Allergic diseases occupy a leading position among all diseases in children. The most common manifestation of allergies in children is urticaria. There are many reasons for its occurrence. A small proportion (about 15%) is occupied by an allergy to the sun with manifestations in the form of urticaria.
Let's figure out what the reason is and what needs to be done to avoid this phenomenon.
What is urticaria in the sun and what are its causes:
Urticaria (in a general sense) is a syndrome that has many causes and manifests itself as itchy blisters. This phenomenon is characterized by the fact that it appears abruptly and disappears just as quickly.
Urticaria by common reasons There are two types of occurrence:
allergic type. Develops when the body enters an allergen, a drug, or is bitten by an insect containing the allergen and causing appearance hives.
Pseudo-allergic type. It develops in response to exposure to a factor that is not an allergen in nature. This type of urticaria occurs in response to exposure different temperatures, sun, water, stress and other factors. As you can see, none of them is a direct allergen.
Thus, solar urticaria is a type of pseudoallergic urticaria.
Sun allergy in the form of urticaria occurs in response to skin exposure to excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiation. various types both natural and artificial (solariums). In children, the most common cause of urticaria is prolonged exposure to active sun without proper training and protection.
Provoking factors that increase sensitivity to sunlight are:
- poor rinsing detergents from clothes during washing;
- eating large amounts of legumes;
- cosmetical tools, sensitizing skin;
- some medications can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight (increase photosensitivity);
- contact of exposed skin with certain medicinal plants may also lead to increased skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Thus, in children it is necessary to minimize contact with substances that increase sensitivity to sunlight (that is, they have a photosensitizing effect).
How does solar urticaria develop?
The mechanism of development of urticaria is the same for all types. There are two paths here:
1. Increased permeability of small vessels. Accordingly, swelling around them in response to any impact of causative factors develops very quickly.
2. reaction of biologically active substances such as histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, prostaglandins and others. Under their influence, blisters appear - the main clinical manifestation of urticaria.
Ultraviolet rays penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, which, in most cases, is already sensitized (hypersensitive) to allergens of a different nature. In response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the process of an allergic reaction starts.
People have natural filters on their skin (melanin and others). In adults, they are quite developed and in most cases cope with exposure to aggressive sunlight. In young children, on the contrary, the natural system of ultraviolet filters is undeveloped due to age (and there are also congenital diseases manifested by the absence of melanin - albinism). Therefore, the tendency to develop solar urticaria is much greater in young children.
How does allergy (urticaria) to the sun manifest itself in children:
Solar urticaria is one of the variants of the body's photoallergic reaction to exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Urticaria is an acute disease. Appears and disappears suddenly. The most characteristic and specific symptoms are:
1. Rashes. They look like blisters that do not have a cavity inside. The color of the blisters varies - from pale pink or flesh-colored to dark brown.
2. Itching at the site of the rash. If the child is very small and cannot scratch the blisters on his own, then his itching will manifest itself with increased anxiety and crying due to discomfort.
3. Swelling or swelling of the skin at the site of the lesion (open areas of skin). This manifestation can be detected visually with a very pronounced allergic reaction. For mild symptoms severe swelling, as a rule, is absent.
4. Bruising at the site of scratching;
5. Urticaria is characterized by large blisters with severe itching. This makes it possible to diagnose it from other types of photoallergic reaction to the sun (solar erythema and solar prurigo).
The time for blisters to appear may vary and depends on the duration of insolation (exposure to sunlight). Minor exposures often cause smaller blisters that are itchy and red. At long stay When exposed to sunlight, the blisters are much larger and the itching is stronger.
What is typical for solar urticaria is the disappearance of blisters 15-30 minutes after stopping exposure to the sun on exposed skin.
Solar urticaria most often occurs in the spring when the sun becomes more active and disappears in the fall as exposure to sunlight subsides.
Children are a particular risk group for developing solar urticaria. Very young children who are exposed for long periods of time are especially susceptible. open sun.
