Photosensitivity is a reaction to sunlight that can cause rashes, blisters, and itching. It can be caused by medication, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to certain chemicals. Treatment varies depending on the cause, but avoiding sun exposure and using prescribed medication can help alleviate symptoms.
Photosensitivity translates as sensitivity to sunlight. However, most people are sensitive to the sun to some degree and will have predictable reactions to exposure such as sunburn, premature skin aging if sun exposure is frequent, skin damage and increased risk of developing cancer of the skin. The photosensitive person is also at risk of these reactions, but may experience excessive skin reactions when receiving even minimal exposure to sunlight.
The most significant symptom of photosensitivity is the development of a rash when people expose themselves to the sun. The rash may blister or scale and may be raised. For some people, this rash is extremely uncomfortable and causes an irritating burning or itching sensation. Sometimes people with this condition have the rash under all circumstances and other times they have it only occasionally. The rash can occur whether or not sunscreen is worn, and sunscreen can sometimes exacerbate it, if it contains fragrances or harsh chemicals.
There are many reasons people might have photosensitivity. It can be caused by a variety of medications, such as a number of antibiotics, diuretics, and some antidepressants. It can therefore be transient and only occur if or while these drugs are being used, and risk for the condition with a drug does not necessarily mean a person will become photosensitive. Some autoimmune diseases like lupus create photosensitivity, and small amounts of sun exposure cause serious skin problems. Another cause is exposure to or allergy to certain chemicals in skin products or things like detergents.
Due to the number of potential causes of photosensitivity, treatment in each case may be different. Those taking a drug that causes it might discuss with doctors whether there are alternatives that could treat a condition without creating this problem. Medications such as antibiotics are often only taken for a short time, and sun exposure can be avoided while the medication is being administered. Of course, avoiding any chemicals that irritate the skin can also be part of the treatment. Under certain circumstances, the condition cannot be cured and it is best to avoid sun exposure; this is certainly true for some of the people who have lupus.
There are some medicinal treatments that could reduce photosensitive reactions and these include prescribed beta-carotene. Others may be helped with medications such as corticosteroids. When a rash occurs, corticosteroid creams or antihistamine creams can reduce the discomfort. Taking medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) at night can help people ignore the itching and get some sleep, and may help the rash resolve sooner.
If people notice a rash developing after exposure to sunlight, they may want to talk to their doctors, particularly if the rash occurs more than once. It may be important to determine the cause of photosensitivity, as it can be a symptom of serious autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Getting a doctor’s advice on the best possible care and treatment for your existing rash can also prove to be helpful.
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