Sun and pollen allergy - symptoms and treatment
Aleksandra Uruszczak-Wąsowicz (MPharm)
Especially in spring when the air is warmer and we crave sun and uncover our bodies to bright sunshine – we should be careful due to the risk of idiopathic photodermatosis – that is sun allergy. Spring is also the beginning of a very common seasonal allergy: pollen allergy.
Sun allergy – symptoms:
Sun sensitisation appears about 24 or 48 hours after exposing the body to the sun (but in some cases a skin rash can appear immediately). The symptoms are: urticaria – red, itchy blisters in the areas of the skin which were exposed to the sun.
Photodermatosis prevention involves avoiding sudden and prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly if we are not accustomed to it yet. It is important to let the skin acclimatise to the sun, e.g. by exposing the body for a few minutes every day. Additionally we should apply suitable sun screen with UV filters.
Pollen allergy – symptoms:
allergic rhinitis,
conjunctivitis ,
allergic asthma,
skin rash ,
general malaise, irritation,
headache.
Treatment is in the form of desensitisation and taking anti-allergic medication – depends on the specific area of allergy and can be taken orally, inhaled or applied locally.
Sun allergy – symptoms:
Sun sensitisation appears about 24 or 48 hours after exposing the body to the sun (but in some cases a skin rash can appear immediately). The symptoms are: urticaria – red, itchy blisters in the areas of the skin which were exposed to the sun.
Photodermatosis prevention involves avoiding sudden and prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly if we are not accustomed to it yet. It is important to let the skin acclimatise to the sun, e.g. by exposing the body for a few minutes every day. Additionally we should apply suitable sun screen with UV filters.
Pollen allergy – symptoms:
allergic rhinitis,
conjunctivitis ,
allergic asthma,
skin rash ,
general malaise, irritation,
headache.
Treatment is in the form of desensitisation and taking anti-allergic medication – depends on the specific area of allergy and can be taken orally, inhaled or applied locally.
Read also
Where and when can we make allergic testsHow effective is homeopathy as a cure for an allergyHow to read a pollen calendar
How to recognise allergy symptomsSkin, food and inhalant allergies - types and the most frequent symptomsHow to differentiate between allergic rhinitis and viral rhinitis
Viral rhinitis, purulent rhinitis, sinus rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis - the most common types of rhinitisTreating allergic rhinitisAllergy to cat's hair, dust and house dust mite
This information is provided for your reference only and it is not to be relied upon on its own as instructions for use of this medication. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Other than liability for death or personal injury arising out of our negligence, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise.
