Photosensitivity: When the Sun Hurts

Photosensitivity: When the Sun Hurts

Photosensitivity: When the Sun Hurts

For most of us, when we check the weather report we hope that the forecast is for sunny skies. We enjoy beach vacations and look forward to a warm day in the park after a cloudy, dreary winter spent indoors. Now imagine if those kinds of things actually risked your health. Sadly, rare diseases exist that actually make sunlight dangerous for those afflicted.

One of these diseases is a genetic disorder known as Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP). A rare disease affecting approximately one in every 250,000 people, the disorder results in a person's cells being unable to repair even the mildest of skin damage from Ultra-violet (UV) light. Though severity of the disorder varies from person to person, just a few minutes of exposure to sunlight can result in anything from a severe burn to skin-blistering. The damage is non-reversible. Therefore, repetitive exposure, even when small, results in tumor development of the skin and eyes. These tumors can be benign, but often they are cancerous. As a result, melanoma and carcinoma are major causes of death among XP sufferers.

Another disease which prohibits exposure to sunlight is a group of diseases known as Porphyrias. Like XP, porphyria is a rare genetic disease. But porphyria is a blood-disorder in which the body fails to properly process a chemical called porphyrin. The porphyrins build up in the system, causing a variety of symptoms like muscle weakness or cramping, seizure, and mental disturbance. Multiple forms of the disease, however, also cause photosensitivity. Exposure to UV-light by sufferers can result in redness, swelling, burning and blistering of the skin causing scarring.

Less rare and severe reactions to UV light also exist. Photosensitivity, also known as sun allergy, can arise from temporary conditions like medications, to more commonly known afflictions like rosacea or lupus. At times, the cause is never determined and often resolves itself. Reactions to UV light are generally less severe than the above genetic disorders, but similarly result in anything from redness, itching and burning, to blistering. Skin discoloration, rashes and breakouts are also signs of photosensitivity.

Those afflicted by UV-sensitive diseases can take some steps to prevent damage and to lead a life in a sunlit world. When venturing outdoors, they can cover their skin (even unexposed skin) with a total sun block cream. Also, clothing is available which is made from UV-blocking material, including maximum-coverage items like hoodies, gloves and long pants. Car windows can also be modified to use a UV-blocking tint.

Those with photosensitivity must also be concerned even when indoors. They must avoid exposure to UV light through windows or even strong UV lights. Fortunately for sufferers, however, they no longer have to live enclosed in a dark, viewless home. New technology at a residential window tinting San Antonio company includes a window tint which blocks 99.9% of all UV-rays from entering the home. This technology allows a person to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and a sunny day from within the safety of their home.

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