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Suggest Treatment For Polymorphic Light Eruption On My Face
Posted on
Mon, 9 Mar 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 9 Mar 2015
Answered on
Sat, 4 Apr 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi,
Solar UVA Question - I was in a meeting next to a window for 45 mins and the sun was shining through on my left hand side of my face. It was cold outside but the sun seemed strong (UV index #4). After the meeting I was hot and sweaty and the left side of my face felt tight and a bit weird ( and still feels the same 2 hours later), but not red or burnt,
I know that glass blocks UVB but not UVA. So has the UVA burnt me or my face just got very hot, or maybe an allergic reaction?
Also, is that enough time for UVA to cause permanent damage as I know UVA can contribute to skin cancer, but is that over many years (even though I probably got a good dose today)?
Thx
Solar UVA Question - I was in a meeting next to a window for 45 mins and the sun was shining through on my left hand side of my face. It was cold outside but the sun seemed strong (UV index #4). After the meeting I was hot and sweaty and the left side of my face felt tight and a bit weird ( and still feels the same 2 hours later), but not red or burnt,
I know that glass blocks UVB but not UVA. So has the UVA burnt me or my face just got very hot, or maybe an allergic reaction?
Also, is that enough time for UVA to cause permanent damage as I know UVA can contribute to skin cancer, but is that over many years (even though I probably got a good dose today)?
Thx
Brief Answer:
I suggest a possibility of polymorphic light eruption
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.
UV B is effectively blocked by glass. Most likely it is an induced eruption to sun i.e polymorphic light eruption but not a sunburn
I suggest you to use an OTC topical steroid e.g cortisone cream twice daily.
An OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily will provide symptomatic relief from burning.
No, such a short lasting UV A exposure does not lead to permanent damage Or cancer.
It is cumulative UV A exposure over the years that leads to cancer
Regards
I suggest a possibility of polymorphic light eruption
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.
UV B is effectively blocked by glass. Most likely it is an induced eruption to sun i.e polymorphic light eruption but not a sunburn
I suggest you to use an OTC topical steroid e.g cortisone cream twice daily.
An OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily will provide symptomatic relief from burning.
No, such a short lasting UV A exposure does not lead to permanent damage Or cancer.
It is cumulative UV A exposure over the years that leads to cancer
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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