Sun Poisoning Symptoms
Sun poisoning symptoms occur when the sun UV radiation triggers changes in the skin cells. These changes are a response of the immune system which mistakenly identifies the proteins in skin cells as harmful and reacts: forms antibodies that attack the cells, causing specific symptoms. Usually, allergic reactions occur in spring or summer, but there are people who have allergic reactions during the winter months.
Certain medications, chemicals and skin conditions can increase sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). Although in most cases, this is not a true allergic reaction; symptoms can be similar to those caused by allergy to sunlight.
It is yet to prove scientifically why some people are allergic to the sun and others not. It is believed however, that genetics plays an important role.
Risk factors for sun poisoning are caused by the overall health of a person and certain particular conditions:
Race: Anyone can develop sun poisoning, but some types of allergies are more common in people belonging to certain races. For example, the most common type of sun poisoning (polymorphic light eruption) occurs mainly in Caucasians.
Sex and age: Sun poisoning occurs mostly in women and girls under 30.
Exposure to certain substances: Some symptoms of sun poisoning start when the skin comes into contact with certain substances and then to sunlight. These substances are perfumes, disinfectants, and even some products with sunscreen.
Use of certain medications: Some drugs can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Reactions to drugs administered orally are less common than reactions to medicinal products applied to the skin.
Other skin diseases: atopic dermatitis or other allergies increases the risk of sun poisoning.
At the first sun poisoning symptoms you will probably contact your family doctor. However, you will be directed to the dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
To know what information to give and what to expect from your doctor, you need to provide some information:
- When you make your appointment, ask if you should take some steps before. For example, if your doctor will do tests, some require advance preparation.
- Write down any symptoms you have had, including those that you feel relevant. Be prepared to present medical events we've had, how long after the sun exposure sun poisoning symptoms appeared, their duration, if you used special skin creams.
- Do not forget to specify aspects of your lifestyle, if you have gone through stressful periods or major changes.
- Make a list of all medications, supplements or vitamins you are taking. Include in this list any substance you used on the skin.
Sun poisoning symptoms depend on the type of allergy:
1. Polymorphic light eruption
The affected area includes the skin on the arms, neck and face. Symptoms disappear within a few days if the affected area will be protected from sunlight. For most people this type of allergy occurs in spring and summer.
2. Hereditary polymorphic rash
Occurs especially in children and young adults. Symptoms include red lesions, accompanied by itching, blisters that can break, can be extended even on skin that has not been exposed to the sun.
3. Chronic actinic dermatitis
Can cause inflammatory lesions covered by crusts and dry itch in the face, scalp, back and sides of the neck, upper chest and hands. In some cases, affect the palms and soles.
4. Solar urticaria
Occurs within minutes of sun exposure by hives, itching and the appearance of pustules. This type of allergy can affect the areas covered by clothing that can be penetrated by ultraviolet rays.
