Interventional Pain Management in the Spine

Sun allergy is a condition where a rash and itching appears on the skin after exposure to sunlight. The rash and itching can appear on the face, neck, nape and back of the hands. However, in certain cases, sun allergy symptoms can appear in all parts of the body.

Sun allergy or photosensitivity occurs when the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight or sources of ultraviolet radiation (UV) others. Compared to other types of allergies, sun allergies are relatively rare.

Interventional Pain Management in the Spine

This condition is caused by a disturbance in the body's immune system where sunlight is considered dangerous. As a result, the body's immune cells attack skin tissue and trigger an allergic reaction when the body is exposed to sunlight.

Types of Sun Allergies

Sun allergies that occur in each sufferer can be different. Some people can become very sensitive due to short exposure to sunlight, while others become sensitive to sunlight if there are trigger factors, such as the use of certain medications. 

The following are some common types of sun allergies:

1. Actinic prurigo

Actinic prurigo is a type of sun allergy that is hereditary. This means that this condition is experienced by someone who has a family history of sun allergies too. 

This type of sun allergy can cause an allergic reaction within a few hours after exposure to sunlight. This type of sun allergy often occurs in childhood or adolescence. 

2. Photoallergic eruptions

Photoallergic eruption is a type of sun allergy that appears when there is a trigger in the form of a chemical substance or certain medication that is applied to the skin or consumed. In many cases, chemicals or ingredients that can trigger photoallergic eruptions are sunscreen , fragrances, cosmetics, and antibiotic ointments.

Meanwhile, several types of medicines that can trigger sun allergies include antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides), NSAID pain relievers (ibuprofen and naproxen sodium), and diuretics for high blood pressure and heart failure.

3. Solar urticaria

Solar urticaria is a type of sun allergy that is rare compared to previous types. This type of sun allergy generally occurs in young women. Solar urticaria can cause large, itchy red bumps on the skin.

4. Xeroderma pigmentosum

This is the rarest type of sun allergy or photosensitivity. Xeroderma pigmentosum is estimated to occur in only 1 in 1 million people and is most common in Japan, North Africa and the Middle East region. 

This disease occurs due to a genetic disorder that makes the sufferer's skin very vulnerable to sunlight. When exposed to sunlight, people with severe sun allergies can experience severe rashes, swelling, or even blindness. These allergy sufferers are also very susceptible to skin cancer.

Sun Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of sun allergies can appear minutes, hours or days after the skin is exposed to sunlight. Symptoms can vary, depending on the type and severity of the sun allergy experienced.

However, generally, sun symptoms can be characterized by the appearance of the following things on the skin:

  • Bumps, nodules, and blisters
  • Itchy
  • Redness
  • Peeling or hardening of the skin
  • Stinging or burning feeling
  • Swelling

In some very rare cases, sun allergies can also cause the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Anaphylactic shock

How to Treat Sun Allergies

Treatment of sun allergies really depends on the severity of the symptoms. If you experience mild symptoms, simply avoid sunlight or wear clothes that cover your skin when doing outdoor activities. 

However, for more severe allergy symptoms, you need the following treatments:

Medicines

There are several types of medicines that can relieve the symptoms of sun allergies. These drugs are usually available in tablet and cream form. Some examples of these drugs are:

  • Antihistamines, such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine
  • Corticosteroids
  • Itch relief cream
  • Injection omalizumab

Phototherapy

For very severe sun allergies, doctors may recommend phototherapy. This is a treatment technique that uses ultraviolet light to reduce the skin's reaction to sunlight. 

Through phototherapy, the doctor will illuminate areas of the body that are often exposed to the sun with ultraviolet light. This treatment is carried out several times a week for a period of time determined by the doctor.

Apart from the methods above, you are also advised to adopt several habits, such as reducing outdoor activities, stopping the use of drugs that trigger sun allergies, and using moisturizers to keep skin barrier remains strong and the skin remains moisturized.

If you experience sun allergy symptoms as described above, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. Consultations can be done anytime and anywhere via Chat with a Doctor to get advice appropriate handling. If necessary, you can also make an appointment to undergo further examination. 

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