Treatment of solar urticaria:
1. The first and one of the most important stages The treatment for solar urticaria is the complete cessation of exposure to sunlight on the skin. Parents must either completely (preferably) remove the child from the room, or (if it is impossible to remove the baby) create dense shade and put clothes on the child. Your task is to stop exposure to ultraviolet rays as much as possible on the affected and healthy skin child.
2. The next step will be a consultation with a doctor and an appointment medicines if necessary. There will be several treatment options:
If the affected area and symptoms are minor, then simply stopping exposure to the sun is often sufficient. Then the rash goes away after 15 minutes.
If the lesion is serious enough and the symptoms manifest themselves quite clearly, then modern allergists prescribe for children antihistamines orally to stop an allergic reaction (Telfast, Erius). They are better tolerated by young children and do not cause severe drowsiness.
If the damage is too severe, then they resort to the use of injectable forms of antihistamines (Suprastin). Their effect is stronger and occurs faster.
If it is impossible to quickly call a doctor, apply a damp cloth to the place of the blisters (moisten it in clean water).
It is undesirable to use external antiallergic agents in young children due to the fact that many of their components can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and further aggravate the condition.
All parents should remember the main rule:
FOR SOLAR URTISH IN CHILDREN, SELF-MEDICATION IS UNACCEPTABLE AND IS LIFE-DANGEROUS DUE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLICATIONS OF ALLERGY!
Prevention of solar urticaria in children:
It is natural that the best option Treatment of solar urticaria is its prevention. Let's look at the basic and mandatory methods for preventing sun allergies.
1. Dosed exposure to the sun. At first, the maximum time spent in the sun is 5 minutes. Gradually, the dose of ultraviolet radiation can be increased.
2. Do not be in the sun with your baby during the period of maximum activity. Best time- from 7-00 to 10-00 and after 16-30. Also, this time depends on the country where you are. In very hot countries these time frames will be different (the break will be longer). Be sure to take this into account.
3. It is advisable not to allow the baby to be completely naked in the sun. Choose a natural cotton T-shirt, shorts and a large-brimmed bucket hat. Try to leave less exposed skin on young children. As the baby's time in the sun increases and the skin gets used to ultraviolet radiation, you will gradually undress the baby.
4. Be sure to use sunscreen with a maximum protection factor of 50+. Moreover, try to choose products that are intended specifically for children, are easy to apply (milk, lotion) and protect the skin from ultraviolet A and B (indicated on the packaging as UVA and UVB). Among manufacturing companies, give preference to pharmacy brands that produce cosmetics for children based on thermal water(Mustela, Bioderma, Avene and others).
5. Sunscreen apply no later than 30 minutes before taking sunbathing, not rubbing, but creating a thin protective layer. Renew the cream layer after each water procedure, even if the cream is waterproof.
6. Maintain sufficient drinking regime. Do not allow your child to become dehydrated. For drinking perfect option- clean drinking water.
7. Try to have children play in the shade all the time. Believe me, ultraviolet rays also penetrate there, only they are slightly scattered. In view of this, in the shade it is also necessary to observe all the safety measures described above.
8. Before using any medications, carefully read the instructions for them. It may indicate that while taking this drug, avoid direct sunlight due to the fact that the components of the drug increase the photosensitivity of the body.
9. If your baby is allergic, be especially vigilant. Be sure to have an emergency first aid kit with the appropriate medications for your child on hand.
With coming warm days, everyone strives to leave the city limits and go on vacation to the sea. The older generation prefers dacha plots, quiet quiet work in gardens and orchards. Previously, we only risked getting hay fever during this period of time. But the rapid development of technologies that affect the ecology and condition of our body is introducing more and more new diseases. Thus, allergies to ultraviolet radiation have become quite widespread. And the main inconvenience from it is solar urticaria.
What does solar urticaria look like?
Hives are the main symptom of sun allergy. Its forms and places of manifestation are varied. It often manifests itself in the form 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 from the first minutes of exposure to open sunlight. Rarely, it may take several hours for hives to appear. First, the disease affects exposed skin, and only then does it spread throughout the body. At initial stage These symptoms will go away on their own within two hours. But chronic forms of urticaria are often observed.
