomsmay even extend to areas not exposed to the sun.

Why Do Sun Allergies Occur?

One kind of sun allergy, photoallergic eruption, involvesthe interactions of the skin with other substances, including common topicalproducts such as sunscreen or cosmetics. It can also occur in reaction to drugssuch as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and diureticmedications.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sun Rash

Sun rash can occur several hours or days after sun exposure. The most common symptoms include:

  • Small bumps or blisters in a cluster.
  • Raised or rough patches of skin.

In some rare cases, you may experience fever or tiredness. Sun rash can occur anywhere on the body, but it usually appears on the neck, chest, forearms, backs of hands, lower legs, and feet.

Do you want to treat your sun rash at home? Find out the treatment options in the next section.

Recommended Reading: Children’s Claritin Drowsy

What Are The Different Types Of Sun Allergy

There are four main types of sun allergy:

  • Polymorphic light eruption – the most common type of sun allergy tiny bumps on itchy red skin in spring and early summer
  • Solar urticaria – hives, itching and blisters in older adults
  • Actinic prurigo – red and itchy patches and bumps in children in summer
  • Chronic actinic dermatitis – thick patches of dry, itchy and inflamed skin

Treatment And Prevention For Sun Allergies And Ple

SHE’S ALLERGIC TO THE SUN! (Bad Rash vs Adorable Girl) | Dr. Paul

Whilst there is no cure or treatment to get rid of sun allergies such as polymorphous light eruption, symptoms can be prevented or reduced by careful sun protection. Limit your exposure to the sun by avoiding the peak hours when it is at its most intense .

Wear protective clothing, and use a sun protection product that offers high or medium protection against UVA, UVB and HEV light, and that has been specially formulated for your skin type and condition.Sunscreen should be applied generously prior to sun exposure, and should be reapplied frequently to ensure your skins protection, especially after swimming, perspiring or towelling.

You can read more about how to minimise the risks of exposure, how to choose the right sun protection products for your skin and how best to apply them in How should I protect my body from the sun? and How much sunscreen should I use?.

Eucerin Sun Creme-Gel Sun Allergy Protect SPF 50 is a light, non-sticky sunscreen that has been specially formulated for skin prone to PLE and sun allergies.

Eucerins Advanced Spectral Technology combines broadband and photostable UVA/UVB filters1 with Licochalcone A to neutralise free radicals caused by UV and HEV light. The formula also contains Alpha-Glucosylrutin which helps to prevent sun-induced allergies and is unperfumed to minimise the risk of skin irritation. It can be used on both your face and body.

Severe or persistent rashes may require treatment with medication.

Don’t Miss: Zyrtec 60 Count

What Is A Sun Allergy Rash

This is a skin condition that happens because of the hypersensitive to the sunâs hot rays. This rash will usually appear during the spring season when your skin is still adapting to the changes in the heat and temperatures of the season. It will usually start to appear within a few hours after your skin has been exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time. It will only show up on the areas of your body that is not covered. Once your skin has adapted and grown use to the heat of the spring season the sun allergy rash will improve gradually and disappear eventually. When a person has a sun allergy rash they will start to itch and their skin will start to burn immediately after being exposed to the sun. When a person has this rash it may be accompanied by chills, nausea, malaise, and headaches.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular