BC Living
How to Support BC Wineries Now
Embark on Culinary Adventures: 5 Must-Try Solo Dining Experiences Around BC
You Gotta Try this in April 2024
4 Tips on Balancing a Nutritious Diet with a Side of Indulgence
Choosing Connection: A BC Family Day Pledge to Prioritize Presence Over Plans
Embracing Plant-Based Living this Veganuary and Beyond
Inviting the Steller’s Jay to Your Garden
6 Budget-friendly Holiday Decor Pieces
Dream Home: $8 Million for a Modern Surprise
Protected: Spring into Fun in Kamloops: The Best Events in the City
Travel Light, Travel Right: Minimalist Packing Tips for Solo Explorers
A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Cozy Accommodations
Melodies and Museums: Solo-Friendly Entertainment for the Independent Traveller
Arts Club Theatre Company Celebrates 60 Years
Films and TV Series that Inspire Solo Travel
8 Gadgets and Gear for Your Solo Adventures
A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Souvenir Hunting in BC
Sḵwálwen Botanicals – Changing the Face of Skincare
Characterized mainly by inflamed and irritated skin, sun poisoning targets an unlucky few with allergic reactions
Attention sun-sensitive folks: be sure to apply a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen
Much as we all look forward to the return of summer sunshine, did you know that some people are actually allergic to sunlight? Allergic reactions to sunlight occur when ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers changes in the body’s skin cells. The immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in the cells as harmful invaders, and then releases antibodies to attack those cells. This results in symptoms that include hives, blisters, or an itchy red rash.
The most common type of sun allergy is called polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), or sun poisoning. Symptoms usually appear within hours or days after exposure to sunlight and include itchiness, the formation of tiny white or yellow bumps on a red background, or skin that’s red and swollen.
Actinic prurigo is characterized by chapped, split lips and conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the inside of the eyelid) as well as raised patches of red skin and itchy bumps that show up within days of sun exposure. Chronic actinic dermatitis can cause thick patches of dry, itchy and inflamed skin, with “islands” of skin that aren’t affected at all.
Risk factors for these sun-exposure-related conditions vary. PMLE is more common in Caucasians and in females under age 30, while actinic prurigo is most common in Aboriginal Peoples.
Certain medications (such as tetracycline antibiotics), chemicals (including fragrances), and medical disorders (like dermatitis) can cause photosensitivity, making the skin more sensitive to the sun’s effects. Treatment can include corticosteroid creams, oral antihistamines, and, for severe cases, oral corticosteroids or oral immunosuppressant medications. Skin moisturizers and soothing home remedies like calamine lotion and aloe vera can relieve irritation. In severe cases a person might be treated using progressive ultraviolet (UVA) light therapy to help reduce symptoms.
Since it’s almost impossible to avoid some sun exposure, people with sun-sensitivity should always wear a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen as well as sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt and wide-brimmed hat. Minimizing exposure is the simplest and best way to avoid symptoms.
Originally published in Wellness Matters, Canada Wide Media’s quarterly newsletter on health and wellness.