Today's health topic::

Sunburn Prevention

Treat Sunburn/Photodermatitis Symptoms

Photodermatitis is an abnormal skin response to ultraviolet (UV) rays, particularly sunlight. It can be acute or chronic. UV rays are classified by wavelength and the greater the wavelength, the greater the risk of developing photodermatitis.

UVB rays range from 290 to 320 nm and may cause sunburn, tanning, aging, or cancer-causing changes to the skin. UVA rays range from 320 to 400 nm and may cause reactions to light even through window glass. Ninety percent of the UV radiation from sunlight comes from UVA rays, 10% from UVB. Photoreactions from UV rays depend upon the amount of light reaching the earth. This is influenced by the season or time of year, latitude, thickness of the ozone layer, and topography.

Sunburn Symptoms

  • Itchy bumps
  • blisters, or raised areas
  • Lesions that resemble eczema
  • Hyperpigmentation (darkened discoloration compared to one's normal skin tone)
  • Outbreaks in areas of skin exposed to light
  • Pain, redness, and swelling
  • Chills, headache, fever, and nausea
  • Less severe symptoms after repeated exposure

Cures for Sunburn?

Certain chemical agents and drugs may predispose an individual to sunburn, an eczema-like reaction, or hives in reaction to UV rays. In the United States alone, there are more than 115 chemical agents and drugs that are ingested or applied to the skin that may elicit photodermatitis. The reaction may be related to an allergy or it may be a direct toxic effect from the substance. Below are examples of agents or circumstances that may trigger one or the other type of reaction:

Direct toxic effect:

  • Tetracycline and sulfonamides, medications used for bacterial infections
  • Griseofulvin, used for fungal infections
  • Coal tar derivatives and psoralens, such as methoxsalen and trioxsalen, used for psoriasis
  • Tretinoin and other medications containing retinoic acid used for acne
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as piroxicam
  • Chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer, such as 5-fluorouracil and vinblastine
  • Sulfonylureas, such as glyburide and glipizide, oral medications used for diabetes
  • Quinine and other medications used to treat malaria
  • Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide
  • Desipramine and other medications used for depression (known as tricylics)
  • Phenothiazines, a class of medications used for psychosis
  • Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam and tetrazepam, medications used for anxiety disorders
  • Fragrances containing, for example, musk ambrette and methylcoumarin
  • Sunscreens with p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) esters
  • Industrial cleaners that contain salicylanilide
  • Photodermatitis may also result from some immune-related disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or certain states of nutrient deficiencies, including pellagra, which is caused by niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency.

    MORE SUNBURN INFORMATION


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