The doctor named the causes of the allergy to the sun

Sun allergy is a group of pathological skin conditions, the symptoms of which occur under the influence of sunlight. Daria Chernushevich, an allergist at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia on July 31 about why it occurs, what symptoms it is accompanied by, and what should be done for prevention.

One of the manifestations of sun allergy is induced solar urticaria, an allergic skin disease that can occur under the influence of ultraviolet rays of types A and B.

"Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, the so-called mast cells of the immune system are activated in the human body. They contain granules with active substances that can have various effects in the tissues of organs. When these granules are released, under the influence of sunlight, histamine is released, a substance that the body produces during allergies and inflammatory processes, which contributes to the expansion of blood vessels," the doctor explained.

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So, exposure to ultraviolet rays, she added, can cause solar urticaria in humans, which is manifested by rashes in the form of blisters, as well as intense itching of the skin.

In addition, sun allergy can be manifested by photodermatins, inflammatory reactions of the body that occur when ultraviolet rays of type A interact with various substances present on the surface of the skin or inside the body. It is worth noting that such reactions can be allergic, toxic, or contact-related.

Phototoxic and photoallergic reactions are most often associated with taking certain medications, including painkillers, certain groups of antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and a number of medications that are used in cardiology.

"When drugs enter the body, they bind to blood proteins, forming complexes that, when exposed to sunlight, can provoke the development of these reactions. The main difference between them lies in the mechanism of development: phototoxic occurs when a provocative substance comes into contact with the skin and ultraviolet rays at the same time, while photoallergic is an immune response to a substance that becomes an allergen after a person is exposed to sunlight," Chernushevich said.

In addition to taking the above medicines, various dyes/flavors contained in cosmetics and perfumes can also contribute to the development of photo-contact dermatitis. In addition, some plant components can lead to it. A classic example of such a reaction is a skin burn with a hogweed. Its juice contains photosensitive substances called furocoumarins, which, when exposed to the skin and ultraviolet radiation, can damage the skin.

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All photodermatitis is characterized by skin rashes similar to sunburn. Depending on the degree of damage, it can be either just reddening of the skin, or the formation of elements on it in the form of bubbles with liquid inside. In places of rashes, as well as with solar urticaria, intense itching occurs, especially when a person is in the sun.

"If symptoms of sun allergy appear, it is necessary to consult an allergist or dermatologist, especially if there is a suspicion of a relationship with taking medications. This can be done not only in person, but also with the help of telemedicine services. So, in the absence of treatment, serious skin damage is possible, and in rare cases, systemic reactions requiring hospitalization," the specialist emphasized.

Treatment of sun allergy is carried out with the help of external anti-inflammatory drugs that contain glucocorticosteroids. The patient is also prescribed special care products that promote the restoration and regeneration of damaged skin areas.

To reduce the risk of developing sun allergies, it is recommended to adhere to the following basic measures. Regardless of the time of year, if the ultraviolet index exceeds 2-3, it is necessary to apply a sunscreen with an SPF protection factor of at least 15-30 to exposed body parts approximately 15-20 minutes before going outside. It is worth noting that it must be renewed every two hours and after contact with water. During the periods from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., it is advisable to avoid exposure to the sun, as it is most active at this time.

Earlier, on July 11, Yulia Drobysheva, a technology developer of the Krassa brand, a molecular biologist and cosmetologist, told how to protect a child from sunburn. She recommended choosing sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30, preferably 50+, for reliable protection, as they reflect up to 98% of harmful solar radiation.

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