You may laugh when you hear about people being allergic to the sun, but this strange phenomenon has a name: photosensitivity… and it is definitely no laughing matter. Young or old, this skin condition does not discriminate. Special precautions should be taken for those who suffer from photosensitivity in order to keep your skin happy and healthy.
So what does it mean to suffer from photosensitivity? Being photosensitive means that any exposure - especially excessive exposure - to sunlight can cause rashes on the skin. The severity of the rashes varies from person to person. These rashes can appear as pink or red colored rashes, blotchy blisters, raised spots on the skin or scaly patches. Sometimes these rashes can be very uncomfortable as well as itchy or cause a burning sensation.
Unfortunately, it isn’t just pure and direct sunlight during the summertime that can trigger the symptoms of photosensitivity. In addition to the summer rays, some people also react to the sunlight during the winter. In extremely rare cases, the most sensitive can be affected by fluorescent lamps while indoors. Many times those who have the condition aren’t aware of it, which can make for a very frustrating situation. Even for individuals who don`t necessarily suffer from photosensitivity, there are instances where the skin may become very sensitive to the light. Certain herbs and oils used in aromatherapy have been shown to cause the skin to become photosensitive. If you`re a fan of getting massages at the day spa, be sure to ask what oils your massage therapist is using. The following oils have been clinically identified as the kind that can cause symptoms of photosensitivity: cumin, ginger, angelica root, bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin, orange, lemon and lime.
Many times prescription medications and herbs can cause your skin to become more sensitive to light as well. This is normally indicated on the label so be sure to follow the doctor`s directions. Photosensitivity has been known to occur in individuals taking anti-inflammatory medications, sulfa drugs and herbs such as St. John`s Wort.
One way to tell if you are indeed photosensitive is to have a phototest performed. This procedure involves exposing a small patch of skin to various types of artificial lights to see if the skin develops a rash or any other symptom of photosensitivity. Photopatch tests are also conducted to see if a person has developed photosensitivity by coming into contact with a certain item. Adhesive patches with photosensitizing materials are typically applied to the upper back area. After two days, the patches are removed and the area is exposed to light. The patient then returns a few days later where it can be determined if the skin has reacted to the presence of the patch.
If you are experiencing photosensitivity due to meds, herbs or as a health condition in general, be sure to use sunscreen or sun block on a daily basis anytime you plan on being out in the sun, wear protective clothing and hats, include vitamins such as beta-carotene and vitamin E in your diet, and avoid excessive sun exposure.
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So what does it mean to suffer from photosensitivity? Being photosensitive means that any exposure - especially excessive exposure - to sunlight can cause rashes on the skin. The severity of the rashes varies from person to person. These rashes can appear as pink or red colored rashes, blotchy blisters, raised spots on the skin or scaly patches. Sometimes these rashes can be very uncomfortable as well as itchy or cause a burning sensation.
Unfortunately, it isn’t just pure and direct sunlight during the summertime that can trigger the symptoms of photosensitivity. In addition to the summer rays, some people also react to the sunlight during the winter. In extremely rare cases, the most sensitive can be affected by fluorescent lamps while indoors. Many times those who have the condition aren’t aware of it, which can make for a very frustrating situation. Even for individuals who don`t necessarily suffer from photosensitivity, there are instances where the skin may become very sensitive to the light. Certain herbs and oils used in aromatherapy have been shown to cause the skin to become photosensitive. If you`re a fan of getting massages at the day spa, be sure to ask what oils your massage therapist is using. The following oils have been clinically identified as the kind that can cause symptoms of photosensitivity: cumin, ginger, angelica root, bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin, orange, lemon and lime.
Many times prescription medications and herbs can cause your skin to become more sensitive to light as well. This is normally indicated on the label so be sure to follow the doctor`s directions. Photosensitivity has been known to occur in individuals taking anti-inflammatory medications, sulfa drugs and herbs such as St. John`s Wort.
One way to tell if you are indeed photosensitive is to have a phototest performed. This procedure involves exposing a small patch of skin to various types of artificial lights to see if the skin develops a rash or any other symptom of photosensitivity. Photopatch tests are also conducted to see if a person has developed photosensitivity by coming into contact with a certain item. Adhesive patches with photosensitizing materials are typically applied to the upper back area. After two days, the patches are removed and the area is exposed to light. The patient then returns a few days later where it can be determined if the skin has reacted to the presence of the patch.
If you are experiencing photosensitivity due to meds, herbs or as a health condition in general, be sure to use sunscreen or sun block on a daily basis anytime you plan on being out in the sun, wear protective clothing and hats, include vitamins such as beta-carotene and vitamin E in your diet, and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Discuss Add this link to... Bury
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