Sun Allergy – When the sun is not so friendly

According to Dorlana’s medical dictionary for health consumers, light allergy is an uncomfortable condition that results from extreme sensitivity to ultra violet light. This happens when there is an enzyme deficiency in the repair of DNA damaged by the ultra-violet light. It begins in child hood.

Unprotected sun exposure is dangerous to a child with this deficiency. It is worse when the child has fair skin and light hair. A lot of unprotected exposure can easily lead to sunburns. This happens within 15 minutes but the redness and the discomfort may not be noticed.

The following are the symptoms of sun allergy:

o It will start itching, then later
o Skin redness and blistering
o Pain and tingling
o Swelling
o Nausea
o Fever and chills
o Dizziness

Should you notice any of the above symptoms:

o Remove the child from sun right away.
o Place the under a cool shower – but not cold.
o Give extra drinks for the next two to three days to avoid dehydration.
o Use a moisturizing gel to relieve pain from the pain on their skin.

Seek medical attention if you notice the following:

o Many blisters or the child complaining of extreme pain
o Facial swelling
o Fever that is not coming down
o The child complaining of unbearable headaches
o Fainting
o When you see signs of dehydrations e.g. dry eyes and a mouth that barely has saliva.

Never the less, there are also ways to prevent the child from getting sun burn:

o Minimize the baby’s exposure to the sun from 10.00am to 6.00pn in the evening.
o Have the baby to wear protective clothes, sun glasses and a hat.
o Apply sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection with a sun protection factor.
o Apply sunscreens 15 to 30minuets before sun exposure and 30 minutes after exposure begins. Then reapply the child after swimming or if the child has sweated.

NB: A lot of unprotected exposure to the sun can lean to skin cancer.

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