Photodermatosis (sometimes called sun allergy or photosensitivity) is a reaction characterized by skin rashes that can develop when exposed to the sun. The medical term is solar polymorphic dermatitis. It can be itchy and uncomfortable, but not permanent skin lesions. If you or your child have this reaction, there are several ways to treat it at home.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use a Cold Pack
Step 1. Choose the solution to apply
One of the best treatments for photodermatosis is a cold pack soaked in a particular blend. There are many substances you can use to soothe the skin. Each has its own advantages, so look for the one that best suits your needs. You may be sensitive to some of those listed, so try them on a small portion of your skin before applying them to the rash. Consider:
- Distilled or running water to boil and cool before application.
- Diluted chamomile and green tea - both have healing properties. Prepare 2-3 cups, dilute them with an equal amount of water and let cool.
- Milk taken straight from the refrigerator, so as cold as possible.
- Pure and cold aloe vera juice.
- Refrigerator cold coconut milk.
- Apple cider vinegar to be diluted with an equal amount of water.
- Baking soda: Mix a tablespoon in a cup of cold water.
- Turmeric and buttermilk: Mix a cup of buttermilk and a tablespoon of turmeric. The latter is useful for its antioxidants which promote healing and relieve itching.
Step 2. Apply the cold pack
When you have decided which solution to use, you can apply the compress. Take a clean white unbleached cloth and dip it into your chosen blend. Once soaked, squeeze it lightly so it doesn't drip. Leave it on your face to moisten it, placing it on the affected area.
Step 3. Repeat the operation
You can leave the cold pack in place for 30 to 60 minutes. Use this method whenever you feel the need, repeating it immediately or when the itching and irritation returns.
Method 2 of 4: Using Other Treatments
Step 1. Apply a natural soothing agent
There are some natural soothing agents that can be applied directly to the skin. They will help you lessen the irritation and heal the rash. These substances include:
- Aloe vera gel: has calming and refreshing properties.
- Grated or pureed cucumber: has refreshing properties and helps prevent skin dryness.
- Coconut oil: Contains omega-3 fatty acids that can promote healing, reduce inflammation and fight infections.
Step 2. Use an itch cream
There are several types of over-the-counter ointments that relieve itching and photodermatosis. They are based on hydrocortisone, calamine and other soothing agents.
- If the itching is severe or does not go away, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid.
- Calamine creams contain zinc oxide and iron oxide, so they are very effective in relieving photodermatosis. They do not have soothing agents, such as hydrocortisone, but they reduce itching.
Step 3. Use a pain reliever
Photosensitivity can cause pain and discomfort. He was trying to take ibuprofen (Moment, Brufen), acetaminophen (Tachipirina) or naproxen sodium (Momendol). Follow the instructions in the package leaflet to know the dosage.
The risk of these drugs causing skin sensitivity is very low, so if photodermatosis worsens, stop taking it and see your doctor
Method 3 of 4: Preventing Photodermatoses
Step 1. Expose yourself to the sun gradually
The easiest way to prevent rashes from forming is to slowly expose yourself to the sun. The most commonly affected areas are the legs, arms and chest, so take your time in spring to gradually discover these points on the body. Try exposing one area at a time rather than all of them at the same time. Also, try to limit your exposure time to around 10 minutes at first.
For example, to start with, wear a short-sleeved shirt with a high collar and long pants. You can also put on a pair of shorts with a long-sleeved, high-necked shirt. By leaving only one area uncovered, you have a better chance of preventing skin reactions from developing
Step 2. Apply sunscreen
When sunbathing, put sunscreen on uncovered areas. Choose one with a high protection factor to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, as both can promote photodermatoses.
Apply it every 2 hours
Step 3. Get out in the best hours
Some times of the day are considered less appropriate for sun exposure. If you are prone to photodermatosis or want to prevent it from developing, avoid being in the sun between 10am and 3pm. During these hours you are more at risk because the sun is stronger.
Step 4. Protect yourself with clothing
If you are prone to photodermatosis, you can protect yourself by wearing opaque clothing or clothing. When you go out, even if it's not hot, wear a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt to cover your arms. Wear a turtleneck shirt to protect your chest and a pair of long pants to protect your legs.
The face is also exposed, so protect it by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or scarf
Method 4 of 4: Understanding Photodermatosis
Step 1. Learn about polymorphic solar dermatitis
This is an itchy and red skin reaction that develops when sunbathing. The term polymorphic indicates that the appearance of the rash changes with people. It is more common in spring, when you are exposed to the first strongest rays after winter.
It is more common in women than in men and occurs most often in children and adults between the ages of 20 and 40 living in Northern Europe and North America. This incidence is due to the temperate climate enjoyed by these latitudes
Step 2. Consider the cause
Photodermatosis is considered an allergic reaction, but not in the traditional sense. It typically develops because the immune system reacts to exposure to UV rays and visible light.
Step 3. Recognize the symptoms
The main symptom of solar polymorphic dermatitis is a rash accompanied by itching and pustules or blisters. It can occur within 20 minutes of exposure to the sun, but also after a few hours. It usually appears on the arms, chest or legs, which are the spots that are most covered during the winter months and that tend to get used to sunlight.
Even if you cure the first episode, the rash may recur when you sunbathe again. Generally, relapses are less severe than the first manifestation
Step 4. Learn about secondary causes
In addition to direct exposure to sunlight, it is possible to develop this condition by sunbathing through windows or under fluorescent lights. It could also occur as a result of taking medications or exposure to chemicals. These two reactions are called "drug induced photosensitivity" and "photoallergic dermatitis" respectively.
- Certain chemicals in soaps, perfumes, skin creams, cleansers, and makeup products can react in the sun and cause skin rashes. It is possible to solve this problem by stopping using the product that promoted the onset of the reaction.
- There are many medications that can cause photodermatosis, including diuretics, anticonvulsants, quinine, tetracyclines, NSAID pain relievers including ibuprofen and naproxen, and some diabetes medications. Contact your doctor if you develop photodermatosis due to the medications you are taking.
Step 5. See your doctor
If you try a home remedy but the rash doesn't go away within 24 hours, call your doctor. It could be another type of reaction, or it could be that the underlying problem is more serious. Call it even if it gets worse after applying a homemade natural solution.
- Your doctor will examine you and ask you what conditions and illnesses you have recently suffered. If they can't find the cause, they may recommend that you have a small sample of skin affected by the rash analyzed.
- If it's just photosensitivity, he'll prescribe a hydrocortisone cream, but he might also suggest you take some preventative measures without providing you with any therapy.