Causes of urticaria
People with Celtic skin type most often suffer from this type of sunburn. This type skin practically does not sunbathe, but simply becomes covered with red spots and burns. Children and pregnant women are at risk. The cause of any type of allergy is a malfunction immune system. Also, do not lose sight of the condition and functioning of the liver and gastrointestinal tract.
A huge number of plants cause allergic reactions. They can be contained in medications, creams, ointments, or be part of a drink. Simple tactile contact with them is also prohibited. Such plants include:
When going outside into the open rays of the sun, you should not use cosmetics. Yes, it causes hives decorative cosmetics, creams and perfumes. IN summer period try not to use deodorants - they cause dermatitis various shapes. Even using antibacterial soap can cause illness. The following essential oils should not be used or inhaled:
- Bergamot;
- Patchouli;
- Citrus;
- Dill;
- Tea tree.
While relaxing by the sea, various medications. The use of antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Doxycyline, Biseptol, Griseofulvin), antifungal drugs, hormonal contraceptives, corticosteroids, and drugs to normalize heart function is prohibited. antidepressants. We must not forget about the factor of heredity. If a woman suffered from any type of allergy during pregnancy, a predisposition to its symptoms can pass on 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, the most high effect have third generation drugs. At the initial stage of manifestation, it is possible to use the first two. A product such as Erius has an anti-allergic effect and relieves skin inflammation. The drug is often 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 cells. Helps overcome itching and inflammation of the skin of various shapes and locations. Serves as a kind of antiseptic. Unfortunately, if the dosage is not followed, it has many side effects: drowsiness, nausea, weakness, lacrimation, dizziness, insomnia.
Relieves hives within half an hour after taking Claritin. The effect lasts throughout the day. It is available in the form of tablets and syrup, so it is approved for use even by the smallest children. As with any remedy or intervention, the body may react inappropriately with drowsiness, headache or gastrointestinal disorders. Check out other antihistamines:
For complex treatment it is necessary to use products local action: creams, ointments and emulsions. There are hormonal and non-hormonal 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 penetrate into the blood, which will lead to hormonal changes in organism. The most popular among them:
- Elokom;
- Advantan;
- Soderm;
- Flucinar.
Any ointment is applied the thinnest layer on and around damaged areas. Depending on the severity of the disease, it should be used from twice a day to several times a week. Such drugs can relieve the patient from itching and burning, which will normalize nervous system and resume healthy sleep. But due to their composition, such drugs are very rarely prescribed to children and are never used by pregnant women.
Non-hormonal drugs are used by almost everyone, regardless of age. In pharmacies they are dispensed without presenting a prescription from a doctor. In most cases, they have a cooling effect. Get rid of solar urticaria very quickly. We recommend using the following tools:
If the diseased skin begins to peel off and crusts form, you need to smear it with any oil-based baby skin and hygiene cream.
Treatment at home
Most easy method To get rid of the itching of solar urticaria is to freeze it. Wipe damaged skin ice cubes or something cold. Rubbing with menthol oil or mint tea will help relieve swelling. Chamomile or plain green tea is also suitable as a lotion. Try to take cool or cold showers more often.
In the refrigerator of any housewife, and especially in the summer, there is a vegetable such as a cucumber. Cut it into circles and apply it to the 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 an analogue of cucumber. These products will absorb all the heat and relieve swelling. During the treatment period, refrain from playing sports - do not allow your skin to sweat. Take baths with oatmeal infusion.
Eat as many diuretic foods as possible, namely watermelons, melons, grapes, apples, celery. The juice of the latter should be consumed three times a day and wiped over the body. Aloe juice will help relieve redness. Have a drink a large number of water and Activated carbon- This is to rid the body of toxins, which will speed up the healing process. It has long been known about healing properties string and lavender. Take baths with their decoctions. Prepare a weak infusion of these herbs and drink 50 grams before meals.
