Sun allergy is a broad term. It describes several conditions that cause an itchy rash to form on the skin after being in sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Polymorphous light eruption is the most common form of sun allergy.
Sunlight comes with UV light. That can cause skin damage, wrinkles and dullness. But many people may not know yet. That is, sunlight can cause skin disease that is allergic to sunlight. Report from ยูฟ่าเบท
What is sun allergy?
Dr. Inapak Boonthaweeyuwat, Department of Dermatology and Solar Dermatology (Dermatology), Department of Internal Medicine Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society states that sunlight contains UVA and UVB. That affect our skin both in the short term and in the long term.
In the short term, UV light can cause sunburn or sunburn, soreness, redness, darkening of the skin, or blemishes and freckles may occur.
long term effects UV light can cause dry skin, wrinkles, thinning skin, and a risk of skin cancer.
There are also symptoms “Allergy to the sun” that should be careful as well.
Sun allergy risk symptoms
- Sunburn after walking outdoors for 5-7 minutes, even when walking in the shade The skin is not exposed to direct sunlight.
- There are “water blisters” on the skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight, such as the back of the hand, outer arm, face, chest, upper back, etc.
- have thin skin About a little something, it’s a scar, a mark.
- Burning pain when exposed to sunlight. Which may not have any skin symptoms
- Red bumps, rashes, itchy skin only outside the clothes. and exposed to sunlight. When you scratch the rash, a clear fluid flows out. Which can be thin, itchy bumps or thick, itchy bumps.
- darker skin color in areas where the skin is exposed to the sun Or it may be a light and dark skin color that looks uneven. The number of sunburns was found more than usual.
- Having had sunburn since childhood, for example, walking outside in less than 10 minutes by pushing a car. But experiencing sunburn, etc.
- Have a rash or skin abnormality in the summer. And the symptoms will gradually get better during the winter and rainy season.
- A rash can occur during sun exposure. After being out in the sun and gradually getting better. When coming into the shade
Diagnosing the symptoms of sun allergy
A dermatologist may perform external skin examination. And additional blood tests may required if it is consider to have sun allergy. Both a blood test. That excludes other skin conditions and a biochemical blood test. Including a genetic blood test
There is also a solar test. with a solar simulator and make another diagnosis.
How to prevent sun allergy
- Try to protect your skin from exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible.
- If you need to be in the sun for a long time, wear clothing that protects your skin from exposure to direct sunlight, such as a long-sleeve shirt with armbands, a wide-brimmed hat, or a hat with a neck covering on the back. Including clothes from fabrics that are certified to protect the skin from UV rays. with a number indicating that it must have a UPF of 15-24 or a UPF of 40-50+
- Apply sunscreen regularly to the expose areas of your skin. By choosing a sunscreen that is suitable for the length of your skin protection from the sun, it may an SPF 50+ PA+++ or higher, or it may be labeled “Broad Spectrum” or UVA, and reapply. When doing strenuous activities such as swimming or wading through the woods. Until sweat is flooded, etc.