Sunburn Medicines * Treatment Options * Advice & Treatments for Photodermatitis
Sunburn Therapy!
SUNBURN CURES Treat Sunburn/Photodermatitis Symptoms
Skin type may influence the likelihood of a photodermatitis reaction. Those with fair to light skin, or those with red or blond hair, and green or blue eyes tend to be most sensitive, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. This is categorized as skin type I.
Exposure to UV rays for 30 minutes to several hours increases risk of photodermatitis (outbreaks in spring and summer months are common)
Exposure to UV rays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. also increases risk of photodermatitis since 50% of UV radiation is emitted during this time.
A physical exam and a detailed history of exposure to sensitizers (see section entitled What Causes It?) and UV rays are important for diagnosis. A review of all body systems, including blood and urine tests, helps detect any related disease. Allergy tests may help identify substances that trigger or worsen the condition.
How to prevent it? Limit skin exposure to sun, especially intense midday sun.
Use sunscreens that protect against UVA and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to 50.
Cover up with a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Beware of using any product that causes sun sensitivity. (If you are already taking a prescription medication, however, do not stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider.)
For blisters or weepy eruptions, apply cool, wet dressings. With certain types of photodermatitis, doctors may actually use phototherapy (controlled exposure to light for treatment purposes) to desensitize the skin or to help control symptoms.
For extremely sensitive patients, doctors may prescribe azathioprine to suppress the immune system. Short-term use of glucocorticoids may help control eruptions. For those who cannot be treated with phototherapy, doctors may prescribe hydroxychloroquine, thalidomide, beta-carotene, or nicotinamide (see section entitled Nutrition for details regarding the latter two). Note: Thalidomide causes severe birth defects and therefore should never be used by women who either are or wish to become pregnant.
GREAT SKIN CARE MEDICINE
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