Sun allergy ointment

Allergy to the sun is a phenomenon of increased sensitivity of the body to sunlight, in which typical manifestations of allergic reactions develop.
Scientifically, this phenomenon is called “photodermatosis”. Naturally, the sun's rays do not contain any allergens in their composition. In this case, the allergic reaction develops indirectly. The sun's rays containing ultraviolet trigger certain reactions in the human body, as a result of which allergens are produced.

Allergy to the sun is "dose-dependent" in nature. Cases when the reaction of photodermatitis occurs when even the smallest sunlight hits, is so rare that it makes no sense to consider it. The vast majority of people suffering from this disease get unwanted reactions during long-term exposure to the sun, in the summer, or in countries with a hot climate.

Do not confuse such a thing as an allergy to the sun and a common phenomenon of photo-traumatization. Phototraumatization is a violation of the hygiene of exposure to sunlight, which leads to traumatism of the skin, as well as the occurrence of sunstroke, which is accompanied by nausea, dizziness and loss of consciousness. Every person who is not allergic is subject to the phenomenon of phototraumatization to some extent.

Causes of Sun Allergies

Allergy to the sun is a disease of modern man. Previously, it was less common, however, a number of factors that provoke skin sensitivity have always existed. The difference is that in a modern person, manifestations of photodermatosis are common. This is due to a number of factors:

Bad environmental situation. Children who grew up in ecologically unfavorable regions endure the influence of by-products of industrial production. This causes a variety of violations of the normal functioning of the immune system, which is simply not ready for this.
Increased radiation background. Radioactivity is a consequence of the decay of microelement nuclei, as a result of which particles are formed that can affect human DNA. This also leads to the fact that negative changes occur in the normal functioning of the immune system, in particular in allergic reactions;
Use of household chemicals that contain large amounts of skin irritating substances;
Eating foods that provoke an increase in skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation;
Medicines that cause skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light;

It should be noted that globalization has made a special contribution to the development of sun allergy. Evolutionarily, it so happened that a certain type of skin corresponds to certain climatic conditions, in particular, the intensity of solar radiation. Light-skinned people tolerate the scorching sun's rays much worse than people with a darker shade. This is explained by the fact that such people are adapted to life in cold climatic zones, for which high-power solar radiation is uncharacteristic. This leads to the fact that the skin of this type is potentially unable to adequately respond to high-power radiation. It is fundamentally important for fair-skinned people to adhere to the rules of staying in the open sun.

There is also another important clarification. Chlorine, which is part of the pool water, as well as salts, which are rich in sea water, irritate the skin. This is all aggravated by the fact that water droplets themselves are capable of amplifying solar radiation, focusing it according to the principles of a magnifying glass. As a result, the effect of solar radiation on certain areas of the skin becomes much more intense. In no case should people sunbathe under the open sun, while plunging into the water, especially in the sea or pool.

What causes sun allergies?

Allergy to the sun is provoked by many factors that increase the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation, or simply have an irritating effect on the skin, which, together with that of solar radiation, leads to the results of photodermatosis.

Food

Some food products are able to provoke an increase in photo-sensitivity due to the substances included in their composition. These foods include: carrots, celery, parsley, citrus fruits. It is better to refuse these products during holidays in hot countries, and also if you have a long stay in the open sun. Moreover, they are not even recommended to be cut before the forthcoming contact with the sun's rays. Substances that are included in their composition are so active that they can cause local allergic reactions when they come into contact with exposed skin.

Medications

Many medicines contain active ingredients that increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Before sending to the spa, or a long stay in the heat, it is recommended to carefully read the side effects of this drug, regarding its effect on skin photosensitivity.

Cosmetical tools

In summer, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of cosmetics, as well as household chemicals, since these substances have an irritating effect on the skin, which leads to a pathological reaction to sunlight.

Synthetic fabrics

Synthetic materials themselves have an irritating effect on the skin, which is due to the structure of their fibers. Also, synthetic fiber prevents the normal removal of moisture and skin breathing, as a result of which the accumulation of sweat creates an additional irritating factor.

Sun allergy symptoms

Basically, an allergy to the sun is the so-called “dermatic” symptomatology. It is characterized by: redness in places exposed to sunlight, changes in the structure of the skin, the appearance of ulcerative formations, the formation of blisters, rashes, dryness and peeling of the skin, acne. Often, these symptoms appear in areas that have been directly exposed to sunlight. In some cases, their appearance outside the places of contact is possible, but this is noted much less frequently.

It can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes to several days for sun allergy symptoms to appear. In patients, there is a clear relationship between exposure to the sun and the manifestation of an allergy to the sun. Often, the phenomenon of photodermatitis is not particularly difficult, both for the doctor and for the patient himself.

sun allergy treatment

Sun allergy treatment consists of preventive measures, as well as relieving the symptoms of skin manifestations of an allergic reaction. To treat the symptoms of dermatitis, it is advisable to use allergy ointments. The use of drugs in the form for external use is safer than tablets or injections. This is due to the fact that the active substance acts pointwise, without affecting the general processes in the body. Due to this, the risk of developing side effects is less, and they themselves are less dangerous for the body and less pronounced.

