Summer is here, so are the surging temperatures, impending heatwaves and the scorching sun. With most parts of India expected to experience an intense heatwave this year, with predictions of above-normal temperatures across several regions, you may suffer from various skin-related ailments caused by excessive exposure to sunlight. But how serious are they? Can you shield your skin from these conditions, and summer-proof yourself?
Dr Reshma T Vishnani, consultant dermatologist, trichologist and aesthetic dermatologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, says exposure to sunlight can lead to several skin-related issues, ranging from mild rashes to severe burns and chronic conditions. She highlights the most common ones:
Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE): This is one of the most common sun allergies, causing red, itchy rashes after sun exposure. It can also show up as light coloured patches on the face and exposed areas.
Solar urticaria: It presents as hives/red itchy patches over the body on exposure to sunlight, which usually resolves when a person is back indoors in a cooler environment.
Actinic keratosis: Rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by long-term ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, potentially leading to skin cancer.
Photoallergic & phototoxic reactions: Caused by medications or skincare products that react with sunlight, leading to rashes, redness, and inflammation.
Melasma: Brown patches on the face triggered or worsened by UV exposure, especially in women.
Sunburn: Acute inflammation and damage to the skin due to excessive ultraviolet exposure.
Sun-induced damage is termed as photodermatoses and encompasses a group of disorders wherein there is an abnormal tissue response to UV light. Several factors can affect the amount of UV radiation exposure and sun damage, like time of day, season, geographic location, altitude, genetic and environmental pollutants.
“A person spending 15 minutes in the sun at noon in Chennai without sunscreen may have mild sunburn, but that same person could have severe sunburn after spending 15 minutes in the sun in Bengaluru because of the higher amount of UV radiation exposure due to altitude,” says Dr Vijendran P, senior consultant, dermatology, Apollo Hospital in Seshadripuram, Bengaluru. Similarly, a person in Hyderabad will have more sunburn than a person in Delhi, after spending 15 minutes in sunlight at noon, because she is closer to the equator, he adds.
Symptoms of sun damage can vary from redness, swelling, burning and stinging sensations, to vesicles and blister formation predominantly over sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, or the outer aspect of forearms. However, they can also involve the whole body in severe cases.
Dr Ajita Bagai, director (dermatology, lasers and aesthetic medicine), Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, Delhi, points out that certain drugs can lead to photosensitivity like antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines) NSAIDs, antidepressants, anticancer drugs but it is difficult to predict in whom reaction could be immediate or delayed. He says photo patch tests or testing of minimal erythema dose can be done to diagnose such conditions.
Doctors also say certain sections of the population, such as children, outdoor labourers, and those with skin conditions are at a higher risk of sun damage. For children, they advise that schools should make sunscreen mandatory before outdoor activities and parents should encourage UV-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats. For outdoor workers and labourers, they say the government and employers should provide shaded rest areas and encourage breaks during peak sunlight hours. They can also be provided free or subsidised sunscreen at work sites. While for individuals with skin conditions, they advise that dermatologists educate patients on sun-triggered flare-ups and encourage habit formation like carrying sunscreen and using umbrellas in daily life.
The rising temperature and the Indian climate characterised by intense sunlight and high UV radiation can worsen skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives, warts, cellulitis, and skin cancer. “UV radiation, specifically UVA (315-400 nm) and UVB (280-315 nm) wavelengths, are major risk factors for skin cancer, causing DNA damage and contributing to the development of various skin cancers like melanoma,” says Dr Bagai of Max.
Know what’s at stake
Health experts emphasise the importance of sun protection for patients with eczema particularly and those taking photosensitising drugs to prevent drug-induced photosensitivity (DIP). Avoiding sun exposure is the best way to prevent DIP. Sun protection education is crucial and includes using broad-spectrum sunscreens with high SPF, protective clothing with UPF 40 or higher, lip balms with SPF, and being mindful of light. Patients with pigmentation should use sunscreens indoors to protect against infrared light.
Experts say certain cosmetics and fragrances can trigger photosensitivity reactions, so patients should wear covered clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses when going outside. “The spaces between the fibres of woven textiles may allow the UV to permeate The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is a measure of UV radiation penetration through the fabric. The UPF of clothing depends on fabric components, including fibre content, colour, and additives, and may change with the wear of the fabric over time. Patients at risk of DIP should prefer clothing with an UPF of 40 or higher,” says Dr Bagai of Max.
Experts say sun safety education programmes can help prevent skin cancers and photosensitive disorders and consulting a dermatologist is essential for correct diagnosis and prevention. By taking these precautions, patients can reduce their risk of DIP and other sun-related skin issues. To prevent long-term damage, they emphasise on adopting regular sun protection measures.
Prevention & Control
- Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) 15-30 minutes before going outside; reapply every 2 hours
- Wear protective clothing: Hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing offer additional protection
- Seek shade: Avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 10 am and 4 pm
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
- Be mindful of reflection: Water, sand, snow can reflect sunlight, increase UV exposure
Common Misconceptions
- Darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen: While melanin provides some natural protection, it doesn’t eliminate UV damage risks, pigmentation, or premature ageing
- Sunscreen is only needed when it’s sunny: UV rays penetrate through clouds, glass, even fog, making sun protection essential year-round
- Only expensive sunscreens work: Affordable sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection are just as effective if applied in right quantity
- Sunscreen prevents vitamin D absorption: Sunscreen reduces but doesn’t block all rays; brief sun exposure (15-20 minutes) in morning is enough for vitamin D synthesis
How to treat sunburn
- Cool the skin: Apply a cool compress or take a cool bath to soothe the burn
- Moisturise: Use aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
- Pain relief: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if needed
- Avoid further sun exposure: Stay indoors or wear protective clothing until skin heals
- Do not peel or pop blisters: Let blisters heal naturally to avoid infection