What can spoil the long-awaited vacation at sea? Everything seems to be perfect: a good company, great mood, a beach full of happy people, great weather and sun…lots of sun.
An allergic reaction to the sun's rays is one of the factors that can definitely ruin your vacation if you are not well informed and ready to face it correctly. Allergy to the sun has become quite common and more and more people are affected by it.
What do you need to know about this condition, so as not to find yourself in an awkward situation?
Sun allergy occurs when certain substances in or on the skin react with the ultraviolet light contained in the sun's rays.
Solar allergy can be confused with other allergic reactions of the body. But, having figured it out, it is necessary to fix the problem, otherwise the vacation will be ruined for sure.
Solar allergy resembles the usual skin irritation in the form of a red rash on the legs, arms and all over the body, as well as in the form of skin peeling, small islands of pustular rashes, swelling, just redness of the skin, itching, burning.
Do not confuse the cases when you just "burned" in the sun and when an allergy appeared. Due to long exposure to the sun, absolutely anyone can suffer.
What are the causes of sun allergies?
Doctors are still learning why some people are allergic to the sun and others are not. One of the causes would be that the human body perceives the sun as an aggressive external influence. This allergy occurs in people with disorders of the immune and endocrine systems, kidneys and liver. The risk group is supplemented by people with milky-white skin, often with freckles, light eyes.
In addition, there are a number of substances that can cause an allergy to the sun in any person, including:
- cosmetics and perfumes: lotions, deodorants, antibacterial soaps, lipsticks, creams, including sunscreens, if they contain para-aminobenzoic acid and benzophenones;
- sweeteners in digestion;
- household chemicals which you used before going out;
- certain drugs (oral contraceptives, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antidepressants);
- some plants, for example, nettle, sedge, buckwheat, hogweed;
- foods: sorrel, parsley, sweet pepper, figs, carrot juice, this also includes alcohol (especially with dyes), as well as spicy foods.
How to deal with sun allergies?
- Before the trip, buy antihistamines at the pharmacy, consult a dermatologist.
- Take vitamins C, B, E and nicotinic acid as a preventive measure for sun allergies.
- If you are taking medication, then before going out into the sun, check if the composition of the drug contains a component of the above that reacts to sunlight.
- Use UV protection creams, suntan lotions on your body 20 minutes before sun exposure, and apply a special moisturizer after sunbathing and showering.
- Do not forget about special areas – the area around the eyes, lips and ears. Protective cream must be applied to them. Choose a product designed specifically for specific areas with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- If you are the owner of very sensitive skin, sunbathe in the shade, under an umbrella, avoid direct sunlight.
- Try to use decorative cosmetics, gels, creams, eau de toilette, perfumes, as little as possible.
- Wear sunglasses and clothing that covers your body as much as possible: long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats will protect your skin from sun exposure.
- If you do not have special allergy creams, you can use burn products. All of them contain anti-inflammatory substances, extracts of medicinal plants that soothe and cool the skin. Folk remedies for treating allergies at home also help well: cucumber, potato or cabbage juices. They will help reduce skin inflammation.
- Drink at least two liters of non-carbonated water a day, this will help eliminate toxic substances from the body.
- Try to support the liver with special preparations that normalize its activity, as well as contribute to normal metabolism in the body, regeneration of the skin.
- If you are at a resort, contact a doctor right away, they are familiar with these types of skin reactions to the sun and will be able to quickly reduce inflammation.
Practically healthy people are not allergic to the sun. Therefore, you need to think about what is wrong with you. Arm yourself with information so as not to get allergic to the sun, monitor your health and respond in time to the symptoms that appear. Then your summer will be fun and carefree!
Happy vacation!