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Photosensitivity
The number of cases with mild to moderate photosensitivity is not easily established.
Minor symptoms are often mistaken for a typical reaction to UV radiation, such as
sunburn. This can be very tricky when a sunburned person tries to counter the effects
and applies sunscreen that contains sensitivity-
Disorders resulting from photosensitivity:
Polymorphic light eruption is a fancy name for itchy skin rashes. It is the most
common disorder associated with photosensitivity and affects an estimated 10% of
US citizens and around 20% of Swedes. The real number is probably higher as most
minor occurrences aren’t reported. The disorder appears in all races, but more frequently
in fair-
Burning or itching skin rashes, consisting of red spots, patches or blisters, show within 1 to 4 days of exposure to UV radiation, usually on arms and lower legs. If the person avoids further exposure, the symptoms disappear within a couple of weeks but can recur after another exposure. But because the skin adapts to sunlight, the effects should become less severe every time.
Chronic photosensitivity dermatitis, also known as chronic actinic dermatitis, is another result of photosensitivity. It is widespread, but this time affects elderly male more often than it does women. Inflamed and itchy patches appear on the exposed skin. Scales and pimples can accompany the eczema.
It is spring at last: you get out your shorts or swimsuit and are determined to enjoy the first warm and sunny days. Curiously, after just a short while and despite sunscreen, you develop itchy red skin patches. Some tiny blisters or small pimples also spring up. No wonder, you kept your skin covered for a long time over winter and your skin has become light sensitive. In this scenario, the symptoms are probably only temporary and will disappear once your skin gets used to the UV radiation.
Others are not so fortunate. Even low levels of light, as during wintertime, can
trigger minor or major reactions. These people suffer from photosensitivity. As with
allergies, a variety of substances or disorders can trigger the symptoms. It can
be something such as food or medication, or it can be a skin-
Sun hives (solar urticaria) is a rare skin condition. It usually doesn’t comprise more than 5% of all photosensitive skin disorders. People of all races, age and gender can contract this disease. Its symptoms are usually red swollen patches that intensely sting or itch.
Image source: Wikipedia
