1-What is sun protection?

When we talk about sun protection, we always think of the sunscreen or sunscreen spray we use at the beach or the swimming pool. However, sun protection is not just that. To protect ourselves from the sun we can use many other elements, as useful or even more useful than creams.

• Avoid the central hours of the day
• Always seek shade
• Wear a hat or cap
• Wear clothing with a sun protection factor (UPF).

2- What does the SPF (sun protection factor) mean?

The sun protection factor (SPF) of creams refers to their ability to block UVB radiation. It indicates the number of times multiplied by the time it takes for our skin to burn. In other words, if my skin turns red in 10 minutes in the sun, using an SPF50, it will turn red after 500 minutes.

An SPF 50 blocks almost 100% of UVB rays (more than 98%), so all products labeled with higher SPFs will actually have very little difference with SPF50. Thus, it is not true that an SPF 100 protects twice as much as a 50. European regulations recommend labeling all SPFs higher than 50 as “SPF50+” in order to avoid this type of confusion.

UVA radiation, which has the greatest influence on skin aging, is also blocked by sunscreens. European regulations require products to have at least one third of the protection indicated for UVB.

3- What should I look for when choosing sunscreen?

My advice, as a dermatologist, will always be to go for the maximum SPF, i.e. 50+.

The protection provided by creams is greatly reduced by our imperfect way of using them, so I think it makes sense to go for the one that provides the most protection.

Some people use 30 for the body and 50 for the face, which makes no sense to me. Many times it is because of the desire to get a tan. However, let’s remember that there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Any degree of pigmentation of our skin is a defense mechanism against something that feels like aggression, in this case, sun exposure. The more tanning we have, the more signs we have that the skin has had to defend itself against something it considers harmful.

4-When should I apply my sunscreen?

Traditionally it was heard that it was important to apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before, for it to take effect. This is currently considered a myth and I will explain why in this article.

However, on beach or pool days, I think it is advisable to apply it quietly at home a while before arriving at the beach or pool, as it is likely to do so with greater precision and forcefulness.

Remember that it is advisable to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours and after each swim.

5- What about children?

Babies under 6 months of age should preferably be protected with clothing, an umbrella and a hat. From that age, in addition to clothing (which in my opinion are much more practical) and a hat, we can use photoprotection creams normally. The whole family can safely use products for children, which are usually specifically tested, and also contain less alcohol and perfumes.

Do you use sunscreen?

The post 5 questions about sun protection first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

WHAT IS polymorphic light eruption?

These are skin lesions of different shape and appearance (hence the name “polymorphous rash”) usually located on the neckline, shoulders and back of the hands. It is rarer, but can also affect the legs. Characteristically, it appears in areas that are usually covered during the winter.

Polymorphous light eruption is the most common form of sun allergy, usually appearing in spring and improving as summer progresses.

Small pimples (most common), welts or even vesicles or small blisters may appear. Sometimes it resembles insect bites. It usually appears in spring or early summer, fading as the weeks go by and disappearing again at the end of summer. It often recurs year after year.

Images of polymorphic light eruption

¿HOW IS polymorphous light eruption DIAGNOSED?

The appearance and evolution of the pimples are often sufficient to make a diagnosis. In specific cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

PLE is the most common form of sun allergy; however, it is important to rule out other causes of sun allergy.

If pimples or other lesions appear after sun exposure, it is important to consult a dermatologist to confirm whether it is a polymorphous light eruption or other skin diseases that are also aggravated by the sun.

Is polymorphous light eruption HEREDITARY OR CONTAGIOUS?

It is thought that there is a certain genetic component in the appearance of polymorphous luminal rash, so that up to 45% of people who suffer from it have some history in the family.

Can polymorphic light eruption be prevented?

•SUN PROTECTION:

Obviously the most important measure to take is photoprotection. It is important to use physical measures (such as hats, T-shirts…) and protective creams for UVB as well as for UVA. All sunscreens in the European Union are required to protect against UVA at least 1/3 of what they protect against UVB; but from this minimum there are those that cover more and those that cover less. This is important, because both UVB and UVA (and even in some cases, visible light) can trigger the appearance of pimples.

•PHOTOTHERAPY:

Curiously, it seems that as exposure to the sun increases, the skin acquires a kind of tolerance to the sun. Somehow it seems to get used to it and as the summer progresses, the appearance of pimples becomes less likely. Therefore, in cases where photoprotection is not sufficient, their appearance can be prevented by phototherapy (UVA or UVB rays administered in a medical center). Phototherapy prepares the skin before sun exposure, so that when it arrives, the skin is already “prepared”.

Sun protection is the most important preventive measure. In some cases, it can be prevented with dermatologist-controlled phototherapy.

•VITAMINS AND OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS:

Vitamin supplements with antioxidants can be taken a few months before sun exposure, although their effectiveness is still controversial, since there are not enough scientific studies with clear conclusions to recommend their use in all cases.

HOW IS polymorphic light eruption TREATED?

In cases where you have not been able to prevent the appearance, the spots can be treated with a corticosteroid cream; with which the spots disappear within days (as long as you do not continue to expose yourself to the sun :). In more severe cases, it may be necessary to take corticosteroids in pill form.

HOW LONG does polymorphic light eruption last?

It is considered to be a chronic disease, so it is likely to appear year after year and relevant prevention and precaution must be maintained over time. But it is also true that over time (within years), in about half of the cases the symptoms tend to diminish or even disappear.

In conclusion…

The most common cause of sun allergy is polymorphous light eruption. This is not a serious disease but it tends to recur every year. To prevent it, sun protection (UVB and UVA) is essential, not only with sunscreen but also with hats, shirts,…. In some cases more specific treatment is needed, for which it is advisable to see a dermatologist.

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