Sun allergy ointment

Corticosteroid ointments

Corticosteroid ointments are corticosteroid preparations adapted for use on the surface of the skin. They are hormonal drugs based on the action of a hormone called cortisol, as well as its analogues. Corticosteroid preparations for topical use can neutralize the manifestations of an allergic reaction, relieve inflammation, eliminate itching and flaking of the skin.

Synthetic analogs of cortisol have a stronger effect on the suppression of allergic and inflammatory reactions, while less actively affecting the metabolism of minerals and the regulation of fluid intake in tissues, which allows for higher efficiency and a decrease in the number of side effects.

Ointment for allergies to the sun is different, depending on the strength of the action. A dermatologist evaluates the severity of an allergic reaction and, based on this, chooses a specific drug. Because the use of strong ointments for mild dermatitis is absolutely not justified in terms of the ratio of harm and benefit. To date, any corticosteroid ointment is superior in strength to any other topical antiallergic drugs.

Side effects

Side effects from corticosteroid ointments are divided into local, which occur upon local contact of the active substance, in the tissues of the epidermis and adjacent areas, as well as systemic - occurring with prolonged use and characterized by the manifestation of side effects characteristic of systemic corticosteroids (injections, tablets, syrups). ).

Local side effects:

Inhibition of local skin immunity;
Increased risk of skin infections;
Acne in the places of application;
Thinning, dry skin, its roughness, the formation of wrinkles;

Systemic side effects

Therapy with corticosteroid ointments is generally immediate and suitable for short-term relief of symptoms. In no case should corticosteroid ointments be used uncontrollably, for a significant amount of time and on large areas of the skin. This is fraught with the entry of corticosteroids into the general circulation and the development of the following side effects:

Catabolism of muscles, ligaments and joints, leading to weakening and degeneration of the musculoskeletal system;
Weakening of the hormonal activity of the adrenal glands;
Increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue;
Decreased general immunity, increased risk of infectious and viral diseases;
Development of gastritis and peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract;
Violation of potassium metabolism;
The formation of edema caused by an increase in the amount of interstitial fluid

It should be borne in mind that the stronger the corticosteroid ointment, the more extensive and prolonged its use, the higher the risk of side effects. Thus, according to these indicators, hydrocortisone ointments show the least activity, and ointments based on clotremazol have the highest activity.

Varieties of corticosteroid ointments:

Elocom is a modern corticosteroid drug for topical use. Also available in cream and gel form. In general, it is well tolerated by patients, has a minimal risk of systemic side effects. As a general rule, it is applied once a day, with a small layer thickness. It is also used in pediatric practice, to relieve skin symptoms of allergies for children from 2 years old. Local side effects account for no more than 5% of cases from all medical statistics, subject to long-term use.

Flucinar is a powerful substance for relieving skin symptoms of allergies. It is not recommended for long-term use, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. For children under 2, this drug is used in minimal amounts and on minimal skin surfaces.

Methylprednisolone is one of the safest corticosteroid ointments. It is used to treat chronic dermatological manifestations of allergic reactions. It has a high degree of safety, during pregnancy and lactation it is used under the mandatory supervision of a physician. It has a low frequency of local side effects that develop with prolonged use.

Hydrocortisone is an ointment used to treat skin inflammation and allergic manifestations. The ointment is applied in a small layer, in places of manifestation of allergic reactions from 2 to 3 times a day. It is not used in the treatment of children under 2 years of age.

The use of ointments for allergies

When using ointments, carefully read the instructions, method of application and drug interactions;
Avoid application to the skin around the eyes and genitals;
Do not apply to open wounds;
Corticosteroid ointments are not used in the presence of infectious diseases;
Do not exceed the indicated dosages;
Monitor health closely during long-term use of corticosteroid ointments

Sun Allergy Prevention

In fact, the manifestation of an allergy to the sun can be avoided if you know and follow the simple rules for staying in the sun:

Remember that the sun's rays are most active from 11 am to 4 pm. At this time, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is most dangerous;
Beware of seawater and chlorinated water when out in the sun;
Avoid sunscreens containing salicylates and para-aminobenzoic acid. These substances provoke allergic reactions;
Carefully read the instructions for medicinal preparations. They may contain substances that cause sensitivity to sunlight;
Avoid getting pollen from plants, in any case, do not sunbathe in the meadow. The pollen of many plants provokes photosensitivity;
Do not wear synthetic clothing during the summer as it causes skin irritation;
Do not eat or cut plants that cause photosensitivity;
Stick to a hypoallergenic diet during increased solar activity;
Do not sunbathe in open sunlight, as this type of exposure is one of the most dangerous;
It is advisable for people with fair skin to choose resorts in less hot countries;
If you are aware of your predisposition to photo-allergic reactions, then we recommend that you consult your doctor about taking appropriate medications to prevent the development of symptoms;
Minimize the use of cosmetics and household chemicals that irritate the skin. Replace these products with hypoallergenic products.
Engage in strengthening your health, immunity, watch your diet;
At the first reactions characteristic of photodermatitis, it is necessary to make changes in your plans for exposure to the open sun.

Remember that self-medication carries a potential threat to health. Only a competent specialist who combines the appropriate education and work experience has the right to diagnose and prescribe treatment.