Sun allergy, also known as photosensitivity, is a skin reaction to sunlight (UV rays), leading to redness, itching, blisters, or rashes in sun-exposed areas.
Mnemonic: "S.U.N. = Sunlight Unleashes Nasty Rashes"
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS OF SUN
ALLERGY
- Ultraviolet Radiation (UVA & UVB Exposure).
- Genetic Tendency (More Common in Fair-Skinned People).
- Photosensitizing Drugs (NSAIDs, Tetracyclines, Quinine).
- Underlying Skin Conditions (Lupus, Dermatitis, Xeroderma Pigmentosum).
Mnemonic: "U.G.P.S." (UV Rays, Genetics, Photosensitizing
Drugs, Skin Diseases)
TYPES OF PHOTOSENSITIVE DERMATOSES
- Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE) → Most Common, Itchy Red Rash.
- Solar Urticaria → Immediate Hives & Swelling After Sun Exposure.
- Chronic Actinic Dermatitis (CAD) → Eczema-Like Reaction to Sunlight.
- Drug-Induced Photosensitivity → Due to Medications (NSAIDs, Antibiotics, Perfumes).
- Lupus Photosensitivity → Sun-Induced Rash in SLE Patients.
Mnemonic: "P.S.C.D.L." (PMLE, Solar Urticaria, Chronic
Actinic Dermatitis, Drug-Induced, Lupus)
SYMPTOMS OF SUN ALLERGY
- Itching & Burning Sensation on Sun-Exposed Skin.
- Redness, Rash, or Small Blisters.
- Common Sites: Face, Neck, Hands, Forearms (Spares Eyelids & Finger Webs).
- Delayed Onset (Few Hours to a Day After Sun Exposure).
Mnemonic: "I.R.C.D." (Itching, Redness, Common Sites,
Delayed Reaction)
DIAGNOSIS OF SUN ALLERGY
- Clinical Examination (Sun-Exposed Areas Affected, History of Sun Sensitivity).
- Phototesting (Controlled UV Exposure to Reproduce Reaction).
- Blood Tests (For Autoimmune Conditions like Lupus – ANA Test).
Mnemonic: "C.P.B." (Clinical, Phototesting, Blood Tests)
TREATMENT OF SUN ALLERGY
1. PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- Avoid Direct Sun Exposure (Stay Indoors During Peak Hours – 10 AM to 4 PM).
- Wear Protective Clothing (Long-Sleeves, Wide-Brimmed Hats, Sunglasses).
- Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens (SPF 30+ for UVA & UVB Protection).
Mnemonic: "A.W.S." (Avoid Sun, Wear Protection,
Sunscreen)
2. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
- Antihistamines (For Itching & Allergic Reaction – Cetirizine, Loratadine).
- Topical Steroids (Mild Corticosteroids for Redness & Inflammation).
- Hydroxychloroquine (Used in Chronic Actinic Dermatitis & Lupus).
- Azathioprine (For Severe Cases of Chronic Sun Sensitivity).
Mnemonic: "A.S.H.A." (Antihistamines, Steroids,
Hydroxychloroquine, Azathioprine)
3. PHOTOTHERAPY (For Hardening
the Skin Against Sun Exposure)
- Gradual UV Exposure to Reduce Sensitivity (PUVA, Narrowband UVB).
Mnemonic: "P.U." (Phototherapy – PUVA, UVB)
HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF SUN
ALLERGY
- For Sun-Induced Rash & Itching:
- Natrum Mur, Belladonna, Urtica Urens, Apis.
- For Hives & Swelling Due to Sun Exposure:
- Histaminum, Rhus Tox, Pulsatilla.
- For Long-Term Sun Sensitivity & Autoimmune Cases:
- Sulphur, Thuja, Psorinum, Lycopodium.
Mnemonic: "N.B.U.A." (Natrum Mur, Belladonna, Urtica
Urens, Apis for Sun Rash)
FINAL REVISION WITH MNEMONICS
- Definition = "S.U.N. = Sunlight Unleashes Nasty Rashes"
- Causes = "U.G.P.S." (UV Rays, Genetics, Photosensitizing Drugs, Skin Diseases)
- Types = "P.S.C.D.L." (PMLE, Solar Urticaria, Chronic Actinic Dermatitis, Drug-Induced, Lupus)
- Symptoms = "I.R.C.D." (Itching, Redness, Common Sites, Delayed Reaction)
- Diagnosis = "C.P.B." (Clinical, Phototesting, Blood Tests)
- Prevention = "A.W.S." (Avoid Sun, Wear Protection, Sunscreen)
- Treatment = "A.S.H.A." (Antihistamines, Steroids, Hydroxychloroquine, Azathioprine)
- Phototherapy = "P.U." (PUVA, UVB)
- Homeopathy = "N.B.U.A." (Natrum Mur, Belladonna, Urtica Urens, Apis for Sun Rash)
