Solar Urticaria. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Prevent it

People who live in tropical countries, like Indonesia, may rarely hear about solar urticaria. Solar urticaria is an allergy to sunlight which causes the sufferer to not be exposed to direct sunlight. Although solar urticaria is rarely experienced by people who live in tropical countries, that does not mean you have absolutely no risk of this disease. Because, in addition to the climate of residence, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of being exposed to solar urticaria.

Causes of Solar Urticaria

The cause of the emergence of solar urticaria is still not known with certainty. However, this condition appears as an allergic reaction to sun exposure. The immune system's response to sunlight is what causes a number of symptoms to appear on the skin. Some factors that can increase a person's risk of developing solar urticaria are:

• Suffer from certain skin diseases, such as dermatitis.
• Using perfume, disinfectants, and certain chemicals, while doing activities in the sun.
• Taking certain medicines. Some types of drugs, such as tetracycline antibiotics and ketoprofen anti-pain medications, can cause sunburn more quickly.
• Having a family suffering from solar urticaria.

Symptoms of Solar Urticaria

When a person experiences solar urticaria, redness, hives, bumps, itching and pain may appear on the sun's exposed skin area. However, these symptoms vary, not necessarily the same in every person. In addition to abnormalities in the skin, the following symptoms can also occur when a person experiences solar urticaria:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Low blood pressure

Solar Urticaria Treatment

Most cases of solar urticaria can heal by itself. However, doctors will usually give several types of drugs to overcome the symptoms. In the case of mild solar urticaria, the doctor will prescribe an antihistamine drug to relieve allergy symptoms. In addition, the doctor may also give a cream or lotion to relieve itching. While patients with solar urticaria with severe symptoms will usually be prescribed other drugs to relieve complaints, such as omalizumab and cyclosporine. In some cases, medical measures such as photopheresis, plasma exchange, or administration of intravenous immunoglobin will also be carried out by doctors to relieve severe allergic reactions.

Prevents Solar Urticaria

Some ways you can do to prevent solar urticaria are:

• As much as possible limit and avoid outdoor activities during the day, especially when the sun is blazing hot.
• If you want to do outdoor activities during the day, use long pants, long sleeves, complete with hats or headgear.
• Always use sunscreen, at least with SPF 30. Choose sunscreens that can provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• If complaints arise when using certain chemicals, stop using them immediately. If a complaint arises when you are taking certain medications, discuss with your doctor to give medication or replacement therapy.

Although solar urticaria is rarely experienced by people who live in Indonesia, it never hurts to protect yourself and prevent this condition. If there are complaints that lead to solar urticaria, do not hesitate to do a doctor's examination to get the right treatment.