Erythema solaris (also called sunburn) is characterized by reddening of the skin, which is caused by excessively long stay in the sun.
The melanin contained in the skin filters the UV rays.
The risk of erythema solaris is highest during the first stays in the sun, as the skin needs at least 48-72 hours to produce enough melanin.
If the skin is very light, you have to wait at least a week before a more extensive sun exposure.
It is a common inconvenience and typical of the sensitive skin of:
- Children
- Infants.
People who suffer from vitiligo (white spot disease) have less melanin in the skin and thus a predisposition to sunburn on light skin.
Particularly affected areas are:
- Head
- Face
- Cheeks
- Breast
- Hands
- Feet.
These areas are most exposed to sunlight, especially if you have bathing sandals on.
Sunburn:
- shows up 2-4 hours after exposure to the sun,
- reaches a peak after 8 to 24 hours.
The skin peels after about a week, between 3 and 8 days later.
Erythema solaris can provoke:
- Swelling
- redness,
- Ache.
Consult a doctor in case of:
Causes of erythema solaris can be excessive exposure to the sun or under UV lamps.
Contents
Symptoms of erythema solaris
1. Reddened and painful skin 2. Red dots
3. Overheated skin
4. Skin scaling after at least 4 days of sun exposure
Symptoms of severe sunburn
1. Blisters
2. Fluid retention under the skin (edema)
3. Chills
4. Fever
5. Disturbances
Differential diagnosis
The doctor must exclude:
- Dermatitis polymorpha dolorosa
- Atopic dermatitis
- Urticaria solare
- Photoallergic dermatitis
What to do? Treatment of erythema solaris
If erythema solaris has occurred, there is not much that can be done to limit the damage that has already occurred.
However, the following recommendations can reduce pain in the following hours and days after sunburn:
- Place cool compresses, for example, a cloth moistened with water on the skin.
- Do not apply olive oil to sunburned skin, as it warms up the inflamed skin additionally.
- Do not pierce any blisters. The bubbles contain a natural endogenous fluid (serum) and form a protective layer.
Destroyed blisters slow down the healing process and are a risk of infection.
If necessary, lightly cover the bubbles with gauze. If a blister bursts on its own, apply an antibacterial cream.
What medications are recommended?
Pharmacological therapy
Anti-inflammatories and painkillers can be taken as directed by the doctor until redness and pain have passed, for example:
- Aspirin
- Paracetamol (Ben-u-ron).
- Ibuprofen (Dolormin).
Corticosteroids. Cortisone-containing ointments can help reduce the itching that occurs as the skin heals.
These drugs can also be taken in tablet form (eg prednisone, methylprednisolone).
For sunburn, a cream with hydrocortisone (Soventol® and Fenistil®) will help.
If erythema is pronounced and blisters develop, the doctor may prescribe sulmycin ointment with Celestan-V; This includes:
- gentamicin (antibiotic),
- Betamethasone (corticosteroid).
A burn and wound gel with local anesthetic can relieve the itching and pain.
A pregnant woman should definitely consult her doctor for advice before using medication.
Antihistamines. Since sunburn is also an allergic reaction of the skin to UV rays, the pain can be relieved by taking antihistamines, such as:
- Loratadine (Clarityn),
- cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Home remedies for erythema solaris
Scientific studies show that the following antioxidants protect the skin:
Beta-carotene and other carotenoids – Beta-carotene is often used as a standard treatment before sun exposure.
Scientists believe that the protective effect of beta-carotene stems from its antioxidant effects. Thus, it would also be possible for other antioxidants to protect against skin damage.
Vitamin B6 (50 mg daily for 3 months) – Various studies indicate that vitamin B6 reduces the skin’s response to sunlight.
Taking high doses of vitamin B6 should be done under the supervision of a physician to avoid the risk of unwanted side effects.
Vitamin C (50-75 mg daily) – Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can provide good protection against skin damage caused by sun exposure.
Vitamin C can:
- negatively affect some diseases,
- interfere with some medications.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and various studies have shown that it protects against sun damage when taken together with vitamin C (but not alone). However, other studies have not come to this conclusion. Vitamin E may interact with other medicines, such as anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Vitamin D – In animal studies, vitamin D has protected against damage caused by UVB radiation.
It is not clear whether integrators with vitamin D can protect people equally.
Vitamin D supplements may interact with some medications, including:
- Digoxin
- Verapamil
Other supplements Erythema solaris
Melatonin – Melatonin supplements (alone or in combination with vitamins C and E) appear to provide mild protection against sunburn in healthy people, but it is not clear whether melatonin has the same effects in individuals with a tendency to rash.
