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First identified by P. Merklen at the start of the 20th century, solar urticaria
is a type of
physical urticaria caused by exposure to the sun. Before explaining the
details of
solar urticaria treatment, let us find out what it actually is and which
symptoms characterize solar urticaria.
Solar
Urticaria
Solar urticaria
has many different names, including solar rash, sun rash, and sun allergy, etc.
It is an uncommon skin problem in which exposure to ultraviolet radiation or
sometimes even visible light causes urticaria. Solar urticaria can appear on
both covered as well as uncovered areas of the skin.
The agent in the human body that is responsible for the reaction to ultraviolet
radiation is known as the photoallergen. Owing to its similarity to other
dermatological disorders, such as polymorphic light eruption or PMLE, solar
urticaria can be difficult to diagnose.
Solar
Urticaria Symptoms
The skin areas
that are constantly exposed to the sun have a lesser chance of experiencing an
outbreak of solar urticaria than do parts of the body that are thinly covered.
The most obvious symptom of solar urticaria is a rash that appears within a few
minutes after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The patient may suffer from
constant itching and pain. The urticarial reaction instigates in the form of
pruritus, later progressing to erythema and edema in the exposed areas of the
skin. In more severe cases, the patient may be subject to light-headedness,
headache, nausea, and vomiting. Though it has been reported in only a few cases,
patients have experienced bronchospasm.
Treatment of Solar
Urticaria
Ultraviolet
radiation causes mast cells to release histamines and blood enters the vessels,
which causes inflammation. Taking antihistamines can suppress the activity of
histamines. Fexofenadine is quite useful for patients with a low potency solar
urticaria. However, Terfenadine, an H1 receptor antagonist, or medicine that
combats the H1 receptor has been reported to be the most potent antihistamines
for solar urticaria.
Some simple remedies include avoiding sun/ultraviolet exposure, washing the
affected area with cool water, and using corticosteroid cream.
P.S. (from
Dr. Gary M. Levin, M.D. & Surgeon)
I know what you may feel and think - "I am lost! I don't have any chance to
get cured etc" - I have heard this numerous times and I must tell you this: I
have seen TONS of urticaria & angioedema sufferers get cured at my private
clinic and online using my simple method. I KNOW what I am talking about. Do
yourself a favor and check it out:
Click here to see now!
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