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Suggest Treatment For Photosensitivity

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Posted on Mon, 14 Dec 2015
Question: my husband's skin goes lobster red if exposed to sunlight, or even under the shade but close to sun rays...we've seen 2 dermatologists and prescribed him sunblock and said that he is sensitive to the sun rays...duh, we already know that.
my question that never got answered, is this an indication that he has some deficiency to protect himself from uv rays? as a child, he was not like this and developed this during his teenage years. his skin is very porcelain like, supple, white in color. oily in the face but generally normal and blemish free all over.
also, is he more prone to cancer?
doctor
Answered by Dr. VINAY KUMAR (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gradual improvement expected with several measures combined

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome to this forum!

I am Dr. V XXXXXXX , Sr Consultant Dermatologist.

I have noted your details.

Photosensitivity or intolerance to Sunlight is a fairly common problem in fair-skinned individuals and is related to less of pigments in the skin that protect one from UV rays. Most such individuals do very well and remain healthy and as active as others.

Here are some measures that will help in dealing with the problem more efficiently:

1 Staying away from sunlight to the best extent possible. This is more relevant especially when the problem is already active and intense. Frequent face washes also help to a good extent.

2 To wear large glasses and protective hat while outdoors, and avoiding beaches and snowy areas because there the UV rays tend to produce greater damage

3 To use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 35.

Most people lack knowledge about correct usage of sunscreens.

Let me remind you of important facts about their usage
----Should be used daily, at 1000 AM and 1300 hrs
----To be worn even when it is cloudy, raining, or snowing
----To be used at least 20 minutes before intended exposure to outside environment
----to be used even when staying indoors all through the year

4 Plenty of vegetables as these contain ingredients that help increase one's tolerance for UV rays

5 Antioxidants preparations containing Vitamins A, C, and E

I am sure these additional measures will help early recovery.Please make sure that he is not on a medication that increases one's sensitivity to sunlight. This happens with certain antibiotics and other medicines.

There is not always a higher risk of developing any other skin related issue if you are photosensitive but keep yourself well protected.

Our best wishes!
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. VINAY KUMAR

Dermatologist

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 480 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Photosensitivity

Brief Answer: Gradual improvement expected with several measures combined Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to this forum! I am Dr. V XXXXXXX , Sr Consultant Dermatologist. I have noted your details. Photosensitivity or intolerance to Sunlight is a fairly common problem in fair-skinned individuals and is related to less of pigments in the skin that protect one from UV rays. Most such individuals do very well and remain healthy and as active as others. Here are some measures that will help in dealing with the problem more efficiently: 1 Staying away from sunlight to the best extent possible. This is more relevant especially when the problem is already active and intense. Frequent face washes also help to a good extent. 2 To wear large glasses and protective hat while outdoors, and avoiding beaches and snowy areas because there the UV rays tend to produce greater damage 3 To use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 35. Most people lack knowledge about correct usage of sunscreens. Let me remind you of important facts about their usage ----Should be used daily, at 1000 AM and 1300 hrs ----To be worn even when it is cloudy, raining, or snowing ----To be used at least 20 minutes before intended exposure to outside environment ----to be used even when staying indoors all through the year 4 Plenty of vegetables as these contain ingredients that help increase one's tolerance for UV rays 5 Antioxidants preparations containing Vitamins A, C, and E I am sure these additional measures will help early recovery.Please make sure that he is not on a medication that increases one's sensitivity to sunlight. This happens with certain antibiotics and other medicines. There is not always a higher risk of developing any other skin related issue if you are photosensitive but keep yourself well protected. Our best wishes!