Certain medications have a strong relationship with the sun. Sometimes, a person taking such drugs could develop severe sun allergy (photosensitivity or polymorphus light eruption) in the form of blisters, rashes, exaggerated sun burn, peeling or itchy skin and hives. These problems arise within hours after the skin is exposed to the sun. Today we will discuss some sun allergy treatment tips. Before we do so, let us study the causes of photosensitivity/sun allergy and the drugs responsible for it.
What causes sun allergy?
Sun allergies occur because its UV rays change the structural composition of certain drugs which creates antibodies in the blood. The immune system is designed to attack these antibodies as a result of which it turns on itself. This leads to rashes, hives, urticaria and other symptoms. The rash can quickly spread to areas that are not exposed to the sun. Different people taking the same drug might react differently to the sun. For example, if there are 2 people taking the same drug, one might develop sun allergy while the other may not. Sun allergies can persist for decades after the medication is stopped.
Which drugs are responsible for such an allergy?
Many medicines, conventional as well as herbal, can cause photosensitivity. These include certain types of antibiotics, antidepressants, vitamin C based products, sandalwood oil, bergamot oil etc. Anti-fungal drugs like Griseofulin, homeopathic remedies like St. John’s Wort and diuretics can also lead to photosensitivity. Drugs prescribed for hypertension and cholesterol reduction may also be responsible. NSAIDs, diabetic medicines and oral contraceptives can also cause sun allergy sometimes.
How to cure sun allergy
1. Homeopathic treatment
Many homeopathic remedies are perfect for sun allergy prevention. They include
- 8 Natrium Chloratum D6
- Acidum Fluoricum D6 (6 x potency)
Take 5 globules of each. Externally, you can use sun allergy homeopathic treatment called Nr.8 Sodium Chloratum ointment.
2. Use sunblocks and sunscreens
People sensitive to the sun must wear a sunblock or sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply the product an hour before sun exposure and reapply it every 30 minutes. If you sweat heavily or swim, reapply sunscreen immediately after drying off. Note that in some cases physical sun-blocks with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide could aggravate the allergic reaction. So try the product on small patch of skin first in order to prevent allergic reaction to the sunscreen.
3. Avoid the sun
As far as possible, avoid the sun. Seek shade where possible. Wear a broad brimmed hat or scarf. Also wear loose, protective cotton clothes that cover your arms, neck and torso completely. Specially formulated sun protective clothes are also available.
4. Take antihistamine
Antihistamines like Benadryl can prevent and heal sun allergy. You can also apply topical hydrocortisone based creams to relieve itching. Discontinue use of steroidal creams after 2-3 days.
5. Use cool compress
A cool or cold compress such as ice pack or frozen vegetable packs can relieve itch and bring down swelling. You can also soak a clean flannel cloth in cold water and apply it on the rashes.
6. Stop the drug
If possible, stop taking the drug responsible for the sun allergy for at least 2 weeks. Follow this with complete rest and avoidance of outdoor activities. Do not go out in the sun for 2 weeks.
7. Apply Aloe Vera
Apply aloe vera liberally to the rash. Aloe cools and soothes the skin and reduces itchiness, swelling and redness associated with sun allergy.
8. Soak in oatmeal bath
Oatmeal bath soothes the rash and redness and prevents irritation. Grind a cup of oatmeal and add it to tepid water. Soak in the bath for 20 minutes. This remedy will heal sun allergy symptoms in no time.
9. Vitamin E
Take 400 mg of Vitamin E to provide protection to the skin from the inside. This anti-oxidant keeps the skin healthy and supple and plays a role in allergy prevention.
10. Take Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an important role in building immunity. Take Beta carotene which gets converted into Vitamin A. This can prevent photosensitivity.
Sun allergy is quite common and can be quite distressing when it occurs for the first time. We hope the above remedies help prevent sun allergy and also heal it quickly.