Introduction
More than every tenth person cannot enjoy the summer and the sun to the fullest because of a sun allergy. Due to the UV light, allergic reactions form quickly on the skin, the affected areas turn red and itch. Particularly at the beginning of summer, the annoying skin reaction occurs more frequently and many affected persons ask themselves how to prevent a sun allergy. There are a number of measures that can be taken prophylactically before sunbathing, but in the end only a dermatologist can determine whether one actually suffers from a sun allergy.
These measures can prevent
There are several ways to prevent a sun allergy:
- Getting used to sunlight slowly
- Sun protection
- Sun cream
- Medicines, vitamin preparations and calcium
- Schüssler salts and homeopathic remedies
- Phototherapy
- Photochemotherapy
Sun protection and sun cream
The right sun protection is the best measure to prevent a sun allergy. Allergic persons should apply sunscreen with at least sun protection factor 50 before going out into the sun. Regular reapplication of sunscreen prolongs protection.
Even in the shade, in the water or under parasols, you are not protected from the intense sunrays, which is why it is a misconception that you can only develop a sun allergy in the blazing sun. Clothing does not offer complete protection from UV radiation either, but there are detergents available in the meantime which make the textiles more impermeable to the sun after repeated washing. Black clothing also lets less sunlight pass through to the skin. Nevertheless, the best sun protection is still a good sun cream with a high sun protection factor and avoid the blazing sun, especially at midday. What else might also interest you on this topic:
- How to prevent sunburn
These drugs prevent
There are a number of medications that can be taken to prevent sun allergy. These include calcium, vitamin D3, beta-carotene and antihistamines. The intake of these preparations can be useful for persons who react with violent skin rashes to sun radiation.
It should be noted that the preventive income should be already begun weeks before the skin is strengthened exposed to the sunbeams. Since some preparations interact with other drugs or alcohol, a doctor or pharmacist should always be consulted before taking them. Calcium weakens the allergic reaction to sunlight by binding and breaking down the inflammation-triggering messenger substance histamine.
Vitamin D3 can also help with a sun allergy, since light-sensitive people usually have a deficiency of this vitamin. Beta-carotene is a natural plant pigment that occurs mainly in carrots, spinach and kale. It is a precursor of vitamin A, which is stored in the skin and protects it from the dangerous UV radiation.
Antihistamines are anti-allergic drugs that prevent the release of inflammation-promoting messenger substances in the body. Antihistamines can be taken not only for acute allergic complaints, but also as a preventive measure in the case of known sun allergies. In general, these preparations are well tolerated, but fatigue can occur. Therefore, these drugs are best taken in the evening.
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