Sun Allergy Affects Women Most

Member of the Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Assoc. Dr. Ayşe Bilge Öztürk warned that women are more affected by sun allergy.

Assoc. Dr. Saying that women between the ages of 20-40 are more affected by sun allergy, Öztürk said, “Sun allergies manifest themselves with symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, rash, stinging or burning sensation on the skin surface within minutes after exposure to sunlight. Lesions usually disappear within 1-2 hours after being protected from the sun, but this period can sometimes take up to 24 hours. Sensitivity may occur in places with chronic and continuous exposure to the sun. Women should pay more attention.” made a statement.

“Natural does not mean it cures”

Underlining that it is very important to protect from the sun between 11:00 and 16:00 when the sun is intense, Assoc. Dr. Öztürk stated that wearing hats, glasses and long-sleeved clothes that prevent direct contact with the sun, and the use of skin moisturizers and antihistamines are the primary treatment options.

Stating that many people tend to consume every product they see as natural and apply it to their skin, Öztürk said, "Not every food or product that is considered natural may be absolutely beneficial for the skin. As a matter of fact, some chemicals such as medicines, perfumes, soaps, creams, or some plant leaves and herbs, or contact with the sun's rays after consuming or applying them to the skin can cause sun allergy. Although there is a natural phrase on the products that are used unconsciously, it does not cure your disease and may cause an exacerbation.

“Not every rash is a sun allergy”

Stating that the cause of sun allergy is unknown, Assoc. Dr. Öztürk said that some drugs, some chemicals such as perfumes, soaps, creams, or some plant leaves and herbs, when combined with sun rays, cause itchy eczema-like appearance on the skin. He stated that the findings emerged when people were exposed to sunlight after coming into contact with these substances.

Stating that the diagnosis is usually based on the history, Assoc. Dr. Öztürk said, “Sunscreens with high protective factor should be used in treatment. Sunscreens should be applied half an hour before going out in the sun, and should be repeated every 2 hours and after washing and drying. It should not be forgotten that every rash that occurs in summer may not be a sun allergy. For this reason, when a rash develops on the skin, a specialist's opinion should be sought and the treatment should be planned in line with the doctor's recommendation. he said.

“Intense sunlight can invite skin cancer”

Underlining that those with skin diseases such as skin cancer, eczema, dermatosis, photosensitivity and those with rheumatological diseases such as lupus should definitely stay away from the sun, Assoc. Dr. Öztürk said, “Exposing the sun can increase skin sensitivity in these diseases and cause disease exacerbations. Chronic diseases have not been shown to be related to sun allergy. However, intense exposure to the sun creates susceptibility to some diseases such as skin cancer. However, this is not a condition defined as an allergy. Sun allergy can be seen with different allergies or it can be associated with chronic hives (urticaria) lasting longer than 6 weeks. he added.