Zinc – Zinc is necessary for healthy skin.
Some patients use zinc-containing creams (zinc oxide) to reduce redness of the skin because they have been shown to be helpful.
Nutrition and diet for erythema solaris
Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals, which are chemical substances that can damage cells. Antioxidants can protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun (UV light).
To prevent sunburn, a diet rich in yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables is recommended, such as:
- Honeydew
- Carrots
- Paprika
- Peaches
- Apricots.
Treatment of erythema solaris with herbs
Flavonoids – Some of these plant-derived antioxidants may protect the skin from sun damage.
In one study, German researchers found that drinking cocoa (which contains high levels of flavonoids) provides protection from the sun.
Cocoa and chocolate are rich in flavonoids, which are able to strengthen the skin and prevent erythema.
Pomegranate extract is rich in polyphenols, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which have an important role in the prevention and cure of skin disorders.
Fruits and vegetables in the diet lead to the absorption of more flavonoids and can help.
These flavonoids can be taken as an extract in dried form. Since some flavonoids can interact with certain medicines, you should talk to your doctor beforehand.
Among these are:
- catechin (25-150mg, 2 to 3 times a day),
- quercetin (50-250mg, 2 to 3 times a day),
- hesperidin (50-250mg, 2 to 3 times a day),
- Rutin (50-250mg, 2 to 3 times a day).
- The rosehip (Rosa canin) has a high flavonoid content and can be drunk as a tea.
The recommended amount is 3-4 cups a day.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) can also protect against erythema caused by UV rays because it contains antioxidants.
Herbs used locally to heal the skin:
- promote lymphatic circulation,
- may be useful for the treatment of the underlying various skin diseases.
Natural remedies for erythema solaris
Before using any of these remedies, a doctor should be consulted. Some examples are:
Aloe vera – the gel of aloe vera is used for skin inflammation. One study shows that aloe vera has a higher anti-inflammatory effect than 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment.
Burdock root (Arctium lappa) – it is used locally for inflammation of the skin and healing of wounds. Do not apply to open wounds.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – use locally on wounds, burns and other skin diseases.
Canadian turmeric (Hydrastis canadensis) – used for infections, including those that cause skin lesions.
Melissa (Melissa officinalis) – Melissa can be applied as an ointment to injuries.
Sage extract – applied locally, it reduces inflammation. In one study, sage extract significantly reduced erythema caused by ultraviolet rays, with similar results to hydrocortisone.
Elm (Ulmus fulva) – applied locally, in combination with turmeric. Never apply to open wounds.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – applied locally, it is effective against inflammation of the skin and to heal injuries. Never apply to open wounds.
Zinc oxide ointment can be used locally for skin redness, but not for blistering.
Homeopathy and homeopathic remedies for erythema solaris
Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of a specific homeopathic therapy, professional homeopaths use the following remedies to treat erythema based on their findings and experience.
Apis mellifica (derived from honey bee) – for rashes that are overheated, dry and sensitive to the touch.
They may be accompanied by a sore throat.
Symptoms can be relieved with baths and fresh drinks, but worsen with heat.
Calendula – suitable for burns and skin lesions that are superficial.
This remedy is often used when the acute phase of the disease has subsided and serves for complete recovery.
Rhus toxicodendron – it is a remedy extract from the spores and milk of the poison sumac. The remedy is used for blisters and blisters that cause severe itching, which worsens at night and improves with the application of heat.
This remedy is especially suitable for people who are restless at night and are not able to sleep comfortably enough.
How long does it take? When does erythema solaris pass?
Usually everything heals in 5-7 days.
In mild cases, the inflammatory reaction causes pain in the first two days, after which only the red and peeling skin remains.
In the case of severe erythema solaris, the rash can also last for two weeks.
Avoidance of erythema solaris
The following methods should be used to prevent sunburn:
- Avoid sun exposure in the period from 10 am to 16 pm, as the sun’s rays are strongest during this period.
Plan outdoor activities at other times of the day. - If possible, look for shade. If staying in the sun is unavoidable, limit the length of time you spend outdoors during peak periods.
- Cover yourself. Put on clothes that cover your arms and legs, and put on a wide-brimmed hat (similar to a sombrero) that provides more protection to the facial area than a golf hat. Use the right clothing and equipment for sun protection when staying outdoors.
Which sun protection factor to use?
If the first stay in the sun lasts longer than 20 minutes, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and more should be used.
