Sun poisoning
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Sun_poisoning".

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (June 2008)

Photodermatitis, or sometimes called by the nonscientific term sun poisoning, is a reaction of the skin to UV rays of the sun, or photoallergy. It may be caused by a medication that makes the skin more sensitive, a skin product (e.g. sunscreen containing PABA, certain fragrances), autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or a vitamin deficiency. Doctors can determine the presence of the disorder through a photo test.

Causes

Many medications cause sun sensitivity, including:

• psoralens, coal tars, photo-active dyes (eosin, acridine orange)
• musk ambrette, methylcoumarin, lemon oil (may be present in fragrances)
• PABA (found in sunscreens)
• salicylanilide (found in industrial cleaners)
• Hexachlorophene (found in some Rx antibacterial soaps)
• Contact with sap from Giant Hogweed. Common Rue (Ruta graveolins) is another phototoxic plant commonly found in gardens.
• Tetracycline antibiotics
• NSAIDs.
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotic: Sparfloxacin in 2% of cases.
• Pellagra

Photodermatitis can also be caused by plants. This is called phytophotodermatitis.

Symptoms

May result in swelling, a burning sensation, a red itchy rash sometimes resembling small blisters, and peeling of the skin. Nausea may also occur.

Prevention

Prevention includes avoiding exposure to the sun:

• Stay inside during the brightest hours of the day, from noon to 3 p.m.
• Cover up: wear long sleeves, slacks, and a wide-brimmed hat whenever harsh exposure is probable. Remember that cloud cover does not provide protection from UV rays.
• Avoid chemicals that may trigger a reaction (do not, however, stop taking medication without consulting a doctor).
• Wear sunscreen^[1] at least factor 30 with a high UVA protection level.
• If the symptoms are severe, see a doctor.

Foods and treatment

The following foods or treatment may also help:

• Beta Carotene - found in carrots, not proven to be effective
• Omega-3 fatty acids - found in fish and flax seed
• Protein - will especially help individuals whose malnutrition may be a contributing factor.
• Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E
• Green tea - antioxidants
• Calendula
• Aloe - external use
• If pellagra is the cause, niacin is the specific treatment

References

This disease article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.