How to avoid solar urticaria?
To prevent allergic manifestations on the skin, avoid direct exposure to it. Sunbathing is necessary only in the shade and at permitted times, 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 hats with wide brims to avoid exposing your face to burns and hives. Give preference to clothes in light colors and covering the body as much as possible.
When leaving the water, remove all moisture from your body with a towel. Do not leave drops of water on it. All decorative cosmetics and cosmetic ointments and creams are prohibited. Under no circumstances should you drink alcohol while on vacation. If you know you are prone to solar urticaria, follow a hypoallergenic diet, because ignoring the disease will lead to second-degree burns. Chronic forms of diseases may appear.
Solar urticaria is a type of photodermatosis that occurs in only 3% of the world's population. If a person is exposed to the sun for a very long time, then under the influence of ultraviolet rays his body becomes covered with a rash. The appearance of acne can be caused not only by the rays of the sun, but also by artificial radiation, for example, an ultraviolet lamp.
This disease can have two versions of origin:
The disease develops under the influence of certain factors that can make the skin susceptible to ultraviolet rays, after which the sun becomes harmful to the body. Photosensitivity can be provoked by:
- Diseases of the liver, kidneys, stomach, and thyroid gland.
- Use of medications, namely: antibiotics (for example, Biseptol and Doxycycline), corticosteroids, sulfonamides, hormonal and antifungal agents, antidepressants. Usually such rashes are located symmetrically.
- Certain foods: citrus fruits, figs, liquor, nuts, celery, carrots, parsley or coffee.
- Taking medicinal plants such as St. John's wort, hogweed, orchid, nettle, wormwood, immortelle, hawthorn, clover, quinoa, and ranunculaceae.
- Heredity. In this case, the disease may appear in childhood.
- Cosmetics containing photosensitizers. Typically, such rashes have a clear outline.
- Application essential oils, for example, bergamot, citrus, patchouli or dill.
Even if a person is wearing closed clothing, he can still get hurt. Red spots often appear on areas of clothing where there are open patterns or stripes. Rashes can also form if a person’s clothing consists of thin fabrics, such as chiffon or silk.
Important!Solar urticaria is considered pseudoallergic, since there are no antibodies in the human blood that occur with allergies.
Symptoms of the disease
Sun allergy can be acute and chronic, which can be persistent papular and recurrent forms.
A symptom of solar urticaria is the formation of pinkish-colored bumps. If a person has been in the sun for too long, the body may become red and break out in rashes such as blisters, pimples or papules.
Important! In advanced cases, several tubercles can merge into one and be up to 13 centimeters in size; the affected area can itch and hurt.
If a person has been under ultraviolet light for a little while, the signs of the disease will go away on their own pretty soon. Long exposure to the sun leads to a chronic form of solar urticaria.
The following category of people is most susceptible to the disease:
Symptoms of solar urticaria - Pregnant women.
- Small children.
- People with Celtic skin type.
- Female. It has been noticed that men suffer from solar urticaria 4 times less often.
- People whose parents were allergic to the sun.
In addition to rashes, the patient may suffer from suffocation, weakness, nausea, vomiting and high fever.
Important! Symptoms and treatmenta doctor must determine; only he can distinguish solar urticaria from erythropoietic protoporphyria, which is transmitted genetically. Most likely, he will ask the patient to take a test for protoporphyrin in blood cells.
There are cases when hives from the sun go away on their own. This usually happens after 3-8 years. The reason for this has not yet been clarified.
Prevention methods
The best way protect yourself from solar urticaria by staying in direct sunlight as little as possible , and also comply with the following rules:
Important! Ignoring preventive methods can lead to second-degree burns or a chronic form of the disease, chronic solar erythema. Itching and scratching of the affected areas lead to constant scratching, which can cause purulent inflammation. IN in rare cases Quincke's edema appears.
