Photodermatitis – a Sun Allergy

Pododermatitis (photodermatosis) — diseases caused by increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight.

People photodermatitis is often called the “sun Allergy”. However, as such, an allergic component in the sunlight there. Toxic or allergenic effects of the sun manifests itself in the interaction of solar (UV) rays with any substances present on the skin (exogenous photodermatitis) or in the skin (endogenous photodermatitis).

The symptoms of a sun Allergy are manifested in the form of blisters, redness, itching and flaking of the skin that occurs after exposure to the sun. Generally, the rashes occur on the face, rarely on the body, rarely on the hands and feet. The disease often develops at the exit of the sea, into the country with a more active, an unaccustomed sun.

Exogenous photodermatitis

As the most prominent example of exogenous photodermatitis can lead to the so-called meadow dermatitis. In the summer, during flowering, many meadow plants secrete special substances — furocoumarins, which are deposited on the skin when a person is in these places. While ultraviolet light in some sensitive people may experience redness and vesicles (vesicles, pustules). Rash accompanied by severe itching. Later on the affected areas of the skin is long-lasting pigmentation.

Photodermatitis can also be caused if before sun exposure sensitive man anointed myself with cream or ointment, or have used perfumes and deodorant. Substances included in the composition of various cosmetic or perfume, can react with ultraviolet rays and to cause an allergic reaction. Such features are, for example, eosin, which may be contained in lipstick, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PAVA), included in some sunscreens. In addition, similar effects have polyunsaturated fatty acids, retinoids, bergamot oil, Hypericum, roses, musk, sandalwood, lemon juice, dill, parsley, boric, salicylic acid, phenol, mercury drugs.

Therefore, collecting makeup for a seaside vacation, it is advisable to study the composition of perfumes and cosmetics, which is expected to bring. And, far away, to carry over, which includes the above mentioned substances.

Why do some people smooth and beautiful tan, even nauchivshis spirits, and other blister? Sometimes this is due to the presence of any chronic diseases, especially liver or adrenal glands. Most solar dermatitis affects people with fair skin and young children, whose mechanisms of protective reaction of the skin is significantly weaker.

Many medicines also contribute to the emergence of photodermatitis. This effect, in particular, sulfonamides, barbiturates, chlorpromazine, certain antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline), antihistamines, certain cardiovascular drugs (amiodarone, trasicor), cytostatics, some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin), oral contraceptives.

In addition, the increased response of the skin to sunlight appears when the skin is “weakened” in iodopyrimidine action — peels, tattoo with the use of cadmium salts.

Endogenous photodermatitis

This group of photodermatitis are rather rare disease, the development of which play an important role disorders in the immune system, and various metabolic disorders (disorders in metabolism). To endogenous photodermatitis include, in particular, porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosum, eczema, solar, solar scabies, Hydroa vacciniformia (Hydroa vacciniforme), polymorphic photodermatosis.

Than to treat the Allergy to the sun, if after sunbathing skin was covered with blisters and itch mercilessly. Immediately should turn to specialists (dermatologist, immunologist, allergist). The doctor after survey may appoint a local (external – ointment including hormonal) and internal treatment (antioxidants, b vitamins, vitamins E and C, nicotinic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines that do not cause allergic reactions in the sun). Treatment of photodermatitis usually lasts from several days to several weeks. If not alert and does not treat the Allergy to the sun, when repeated photodermatitis may develop eczema. Therefore, if photodermatitis occurs for the second time, further communication with the sun should be minimized, and the tan is absolutely contraindicated. If you have any allergies to the sun you should definitely find out the cause and provoking factors causing such a pathological reaction of the body to sunlight. It is worth remembering that often the children “outgrow” allergic to the sun.