Summer is coming and getting out in the sun is becoming more difficult. Whenever we go out in the bright sunlight, our skin gets sunburn. This is due to the extreme heat and sensitivity to photogenic cells. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can sometimes lead to more problematic situations, such as photosensitivity. The risk of light sensitivity is much higher due to the ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun. Exposure to these UV rays can even cause skin damage and skin cancer in some cases. The situation can be a difficult one to deal with and so we are here to help you reduce the risk. Today we will learn about photosensitivity and the types of symptoms that can determine if you have photosensitivity.
What is light sensitivity?
We spoke with Dr. Anusha Goel, a consultant and dermatologist at Ivory Hospital in Greater Noida. He explained that light sensitivity is an extreme sunburn that can cause deep damage to the skin. Exposure to ultraviolet rays in skin cells which causes burns and rashes on the body. There are many types of light sensitivity depending on the type of exposure and response of the body. Those who are sensitive to skin rashes can actually have a lasting effect on their body.
Types of photo sensitivity
There are two main types of photosensitive reactions that occur due to the sun-
1. Phototoxic reactions
This reaction occurs in situations where the body is exposed to UV rays. This interaction involves the reaction of UV rays with a new chemical that causes skin problems. Drugs like doxycycline and tetracycline can cause those chemical and reaction problems. It may look like a skin rash which is actually a skin rash that develops after 24 hours of exposure.
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2. Photoallergic reactions
Photoallergic reaction comes as a side effect of a drug or chemical. This type of reaction is more common in women than in men because it is caused by beauty products and sunscreen. This reaction from the sun to the skin is seen a few days after coming in contact with the sun. It occurs in the form of rashes on different parts of the body. In most cases it is on the hands, face, back or legs.
What are the symptoms of light sensitivity?
You may have symptoms of light sensitivity that depend on each person. Some of the symptoms of photosensitivity may be-
- Red rash on the skin
- Sunburn
- Itching in certain areas of exposure
- Blisters
- Peeling of the skin
Even these symptoms can affect your skin from mild to severe. This means that rashes or burns can be very uncomfortable and can even interfere with the performance of daily activities.
What causes photo sensitivity?
1. Lupus erythematosus- Lupus is a connective tissue disease that can adversely affect your skin. Skin problems that can be caused by red spots, lumps and purple spots.
2. Explosion of polymorphic light- People with this condition may experience itchy rashes when exposed to sunlight. If exposure to ultraviolet rays continues, tolerance increases and symptoms are less likely to occur. Women are two or three times more likely to have this condition than men. In fact, the severity of polymorphic eruptions is higher in women.
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3. Actinic purigo- It is also a type of photo sensitivity where people create red spots after exposure to the sun. The photosensitivity caused by this disease can actually turn red spots into fibrous patches after exposure to the sun. It can affect you in any season and it can happen if you go out in winter too.
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