Sunshine Danger

As Summer approaches and dreams of sunshine and warm weather become a reality, most of us anticipate pleasant days outside, enjoying the golden rays of warmth.

Most of us know about the dangers of too much sun and use the recommended sunscreens to protect our skin from dangerous UV rays. The risks of sun exposure and its relationship to skin cancer have been well documented in recent years.

We all know it is necessary to limit our sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm and to wear protective clothing and broad brimmed hats and sunglasses if we have to be out during those hours. We know to use a sun screen with a minimum of 15 SPF (SPF of 30 or greater is recommended) applying it at least 20-30 minutes before going outside and reapplying after swimming or perspiring. These precautions are now rules for most sensible, health-conscious people.

We also know that some medications, chemicals and conditions cause the skin to become more sensitive to the suns rays (photosensitivity) but did you know that some people have an allergy to sun altogether? This is a very rare condition but exposure to the sun triggers a response from the immune system that activates inflammatory cells or proteins in the skin. This condition is called Solar Urticaria.

SOLAR URTICARIA:

This condition, also known as SU, is a rare abnormal reaction to sunlight or even artificial light. If a large percentage of the body is affected, this widespread inflammatory response can become an extremely serious and even fatal condition. SU affects less than 1% of the population.

Both ultra-violet rays (UVA) and visible light wavelengths are known triggers to SU. When burned, the body produces potent chemicals which cause the blood vessels to open and fluid to collect under the skin. When large areas of skin are affected, this excess fluid can cause light-headedness, wheezing, fainting, nausea, vomiting and even anaphylactic shock, leading to death.

The treatment of Solar urticaria is mainly directed to relieving symptoms. Systemic and topical steroids and antihistamines are most commonly used as well as immunosuppressants such as cyclosporin and intravenous immunoglobulins.

In the most severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and undergo plasmaphoresis (blood dialysis) where the plasma is removed from the blood and just the blood cells returned to the patient.

Most people with solar urticaria experience their symptoms throughout their entire lifetime.