Treatment of solar urticaria
Pharmacy drugs
Solar urticaria is treated with the following medications:
- Antiallergic drugs, for example, Zyrtec, Diphenhydramine, Kestin, Claritin. They perfectly eliminate itching and resist the production of histamine. Very effective drug Loratadine is considered. Erius is safer, it can be used even during pregnancy, since side effects practically absent.
- Painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin.
- Anti-inflammatory ointments. Not hormonal agents safer, but have a less pronounced effect. These include: Panthenol, Desitin, Elidel, Chagu, Gistan, Fenistil-gel. In advanced cases, the doctor may recommend: Flucinar, Soderm, Elokom. However, drugs in this group should be taken as carefully as possible and only in the required proportions. If wounds have formed on the body, hormonal agents cannot be used, since, once they penetrate the blood, they will provoke a change in hormonal levels.
- Antioxidants: vitamins A and E, lipoic acid.
- Fat-based creams - must be used if the skin begins to peel off and become crusty.
Drugs for the treatment of solar urticaria Treatment with PUVA therapy is considered effective, in which the patient must take a photoactive substance - psoralen and undergo irradiation of the skin with ultraviolet waves. Plasmapheresis, one of the blood purification methods, has also proven itself well.
Traditional methods
Traditional methods for solar urticaria: ice cubes with menthol, green tea, pine needle baths Treatment of solar urticaria traditional methods very popular. Here are the most effective ways:
- Freezing – best method get rid of itching and skin itching. You can wipe the skin with pieces of ice, menthol oil or mint tea.
- Green or black tea, which is applied to the body every 20 minutes. Chamomile tea also helps relieve itching.
- Cucumber lotion. Cut the vegetable into circles and apply them to the rashes, it is advisable to do this circular movements. Cucumber can be replaced with potatoes or cabbage leaves - they all perfectly relieve heat and swelling.
- Aloe juice can eliminate skin redness.
- Grind rice starch with glycerin and smear the resulting mixture on the affected area.
- Baths with decoctions of string, calendula or lavender, and infusions can also be taken orally, one-fourth of a glass before meals.
- Activated carbon diluted with water will remove toxic substances from the body.
- Bath to which you need to add 600 g. rolled oats or oatmeal.
- Baths with an infusion of coniferous trees such as fir, pine or spruce will help relieve even severe itching.
- Infusion of burdock roots. Moisten with decoction cotton pad and apply to the area where the rash appears.
- Decoction of crushed geranium - you need to brew the herb in two glasses of boiled water and regularly wipe the skin with the infusion.
Solar urticaria on this moment has not been sufficiently studied by doctors, and the disease can go away as suddenly as it appears. The best way to protect yourself from the disease is to stay in direct sunlight as little as possible and adhere to preventive measures.
Solar urticaria is a form of allergy that occurs as a reaction directly to sunlight. It often appears literally a few minutes after exposure of exposed skin to harmful ultraviolet rays. Experts classify solar urticaria as a rare dynamic form of so-called photodermatosis.
Solar urticaria - quite serious chronic illness. It usually appears only in those areas of the body that are exposed to sunlight. But in people with hypersensitivity, it makes itself felt when wearing clothes that are too thin (in this case, a rash may appear on the body in the form of certain patterns or stripes that correspond to the shape of the pattern on the fabric).
Symptoms of the disease
Even after a person’s short stay in the open sun, small, somewhat itchy pinkish-red rashes suddenly appear on certain areas of the skin (which were hit by the rays). As a rule, they protrude slightly on the surface of the body and are characterized by a tendency to merge.
If an allergy sufferer has been exposed to the open sun for a long time, pale pink blisters may appear on his skin. They usually contain liquid, and the blisters themselves are characterized by a thin pink border around the periphery (rim). The skin gradually turns red. It is worth noting that as soon as a person’s exposure to the sun is stopped, the superficial rash can disappear within about half an hour. As for redness (erythema) with small blisters, they disappear after a few hours.
