I have had diabetes my entire life, and I am very thankful for the fact that modern medical discoveries have helped me live a happy, healthy life despite my disease. I have had to watch what I eat and take medications daily for most of my life, and while i used to feel like I was "missing out" when other children were able to eat sugary candy and I wasn't, I eventually learned that sugar-free candy tastes great. I am always keeping up on the latest diabetes research, and while researching, I have also learned about many other diseases and ailments and how they are treated and controlled. I know others are too busy to browse a bunch of medical websites, like I like to do, so I decided to start a blog that others can visit that contains information on a variety of medical topics all in one place!
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What If You Are Allergic To The Sun?
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If you are having a problem with an itchy rash when you go out in the sunshine, then you could have a sun allergy.
The good news is that there are many things that you can do to help your sun allergy.
Sun Allergy Basics
Sun allergy also goes by the terms "photodermatitis" and "photosensitivity." Sun allergy is an immune system response to the subtle changes to skin cells that happens when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Your immune system sees these subtle changes as disease and sends out a response. The response is a red, itchy rash, typically located on the:
- back of the hands
- arms
- neck
- legs
The rash can last anywhere from two hours to an entire day.
Sun Allergy Causes
Sun allergy has no exact known cause. However, there are a few types of sun allergy which are inherited.
Main Four Types of Sun Allergy
The main four types of sun allergy are:
- Actinic Prurigo Polymorphous Light Eruption (American Indian heritage)
- Polymorphous Light Eruption
- Photoallergic Eruption
- Solar Urthicaria
There are also many other forms of sun allergy, but the above listing are the main four types.
Prevention of Sun Allergy
The best way to treat sun allergy is to keep it from happening in the first place. Some steps you can take to avoid a reaction are to:
- avoid daytime sun
- wear clothing that covers arms and legs
- wear sunblock
- wear quality sunglasses
- read the labels on all medications you take, prescription and over-the-counter
It may surprise you to know that some of the most common over-the-counter medications can cause photosensitivity. Before going out into the sun, you should check the labels of all of your medications to see if photosensitivity is an issue.
Treatment for Sun Allergy
If you are suffering from sun allergy, then you can try using any of the following for relief:
- take a cold shower
- rub a cold washcloth lightly on the area
- apply some over-the-counter cortisone cream
If you have tried each of the above suggestions, and are still having a strong reaction, then you should seek the help of your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can assist you by prescribing:
- light therapy
- topical prescription strength cream
- oral medication
While the creams and medications can help stop the allergic reaction once it has already happened, light therapy can help to keep the reaction from happening. Light therapy helps to desensitize your skin to the sun. This will help to lessen your reactions and discomfort for the times that you need to be in the sunlight.
Conclusion
By being careful to keep your skin out of the sunshine, you can help reduce the irritation from your sun allergy. If your sun allergy is severe, or it is interrupting your ability to live your day-to-day life, then you should make an appointment to speak a clinic, such as Ear Nose Throat And Facial Plastic Surgery Specialists.
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