Photo dermatitis or PhotoSensitivity is the term used for condition where skin allergies, skin eruptions get worse from Exposure to Sun Rays.
Skin is so much sensitive that slight exposure to sun will harm it in many different ways.
Definition :- It’s Acute or Chronic skin reactions due to Hypersensitivity to Sunlight or other sources of Radiation.
Symptoms & Signs :-
Pruritic or Painful Erythema, Oedema or Vesiculation on sun exposed surfaces that is Face, Hands & “ V ” of neck. Inner upper eyelids spared, as is the area under the chin also spared.
Peeling of Epidermis & Pigmentary changes often occur.
D/D :-
1] Contact Dermatitis :-
It should always be ruled out. Skin reactions from use of Sun Screen lotions & oils, as these may often have a similar pattern of distribution like photodermatitis.
2] Patients taking drugs like Phenothiazines, Quinine, Greseofulvin, Sulfonylureas, NSAIDS, etc may photosensitise the skin.
3] Rarely Porphyria Cutanea Tarda or Lupus Erythematosus leads to photosensitivity.
PREVENTION :-
Follow the health tips given in Previous article “ Tips to Beat the Heat”
Use Sun Screen Lotions with SPF of 30-60 & broad UVA coverage will help.
HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR PHOTODERMATITIS :-
1) URTICA URENS :-
Best medicine for Burns of First Degree, can be used locally and internally also.
For Preventive purpose also can be used locally.
2) KALI BICHROMIUM :-
When Hot weather it self worsen the skin ailments and complaints.
Acne, papular & pustular eruptions, Ulcers with punched out edges with tendency to penetrate and tenacious exudation. Other Generalities should also match to give this.
3) CANTHARIS :-
Valuable remedy for Burns & Scalds. Burns with Rawness and smarting relieved by cold application, follow by undue inflammation.
Severe Sun Burns. Dermatitis with with bleb formation. Erysipelas vesicular.
4) SARSAPARILLA :-
Skin rash from exposure to Sun, comes in Spring. Summer Cutaneous Disorders.
5) NAT MUR :-
Skin eruptions after Exposure to Sun Light.
Skin is greasy oily. Also for Eczema, red inflamed worse by Eating Salt.
6) SOL :-
Dermatitis from Sun. Sun Burns. Indicated for persons as a whole when worse from Exposure to Sun. Also for Spasms, Stiffness, Faintness, Prostration, Headache after Sun.
Worse from Sunrise to Sunset.