Many doctors believe that frequent and short-term exposure to the open sun still develops in the allergy sufferer’s body a certain resistance/addiction to the allergen, that is, the sun’s rays. However, this resistance can be observed only in open areas of the skin (face, neck, hands), and all other areas that are usually hidden under clothing continue to be sensitive. All in all, clinical picture solar urticaria is:
- pinkish-red rash;
- itching of the skin;
- blisters filled with fluid;
- nausea and (in severe cases).
Reasons in the mirror of scientific research
Solar urticaria, as you know, is most often observed in people with overly photosensitive skin, and causes them quite a lot of discomfort. But, unfortunately, the nature of this polymorphic photodermatosis (this is what experts call solar urticaria) has not yet been fully studied by scientists. A large number of doctors are directly inclined to believe that in the development of the disease main role plays an immunoallergic mechanism.
Statistics show that solar urticaria most often occurs in women whose age is no more than thirty years. It is also believed that the risk of developing this allergic disease is higher if a person has light skin or lives in some northern regions. All this increases the likelihood of solar urticaria.
The disease can also be hereditary, since the risk of developing the disease increases significantly if there are allergies in the family or there have already been cases of solar urticaria.
It is also important to note the fact that a photoallergic reaction in some cases is also provoked for the reason that the rays negatively affect a certain group chemical substances– today they are often included in many modern sunscreens, perfumes, various ointments, cosmetics, etc.
Effective treatments
Treatment of urticaria caused by the sun must be under the supervision of specialists. Of course, you can also use anti-inflammatory creams - they are usually sold without prescriptions at any pharmacy. But these remedies can only help the patient soothe itchy skin and reduce the feeling of discomfort from painful blisters and burning.
Modern anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin, can also reduce redness and relieve pain. If during an allergic reaction to Sun rays There are no medications at hand, you can simply wet a towel and apply it to the painful itchy area. A cool bath also helps.
And yet, let's return directly to the treatment. Solar urticaria is quite difficult to treat. A minor effect may occur after consuming antihistamines (Diazolin, Suprastin, Diphenhydramine), as well as carotenoids and drugs similar to them in their general antioxidant effect.
But in Lately specialists quite successfully treat solar urticaria with plasmapheresis and special technique, which is called extracorporeal photochemotherapy. It is also worth noting that phototherapy and a special innovative technique, PUVA therapy, have become most widespread. Some doctors even recommend combining antihistamines with PUVA therapy, as well as constantly using safe sunscreens.
As for the prevention of relapses, it, first of all, consists of a set of actions that should be aimed at protecting the skin from sun exposure: you should wear reasonable clothing; use photoprotectors with the maximum degree of protection; resort to phototherapy, which is also considered a pretty good means of prevention.
Folk remedies for solar urticaria. Today, quite a lot of people are interested in knowing how to effectively treat solar urticaria at home. Let us just note that this question is actually relevant only in cases where the disease is mild. In this case, we suggest you use the following recipes:
1. Simply pour 200 grams of marjoram with boiling water (two liters) and add the resulting infusion to the bath.
2. Mix in equal quantities natural honey with juice and then take one teaspoon three times a day.
Remember that you should not neglect going to the doctor if the disease manifests itself in an infant, or you discover the appearance of acute urticaria in a child who is not yet 14 years old.
Solar urticaria is a rare disease associated with increased sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays. What are the symptoms of the disease? Are there effective treatments?
Content:Solar urticaria in modern medical taxonomy belongs to the group of photodermatoses. The disease is characterized by increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays and rapid onset and resolution of symptoms. Unfortunately, this form of urticaria is a chronic process, which is quite difficult to get rid of. So what are the causes of solar urticaria and are there effective treatments for it?
Solar urticaria: causes and mechanism of disease development
The physical trigger for an allergic reaction is ultraviolet rays. Most often, the disease affects exposed areas of skin on the face, neck, chest, and forearms. In approximately 2% of cases, dermatosis spreads to other areas.
According to statistics, in 80% of cases, solar urticaria is diagnosed in women and children. At the same time, people with white, thin, sensitive skin are more prone to this form of dermatosis.
