Photodermatitis is a type of skin disorder that is caused by exposure to intense sunlight. Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE), is the most common form in which red blisters appear on the skin. They itch and burn and may cause headache and nausea. Photodermatitis is more troublesome than the usual skin tan you get after a beachy day. Also, certain medications like antibiotics, high blood pressure medications or using lotions can result in this disorder. In this blog, I will be talking about Ayurvedic treatment for sunburn.
What is Photodermatitis?
Photodermatitis is an abnormality of the skin caused by the Sun rays or ultraviolet (UV) rays. Such photoreactions from UV rays largely depend upon the amount of light reaching the earth. This is influenced by the different seasons, time, latitude, the thickness of the ozone layer, and topography. Photodermatitis can be acute or chronic.
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What causes Photodermatitis?
Certain chemical agents and drugs, when you ingest or apply them, may trigger photodermatitis. It can also result from certain immune-related disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or certain states of nutrient deficiencies, including pellagra. It’s a vitamin B3 deficiency. The skin reaction can be triggered by either an allergy or the result of direct toxic effects like:
- Medications used for bacterial infections or fungal infections
- Certain medications used to treat psoriasis or acne
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as piroxicam
- Chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer
- Oral medications used for diabetes
- Quinine and other medications used to treat malaria
- Desipramine and other medications used for depression, also known as tricyclics
- A class of medications used for psychosis and anxiety disorders
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Allergic reactions:
- Fragrances containing musk ambrette and methyl coumarin
- Sunscreens with p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
- Industrial cleaners that contain salicylanilide
What are the symptoms?
If you observe the following changes in your body it is time to consult:
- Chills, headache, fever, and nausea
- Lesions that resemble eczema
- Darkened discoloration compared to one’s normal skin tone called Hyperpigmentation
- Rashes in areas of skin exposed to light
- Pain, redness, and swelling
Did you know?
Did you know that 90% of the UV radiation from sunlight comes from UVA rays and 10% from UVB? Such ultraviolet rays, classified by wavelength, cause a skin disorder called photodermatitis.
Also Read: 11 Easy ways to remove suntan naturally
Home remedies you can try:
Here are a few home remedies you can try to manage sunburn: Given below are some recipes you could try out.
- Break an Aloe vera leaf and apply the thick gel directly to the affected areas of the body. It gives an excellent cooling effect and even repairs the damaged cells. Or you could use the aloe vera gel available in pharmacies as well.
- Make sandalwood paste with coconut water, rose water, or cucumber juice, and apply it to the affected part of the body.
Also Read: 6 Healing Actions of Aloevera
A word of Advice:
These measures may help prevent photodermatitis:
- Use sunscreens that protect against UVA and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to 50.
- Avoid all products that cause sun sensitivity.
- Limit skin exposure to the sun, especially intense midday sun.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat before venturing in the hot sun.
Testimonial: Ayurvedic treatment for Sunburn
Mr. Sashi – 28 yrs Salesman
I am a salesman by profession and I travel across the city on my bike, every day even when the sun is really hot. Because of this, I developed red rashes on my hands. I never used to bother and continued the daily routine. When the redness became painful, I bought a lotion for a nearby pharmacy and applied. But the condition persisted. I wanted to try Ayurveda for a change and was referred to Dr. Brahmanand. It’s been 8 months since I was completely cured.