Light sensitivity causes skin rashes, blisters, allergens, residual skin, and sun exposure

Have you ever thought that you have a day when you are afraid of the light?

Whenever exposed to the sun, rashes and blisters appear on the skin, making it difficult to itch.

However, this kind of symptom called "photosensitivity" is not as terrible as imagined. It is just that when the patient comes into contact with some allergens after eating or through the skin, and then exposed to the sun, there is a chance that related symptoms will appear.

In recent years, the number of light-sensitive patients in Hong Kong has been on the rise. After you have been exposed to allergens, you should remember to clean your body before going outside to enjoy the sun to avoid allergic reactions.

Written by: Dr. Chen Houyi, Chairman of the Hong Kong Skin Health Fund and Specialist in Dermatology

Photosensitivity refers to skin contact with photosensitive substances and then irradiated with the sun. Allergic reactions such as rashes, scars, and blisters will occur. Although local studies on photosensitivity are not too many, according to clinical experience, the cases are about compared with last year. Increased by 50%.

Light sensitivity is different from general skin sunburn. Even short-term exposure to the sun can cause allergies to occur. On the contrary, the latter will cause skin injuries only after prolonged exposure.

Dr. Chen Houyi stated that exposure to sunlight can cause skin rashes and blisters.

Thoroughly wash allergens remaining on the skin

Symptoms of light sensitivity are more common on exposed skin, such as the face, the back of the hands, the back of the neck and behind the ears.

Since some symptoms of light sensitivity are similar to some skin diseases, only stains will deposit when it is mild. Many patients just think it is eczema or housewife's hands at the beginning of the disease. At times, the skin may have fist-sized blisters. When punctured or pus, it will increase the risk of bacterial infection.

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Why is there such a "phobia" allergy?

In fact, it will not cause allergies by being directly exposed to the sun. However, when a patient has ever been exposed to food or plants that may cause light sensitivity, such as citrus foods, carrots, coriander and celery, these substances remain on the skin before exposure Sunlight may cause allergies.

In addition, the massage oil often used in spas is a common source of allergies in recent years. After enjoying the spa, many people go outdoors without thoroughly washing the massage oil, resulting in allergy and inflammation.

If the blisters are too big, do not catch them and seek medical advice as soon as possible

However, patients do not need to worry too much. As long as patients with mild illness avoid touching the allergens and temporarily stay out of the sun, the symptoms will gradually ease.

As for patients with relatively serious conditions, they must seek medical advice as soon as possible. Use topical or oral antibiotics, or steroid ointments to help reduce inflammation and stop scars. If the blisters are too large, try not to scratch them to avoid puncture and increase the risk of infection.

Light sensitivity can be cured, but if the patient continues to be exposed to allergens, the condition may recur at any time.

How to prevent light sensitivity in daily life?

When going out or exposed to the sun, use sunscreen as much as possible to prevent skin damage, especially choose sunscreen that can resist UVB (SPF30 or above) and UVA (PA marked with + sign), and at least before going out Use it for half an hour.

Remind everyone that there are different ways to respond to light sensitivity, each with its effectiveness, side effects, and risks.

Patients should discuss with their doctors more before receiving treatment, and then choose the most suitable plan according to their physical condition, symptoms and affordability.

"01 Medical Clinic" cooperated with the Hong Kong Skin Health Fund to publish medical articles written by medical nurses every other Saturday.

The Hong Kong Skin Health Fund was established in 2016. It is a local non-profit charitable organization composed of a number of professional medical staff. It regularly organizes health seminars and promotional activities, and provides free consultation services and drug subsidy programs.

The Hong Kong Skin Health Fund is committed to raising public awareness of skin health and correcting the misunderstanding of skin diseases in the society.

Through online and offline information platforms, it is hoped that the general public will be able to deepen their understanding of dermatological diseases, become a bridge for medical staff, and strengthen professional communication and exchanges.

The Hong Kong Skin Health Fund does not care about the age, gender and race of patients, and strives to provide patients and their families with various supports to alleviate their doubts about patients.

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