The mechanisms of disease development are not fully understood. However, solar urticaria is usually classified as a false allergic reaction, since specific antibodies could not be detected in patients’ blood tests.
The “culprits” of allergies are considered to be specific substances that have photosensitizing properties. They can be found both on the surface of the skin and in its deeper layers.
When exposed to ultraviolet light, photosensitizers activate mast cells, which stimulates the release of histamine and, accordingly, provokes the development of an allergic reaction.
Main risk factors
The impact of certain factors on the human body can aggravate the situation and increase the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction. First of all, these are substances with photosensitizing properties.
- In most cases, they are applied to the skin by the person himself, since such compounds are often components of creams, deodorants and other cosmetics.
- Increased skin sensitivity to light can also be caused by taking certain medications, including tetracycline antibiotics, some hormonal contraceptives, etc. Therefore, before using any medicine, you should carefully read the instructions and make sure that it does not cause photosensitivity.
- Extracts and juices of some plants have the same properties, including St. John's wort, some types of angelica and hogweed.
- And, of course, food can also affect your health. In particular, parsley, lime, celery, fennel, citrus peel, figs, etc. have photosensitizing properties.
- On the other hand, solar urticaria can appear against the background of diseases endocrine system, autoimmune processes, chronic malfunctions of the liver and kidneys.
Symptoms of solar urticaria
Solar urticaria is accompanied by quite characteristic symptoms. Already 20 - 30 minutes after irradiation, reddish spots resembling erythema begin to appear on open areas of the skin. With more intense and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, you may notice the appearance of small blisters. Most patients complain of itching and burning.
Much less often, fever, general weakness, headaches, and loss of consciousness join the standard symptoms. Occasionally, an allergic reaction is accompanied by Quincke's edema.
Typically, rashes and blisters disappear on their own within a few hours of sun exposure. But with repeated exposure, the symptoms of solar urticaria appear again.
Diagnosis of the disease
Diagnosis of solar urticaria is rarely difficult, because the patient can independently note the connection between skin irradiation and the rapid development of an allergic reaction. However, additional research is still needed.
Most effective method is the so-called phototesting. Similar procedure helps not only to confirm the presence hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, but also potentially determine hazardous substances, provoking a reaction. One or another substance is applied to a small area of skin (this can be either a cosmetic or a medicine), and then irradiated using an ultraviolet lamp. After 24 hours, the doctor checks for the presence of allergic rashes and assesses the intensity of the reaction.
Is there an effective drug treatment?
Unfortunately, there is no medicine that can rid a person of allergies once and for all. But different medications help eliminate the main symptoms of solar urticaria.
First of all, patients are prescribed antihistamines. In particular, medications such as Claritin, Suprastin, Kestin and some others are considered quite effective. These drugs block the further development of the allergic reaction without inhibiting the activity of the nervous system.
The use of preparations containing panthenol also gives a positive result - these can be ointments, creams, foam, etc. This substance nourishes and softens the skin, accelerates regeneration processes, activates the synthesis of collagen fibers, and also has a weak anti-inflammatory effect. In more severe cases, it is advisable to use steroid drugs that help get rid of the rash, skin redness and itching. Sometimes solar urticaria is complicated by a bacterial or fungal infection. In cases of inflammation and suppuration, the patient is prescribed ointments containing antibiotics or antifungal substances.
Basic preventive measures
Unfortunately, getting rid of solar urticaria is quite difficult. But by following some safety rules, you can prevent the development of the next allergy attack:
- Stay in the sun as little as possible - walks are best done in the morning or evening.
- Patients are advised to wear thick clothes from light fabrics, protect the skin with umbrellas, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, etc.
- Before going outside, be sure to treat your skin with special sunscreen.
- Make sure that the cosmetics and medicines do not contain potentially hazardous substances.
- Follow a dairy-vegetable diet and proper drinking regimen (at least 2 liters clean water in a day).
When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor - proper therapy and prevention will help prevent the development of relapses.