The acute reaction of the skin to an excessively high dose of UV radiation, which everyone is likely to be familiar with or has experienced, is dermatitis solaris, better known as common sunburn. However, there are also other reactions of our skin to light and to sunlight specifically, which fall under the genus of light dermatoses.

Sunburn is the most common type of light dermatosis that most people probably know. There are other forms of this dermatosis that should not be underestimated. Why? What for? What are the reasons? If you experience symptoms, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist. The root cause should be investigated immediately and not after a few days of waiting. 

Prevention is better than cure. We've definitely used this statement on more than one occasion in our efforts to raise awareness for the topic of sun protection. And it also applies to the topic of light dermatoses. 

Especially in phases when your skin is no longer used to the sun, it can react excessively and unpleasantly to the sun’s rays. This can happen during the first long walk in the spring sun, or the first visit to the sun-flooded outdoor pool after weeks of heavy rainfall. The sun, or more precisely its UV rays, places a “new” strain on your skin after a long period without exposure. The so-called self-protection of the skin has not yet been developed and makes you even more susceptible to skin damage. 

Appropriate sunscreen should therefore be used directly in the form of UV-A and UV-B protection to avoid dermatosis, among other things, as far as possible.

What happens when we encounter UV rays without protection, or better formulated, when UV rays hit our unprotected skin? A small portion of the radiation is reflected directly on the skin surface. The larger portion, on the other hand, makes its way into and under the skin. The relevant wavelength makes the difference in the penetration depth. UVB radiation is mainly found in the epidermis, while UVA rays can penetrate deeper into the skin and tissue. This is associated with chemical reactions and biological processes that are fundamental to our lives, but also involve dangers. 

What types of light dermatoses are there? 

If your skin starts to itch an abnormal amount, become red, or if small blisters or pustules form after the first long-term exposure to the sun, it is likely that the skin has suffered from light dermatosis. Scientists speak of a qualitatively abnormal reaction to sunlight or UV radiation. Symptoms are more severe and intense than sunburn.

If this cannot be completely prevented, use sunscreen with a high SPF. The sun protection factor is closely linked to UV-B protection. But be sure to also pay attention to the UV-A protection in the product of your choice. However, the SPF can only be seen as an indicator of the level of protection. The degree of UVA protection, on the other hand, indicates the quality of the overall UV protection. To understand what makes a good sunscreen, never forget this simple fact. 

Another aspect of PLD: With further exposure to the sun or light (even with sunscreen), the skin begins to get used to the sun, as the skin becomes thicker and forms melanin. This reduces the symptoms. However, it is possible that the complaints will occur again next spring and the process of getting used to the sun gradually will have to be started from scratch.