Treatment for photodermatitis involves addressing skin irritation and limiting exposure to light to prevent further outbreaks of this skin condition. Patients with photodermatitis have unusually sensitive skin that overreacts to ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight, causing rashes, blisters, and weeping sores. Soothing skin creams can address a breakout, medications may suppress the severity of the reaction, and sun protection can prevent future episodes. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for advice and assistance with treatment.
Some patients may have a genetic predisposition to this condition or could be more at risk because of an underlying disease, particularly in the case of autoimmune diseases. Medications and certain foods can also cause photodermatitis. In susceptible individuals, the immune system reacts strongly to sunlight because of the presence of an allergen or irritant, and patches of blistering, shiny, scaly skin may appear. This is not a sunburn, but an allergic reaction.
For open sores, cool, moist dressings can be helpful. Some patients find scent-free moisturizers beneficial for easing pain and itching, and others may bathe in cool water with baking soda to feel more comfortable. Steroid medications and other drugs are available to suppress the immune system and make the skin reaction more moderate. A doctor will prescribe these medications if they are appropriate. Some may have side effects that will lead a doctor to recommend them for the short term only, to avoid creating more problems than they solve.
Patients with a known susceptibility to sunlight can wear sunscreen and protective clothes to limit sun exposure. It is important to wear protection at all times, not just in the bright summer sun, as winter sunlight also contains ultraviolet radiation. When doctors prescribe medications known to cause photosensitivity, they may also advise their patients to consider wearing sunhats, long sleeves, and other protective gear while they are outside. This can reduce the risks of developing photodermatitis, and will keep the patient more comfortable.
This condition is not contagious, although it can look unpleasant. Patients with weeping sores need to be careful to keep them clean to reduce the risk of developing infections. Cool to warm water and mild, unscented soaps are best for cleaning. Patting dry with a towel rather than rubbing is advisable, to prevent further breakage of the skin. Scented products should be avoided with photodermatitis, as the scents can exacerbate the reaction and may make the patient's skin even worse.
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alex94
Post 2 |
@wesley91- My husband was one of those people that you are talking about. He is a very active person and loves to be outside. He started breaking out in what looked like a rash when he spent a lot of time outside. When we went to Florida for vacation one year, he came back and had to immediately go to the doctor.
He had blisters all over his body. The doctor told him that he must be allergic to the sun. My husband started wearing a big hat and white, long-sleeved shirts when he worked outside. As it turned out, he went to a dermatologist who told him he was not allergic to the sun, but had photodermatitis. We were glad that we at least knew what was wrong and that it wasn't just a sun allergy. |
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wesley91
Post 1 |
If you think you could possibly have photodermatitis, you should definitely have it checked. Many times, patients are misdiagnosed as having a sun allergy because they present with sun poisoning symptoms.
I work for a dermatologist and we have treated a few people with photodermatitis. I would say that at least half of them were misdiagnosed by another doctor. It's always good to get a second opinion. |
