Can Sun Protection Be the Key to Managing Actinic Prurigo?
Can Sun Protection Be the Key to Managing Actinic Prurigo?
The Big Picture
Actinic prurigo is a challenging skin condition triggered by sunlight. Discover how sun protection and therapies can help.
Contents
- Sun Protection: The First Line of Defense
- Topical Treatments: A Helping Hand
- Advanced Therapies: When Sun Protection Isn’t Enough
Sun Protection: The First Line of Defense
For those with actinic prurigo, sun protection is crucial. This includes wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreens, and staying in the shade. These preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Topical Treatments: A Helping Hand
Topical corticosteroids are often recommended to manage the symptoms of actinic prurigo. They help reduce inflammation and itching. In mild cases, calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus may also be effective.
Advanced Therapies: When Sun Protection Isn’t Enough
In severe cases, phototherapy or oral medications like thalidomide are considered. Phototherapy involves controlled UV exposure to build skin tolerance. Thalidomide, despite potential side effects, has shown success in resistant cases.
FAQs
How important is sun protection for actinic prurigo?
It's essential for reducing symptoms and flare-ups.
Can topical treatments help actinic prurigo?
Yes, corticosteroids and tacrolimus can alleviate symptoms.
What is phototherapy?
A treatment using controlled UV exposure to increase skin tolerance.
Is thalidomide effective for actinic prurigo?
Yes, especially in severe cases, but it has side effects.
The Bottom Line
Sun protection and targeted therapies offer hope for managing actinic prurigo.
Additional References
- Lane PR, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 1992; 26:683.
- Valbuena MC, et al. Dermatol Clin 2014; 32:335.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.