With the advent of warm days, everyone tends to leave the city and go on vacation to the sea. The older generation prefers summer cottages, quiet, calm work in gardens and orchards. Previously, we risked getting only hay fever during this period of time. But the rapid development of technologies that affect the environment and the state of our body, brings more and more new diseases. So, allergy to ultraviolet radiation has spread quite widely. And the main inconvenience from it is solar urticaria.
What does solar urticaria look like?
Urticaria is the main symptom of sun allergy. Its forms and places of manifestation are varied. Often it manifests itself in the form of small pimples, watery blisters, pink or red papules with clear and even outlines. In severe cases, they can reach up to 13 cm in size or merge into one red spot. The patient may experience itching and burning of the affected skin.
The appearance of such a rash, as a rule, occurs already from the first minutes of exposure to open sunlight. Rarely, it can take several hours before hives appear. First, the disease affects the exposed skin, and only then it spreads throughout the body. At the initial stage, such symptoms will pass by themselves in two hours. But chronic forms of urticaria are often observed.
Causes of hives
From a disease such as solar urticaria , people with a Celtic skin type are most often tormented. This type of skin practically does not tan, but simply becomes covered with red spots and burns. Babies and pregnant women are at risk. The cause of any type of allergy is a violation of the immune system. Also, do not lose sight of the condition and functioning of the liver and gastrointestinal tract.
The "culprits" can be considered products, components and substances with photosensitizing properties. So, when eating certain foods, such a reaction to the sun occurs. Namely:
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A huge number of plants cause allergic manifestations. They can be contained in medicines, creams, ointments, be part of the drink. Simple tactile contact with them is also prohibited. These plants include:
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When going outside under the open rays of the sun, you can not use cosmetics. So, urticaria causes decorative cosmetics, creams and perfumes. In the summer, try not to use deodorants - they cause dermatitis of various forms. Even the use of antibacterial soap can cause disease. Do not use or inhale the following essential oils:
- Bergamot;
- Patchouli;
- citrus;
- dill;
- Tea tree.
While relaxing by the sea, various medications turn into enemies. It is forbidden to use antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Doxycilin, Biseptol, Griseofulvin), antifungal drugs, hormonal contraceptives, corticosteroids, drugs to normalize the work of the heart. antidepressants. We must not forget about the factor of heredity. If a woman suffered from any type of allergy during pregnancy, a predisposition to her symptoms can also pass to the baby.
Traditional treatments for solar urticaria
First of all, in the treatment of solar urticaria, it is worth noting the effectiveness of antihistamines. Of course, third-generation drugs have the highest effect. At the initial stage of manifestation, it is possible to use the first two. A remedy such as Erius has an anti-allergic effect and relieves skin inflammation. Often the drug is prescribed by doctors to pregnant women. Adverse reactions occur very rarely, in the form of headaches and rhinitis.
The antihistamine Kestin blocks the production of histamine in the cells. Helps to overcome itching and inflammation of the skin of various shapes and locations. Serves as a kind of antiseptic. Unfortunately, if the dosage is not observed, it has many side effects: drowsiness, nausea, weakness, lacrimation, dizziness, insomnia.
Relieves hives within half an hour after using Claritin. The effect persists throughout the day. It is produced in the form of tablets and syrup, therefore it is approved for use even by the smallest children. As with any remedy and intervention, the body may not respond adequately with drowsiness, headache, or gastrointestinal disturbances. Check out other antihistamines:
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For complex treatment, it is necessary to use topical agents: creams, ointments and emulsions. Distinguish between hormonal and non-hormonal drugs. Hormonal ointments are fast acting and there is no doubt about their effectiveness. But with open skin manifestations, their use is impossible, since hormones can enter the bloodstream, which will lead to hormonal changes in the body. The most popular among them:
- Elocom;
- Advantan;
- Soderm;
- Flucinar.
Any ointment is applied with the thinnest layer on the damaged areas and around them. Depending on the severity of the disease, you need to apply from two times a day to several times a week. Such drugs can relieve the patient from itching and burning, which will normalize the nervous system and resume healthy sleep. But because of their composition, such funds are very rarely prescribed for children and are never used by pregnant women.
Non-hormonal drugs are used by almost everyone, regardless of age. In pharmacies, they are released without presenting prescriptions from a doctor. In most cases, they have a cooling effect. Get rid of solar urticaria very quickly. We recommend using the following tools:
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If the diseased skin begins to peel off and crusts form, you need to smear it with any oil-based cream for children's skin and hygiene.
Treatment at home
The easiest way to get rid of the itching of solar urticaria is to freeze it. Rub the damaged skin with ice cubes or something cold. Rubbing with menthol oil or peppermint tea will help relieve puffiness. As a lotion, chamomile or plain green tea is also suitable. Try to take cool or cold showers more often.
In the refrigerator of any housewife, and especially in summer, there is such a vegetable as a cucumber. Cut it into slices and apply to pimples, rubbing the juice with massage movements. You can grate it on a fine grater and use it as a compress, fixing it with a bandage for half an hour. Potatoes are like cucumbers. These products will absorb all the heat and relieve puffiness. For the period of treatment, refuse to play sports - it is impossible for the skin to sweat. Take baths with the addition of a decoction of oatmeal.
Eat as many diuretic foods as possible, namely watermelons, melons, grapes, apples, celery. The juice of the last of them should be consumed three times a day and wiped over the body. Aloe juice will help relieve redness. Drink plenty of water and activated charcoal to rid the body of toxins, which will speed up the healing process. The healing properties of string and lavender have long been known. Take baths with their decoctions. Prepare a weak infusion of these herbs and drink 50 grams before meals.
How to avoid manifestations of solar urticaria?
To prevent allergic manifestations on the skin, avoid direct rays on it. It is necessary to sunbathe only in the shade and at the permitted time, when the sun is not in the highest phase of its activity. Don't forget to use protective equipment before going outside. We advise ladies to get fashionable wide-brimmed hats so as not to expose their faces to burns and hives. Prefer light-colored clothing that covers the body as much as possible.
When leaving the water, remove all moisture from the body with a towel. Do not leave drops of water on it. Under the ban are any decorative cosmetics and cosmetic ointments and creams. In no case should you drink alcohol on vacation. If you are aware of your tendency to solar urticaria, follow a hypoallergenic diet, because ignoring the disease will lead to second-degree burns. Chronic forms of disease may appear.