Stepping out? Watch out for sun

Stepping out? Watch out for sun
Deccan Herald

Photo-sensitivity or sun allergy cases are increasing in Bangalore. As many as 416 cases were reported in 2004-05, according to a study.


Still sporting those skimpy tops and dangerously low-slung jeans? Perhaps, it’s time for a wardrobe makeover. The Bangalore sun, beating down in full fury, can leave you with a life-time regimen of sun-screens and pills to fight photo-sensitivity.

Photo-sensitivity or sun allergy, is no longer the problem of a few in Bangalore. Itchy skin, rashes, burning sensations and skin break-outs on exposed body parts like forearms, back, face and neck are on the rise.

In an ongoing study by St John’s Hospital headed by Dr Anil Abraham, Bangalore saw 78 cases of photo-sensitivity in 2001-2002 and a whopping 416 cases in 2004-2005. The study which began in 1996 will be completed in 2006.

Dermatologists across Bangalore concur that every day on an average, they are consulted by 12-15 people suffering from sun allergy. Dr Sharath Kumar, associate professor at KIMS Hospital, said during the past year, he had treated on an average 18-20 patients in the 20-30 age group in a day. Most of the patients used cosmetics and perfumes.

“Most of the cosmetics and soaps with strong fragrances contain ingredients that trigger photo-sensitising chemicals. So asking them to use mild soaps and weaning them away from perfumes and deodorants is our primary task,” he said.

Dr Anil Abraham of St John’s Hospital said nearly 35 per cent of photo-sensitivity cases he had come across were found to have originated from tetracycline antibiotics, laser hair procedures, beauty facials, fairness creams containing bleaching agents or herbs.

According to another study conducted in 2002 by Head of Dermatology Department in Victoria Hospital Dr S Sachidananada, Bangaloreans are more prone to photo-sensitivity or sun allergy than residents of Mysore, Belgaum and Dharwad. “We are on a higher altitude and therefore, the sun’s rays are harsher,” he said.

The study, titled ‘Sensitivity to Sun’, put under the scanner 50 people who were using sun screens and 50 non-users. The findings revealed that those who used the ‘right’ sun screens developed lesser skin problems.

“In many cases, sun screens made by cosmetic companies may be ineffective. It is always better to use the ones prescribed by your doctor and covering your body with adequate clothing will in many ways protect you from harmful UV rays,” he said. However, even that does not ensure absolute protection.

Meanwhile, Dr Mukta Sachdev, a consultant dermatologist at Manipal Hospital, said incidence of sun allergy among students of new age schools is on the rise because these schools give a lot of attention to outdoor games.

A summer problem?

No, was the unanimous reply. The solar light during cloudy days, contains the harmful Ultra Violet rays which do more damage than during summer.

Tips to beat sun fury

Apply sun screen prescribed by your doctor half-an-hour before stepping out

Even during cloudy days,you are prone to sun allergy

Look for sun screens that will protect you from both UV A & UV B rays

Use sun screens (with SPF of 15 & more) made by pharmaceutical companies

Re-application of sun screen every three hours is a must

Avoid sun between 10 am and 3 pm.