Allergy in the sun in children - what to do
Or in other words - photodermatosis. Allergy in the sun in the sun in children is usually caused by ultraviolet rays with excessive insolation( long exposure of the child to the sun without a shadow) or as a result of artificial irradiation with ultraviolet rays( in the treatment of a number of pathological conditions).
There is a sufficient number of substances in the human skin, which are chromophores by their very nature, i.e.are capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation, which, in this case, is light. These include: melanin, keratin, porphyrin, etc. The younger the child, the less developed it has the elements of protection that prevent the accumulation of radiation in the chromophores. This explains the fact that allergies to sun in the sun in infants can be particularly difficult.
Sun allergy: causes and symptoms
Sun allergy: causes that are not limited to the action of only UV radiation, are called polymorphic. Such photodermatoses are additionally conditioned by the accumulation of photosensitizing substances in the skin, which can be both exo and endogenous.
Exogenous are: some medicinal substances( tetracyclines, barbiturates), household chemicals and perfumery, juice of some plants( angelica, cow-dog).Endorphous include porphyrins - substances that form in the bone marrow and are part of the hemoglobin.
How does an allergy to the sun affect children? Depending on the duration of exposure, the symptoms may vary in severity.
With a single insolation, the duration of 3-6 hours is only intense reddening of areas exposed to radiation( I degree) against which large bubbles with serous contents can form( grade II).To the touch, the blisters are painful, sometimes accompanied by itching. This manifestation usually has an allergy to the sun on the hands, the upper third of the back.neck, i.e.in areas of maximum impact. When exposed to large doses, necrosis of the epidermis and dermis develops( grade III).
Allergy to sun on legs, due to a more pronounced subcutaneous fat layer in children, is more often manifested by redness, swelling and itching.
However, it should be noted that in certain situations( most often - genetic predisposition, skin color), how much skin allergy is expressed in the sun, depends not on the radiation dose, but on the number of chromophores in the skin. Entering into chemical interaction with electromagnetic waves.they are able to potentiate the action of the latter.
Allergy, the symptoms of which are not so pronounced, proceeds according to the type of photochemical reaction and can be of several types:
- reddening and edema against which small bubbles develop - solar erythema
- large blisters with pruritus - solar urticaria
- grayish papules - sun prurigo.
Quite a rare form, which takes a solar allergy in children, is Goetchenson's summer prurigo. The disease is characterized by the appearance on the skin of nodules, on which there are bubbles. The disease is long-lasting, often continuing in the winter.
How to treat?
Immediately it should be clarified: if your child has an allergy to the sun, drugs should become your constant companion when you go to the beach or other places where you plan a long stay in the sun. Allergy to the sun in children is better to warn in advance. But if it does happen, first of all, protect the child from further contact with the sun's rays. If there are no specialized help points and medicines nearby, then at first it will be enough to cover the affected area with a damp cloth.
Further drug therapy depends on the extent of the lesion. Immediately make a reservation that children with this pathology are contraindicated applying ointments, powders and pastes.
In case of erythema, the use of beaters, moist compresses, creams is recommended. The basis can serve astringents( 2% tannin solution, 0.25% solution of silver) and painkillers( 2% solution anestezina) in the form of cold lotions. It is important to remember that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is undesirable, since they are capable of enhancing photosensitization. When vesicles appear, hormonal creams( afloderm, lokoid, elokom), under a compress or bandage are effective.
Vitaminotherapy( vitamins B, C, PP), antioxidants( tocopherol acetate, alpha-tocopherol, methionine) are also recommended. A good result is the use of beta-carotene. Also prescribed antihistamine therapy, the age of the child( loratadine, tavegil), desensitizing therapy( 10% calcium chloride).
Prevention
Common methods are used: dosed stay in the sun, being in the shade in the "peak" of solar activity, protective lotions and gels.
Also in early spring or during remission, phototherapy with UV rays or PUVA therapy is performed, which reduces the risk of photodermatosis.