what a dermatologist can do for you

A sun allergy is commonly dismissed as being impossible. However, there are people who do suffer from photosensitivity. In the summertime, the symptoms of the skin condition can worsen. Therefore, it is important that extra precautions are taken to prevent problems. If you have a sun allergy, here is what you need to know to protect yourself.

Which Symptoms Can Be Worsened?

Many people with sun allergies only experience mild symptoms. It is not until the summer hits and their exposure to the sun is increased that their symptoms become very apparent. The onset of symptoms can occur within minutes.

Some of the symptoms that can be exacerbated by the increased sun exposure including redness, patches of tiny bumps, bleeding, hives, and itchiness. You could even experience pain, chills, nausea, and headaches. The visible symptoms are usually confined to the areas exposed to the sun.

What Can You Do?

Reducing the time spent in the sun is the best way to avoid a worsening of your symptoms. If possible, limit the time you spend outside to early morning or late evening periods. If you must go outdoors at the sunniest points of the day, you need to protect your skin.

Protecting your skin can include covering up with the help of long sleeves and pants. You should even wear a wide brimmed hat. Wear sunglasses as added protection. You also need to stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

If you are taking medications or using topical products that make you more sensitive to ultraviolet light, you need to stop taking it until the summer months have passed. Talk to your doctor about using a different prescription drug or ask for a dosage change.

What If You Suffer Complications?

Most of the time, the symptoms from sun allergy disappear after a few days of avoiding the sun. You can use topical dermatology corticosteroids medications to help with the irritation and rashes that occur.

If the symptoms persist or continue to worsen, your dermatologist can prescribe a stronger version of the corticosteroid cream. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor might prescribe corticosteroid pills for a short period of time.

Your doctor could even recommend using phototherapy to help build up a tolerance to ultraviolet light. The therapy is usually started before the beginning of summer. The doctor will expose your skin to the ultraviolet light in several sessions.

If further treatment is necessary, your dermatologist will explain the recommended course of treatment.