How to get through the summer without annoying pimples! Statements and top tips for polymorphic light eruption and Mallorca acne.
Mallorca-acne and sun allergies can ruin a very nice vacation and make sunbathing for sensitive skin types totally impossible. What is called in the vernacular, in general, light or sun allergy is actually different from UV-light induced skin irritation or so-called dermatoses. This is about intolerance reactions and only rarely, are, true allergies. Some autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases and genetic disorders are known colloquially as a light allergy. The most common forms are polymorphic light eruption, the Mallorca-acne and photo-allergic contact dermatitis.
What is the “polymorphic light eruption”?
The polymorphic light eruption is usually that which refers by the layman as a sun allergy. It is an exaggerated reaction of the skin to UV rays of sunlight, usually UVA light, which occurs more frequently. The causes of this reaction are still unclear. The skin disease is chronic, meaning it persists for many years, but usually is only seen in the summer and especially during a holiday in the south. When the skin gets used to the sun after the winter, the relapses are usually weaker. The skin reactions may get worse over the years, but all of a sudden disappear of themselves. Young women are diagnosed more frequently with polymorphic light eruption than men, now affecting about one in five among them, beginning in childhood. Probably an inherited predisposition is a prerequisite for these lesions.
The symptoms of sun allergy
The symptoms of polymorphic light eruption are often intensely itchy rash, but can be inhibited or at least reduced. The rashes vary from patient to patient and is usually expressed by redness, pimples, blisters, nodules, oozing skin lesions or skin thickening. The lesions occur mainly on the arms, neckline, face, shoulders and neck. When the skin is not exposed to the sun’s rays, the rash disappears after a few days, or at least until the next contact with the sun. But beware: UVA rays go through glass.
What is Mallorca-acne?
The so-called Mallorca acne (acne aestivalis) is a special form of polymorphic light eruption. In particular, it occurs with holidaymakers who go out without preparing to be in strong sun for a long time. The Mallorca-acne acne-like nodules are seen for the most part, at the neckline. It affects women in particular, especially those with oily skin. According to previous findings, the Mallorca acne is caused by the reaction of sunlight with the ingredients of personal care products and sunscreens. Emulsifier and fat-free sunblock can help here but only if all other skin care products such as after-sun fat and emulsifiers are used. The sun protection is considerably more expensive than a discount product (about $20-28), but if used throughout the whole summer and means not developing an allergy, it is definitely worth the price.
How to prevent sun allergy?
If you suspect a light allergy, you should be examined by a dermatologist, who can diagnose the shape of the light eruption and initiate the proper treatment. The doctor can perform an exposure to UV light before the summer or holidays, which reduces the effects of sun allergy. The benefits of this can not be achieved by using tanning beds. In any case, sunscreen with high protection against UVB and UVA can be used and, of course, the intense mid-day sun can be avoided. Even a slow acclimatization to the sun in the springtime can be helpful. An effective, albeit annoying way to avoid the sun is by using opaque protective clothing. The preventive effect of beta-carotene, calcium tablets or capsules of omega-3 is controversial, yet they are sometimes effective in individual patients. Proceed with caution, however since dietary supplements should always be taken within the daily recommended dietary regimen to prevent overdoses.
Treatment of sun allergy
The doctor may prescribe corticosteroids applied to the skin, but that should be used with caution because of possible side effects which can develop over several days. The intake of antihistamines relieves itching, but it is possible that the next time and in the event of a relapse the damage might get even worse. In addition, many of these antihistamines might make you tired, so again, a word of warning here to those who might choose these ways of taking care for sun allergies. An alternative may be the use of a popular ointment that contains the natural anti-histamine bisabolol. The affected areas must be protected, in any case, the next time, again, you go out into sun.