Acne aestivalis – causes, symptoms & therapy

Acne aestivalis

Mallorca acne ( Acne aestivalis ) was first described in 1972 by the Danish dermatologist Nils Hjorth. It is a hereditary sun allergy that primarily affects young women with oily, impure skin who are exposed to intense sun. Oily sunscreen products can also trigger Mallorca acne. The itchy pustules appear mainly in the spring when the skin is weaned from the sun after the long winter months.

What is acne aestivalis?

Acne aestivalis, also known as Mallorca or summer acne, is an allergic reaction to UV radiation. In this case, dermatologists speak of a polymorphic light eruption, a pathological change in the sebaceous glands. This causes red pustules and nodules to develop on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun.

The term Mallorca acne suggests that holidaymakers in Mallorca in particular suffer from it. It is true that the skin disease was defined more precisely in the 1970s, at a time when the Balearic Islands were becoming increasingly popular with German tourists.

But Mallorca acne has nothing to do with Mallorca or with conventional acne: holidaymakers who lie under the warm UV rays after months without sun can get acne aestivalis. And that can be in Mallorca but also in any other sunny place in the world. Acne aestivalis usually subsides on its own after a few days, so that simple home remedies are often sufficient for treatment.

causes

  Not everyone who goes out in the sun again after long winter months will inevitably get acne aestivalis. This skin condition is genetic, meaning it is inherited from parents and grandparents. And according to clinical studies, it particularly often affects young women between the ages of 20 and 40. The following causes have been researched for the outbreak of Mallorca acne: It occurs during prolonged sunbathing in combination with sunscreen.These products can cause hyperhydration (overmoisture) of the skin, which clogs pores. And the reason for this excess moisture is probably the emulsifiers and fats in the sun cosmetics. Because the UVA and UVB rays of the sun form so-called free radicals on the skin. And as soon as these combine with emulsifiers and fatty acids, substances are formed that lead to skin irritations in the case of genetic predisposition. However, these irritating substances do not only develop in conjunction with sunscreens . They can also arise when the natural skin fat combines with UV rays. So if you have oily skin , you are more likely to get Mallorca acne than people with dry skin.

In those affected who already suffer from conventional acne vulgaris, the skin’s appearance will worsen rather than improve under the influence of the sun. A phototoxic reaction can also lead to sun allergy. Such a phototoxic reaction occurs when UV radiation and a photosensitizer meet. This also creates free radicals that damage the skin cells. Examples of photosensitizers are: antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines) or diuretics for dehydration (e.g. furosemide), plants (e.g. hogweed) and also essential oils (e.g. bergamot oil).

When to the doctor?

Normally, acne aestivalis does not require a doctor’s visit. In most cases, it is sufficient to significantly reduce the number of hours of sunshine and to take preventive measures. The use of sunscreen is strongly recommended and necessary. If symptoms arise, the sun should be avoided as much as possible for a few days. The use of cosmetic articles and make-up products is also not advisable. The skin should be cooled and moisturizing after-sun items should be used. In addition, there are various home remedies that help to soothe the skin and can be used without a doctor’s consultation.

In the case of acne aestivalis, a doctor must be consulted as soon as the skin becomes inflamed as a result of scratching or chafing. Persistent itching, the formation of pus and a steady increase in symptoms must be clarified by a doctor. If there are changes in the skin structure or scars form , a doctor’s visit is necessary. Pain or a persistent feeling of tension in the face should be presented to a doctor. If new pimples, papules or other skin impurities continue to appear, a doctor should be asked for help. If you are experiencing emotional problems that are causing you to change your mood or well-being, you should see a doctor for appropriate treatment.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of acne aestivalis:

  • skin irritation

Acne aestivalis manifests itself like puberty acne (acne vulgaris): the hair follicles on the skin areas that are intensively exposed to the sun become inflamed : small papules and pustules as well as reddened nodules form, which can cause severe itching. In contrast to acne vulgaris, comedones and blackheads do not occur with Mallorca acne.

While acne vulgaris mainly appears on the face, acne aestivalis occurs primarily on the upper arms, décolleté and chest, but the face can also be affected. Inflammatory processes on the abdomen and calves are less common. The course of Mallorca acne is usually harmless. As soon as those affected go out of the sun, the papules and pustules form again – within a few days. And, as paradoxical as it may sound: those who have gotten used to the sun and are already tanned have fewer problems.

Diagnose

Those affected who do not know exactly whether they have Mallorca acne or another skin disease should consult a dermatologist. He will look at the complexion and quickly make his diagnosis. They will also ask what sun products the person is using and how long they have been out in the sun. If that is not enough for a reliable diagnosis, the dermatologist can also do a skin reaction test under a UVA lamp.

complications

With acne aestivalis, the patient suffers from severe skin problems. In most cases, small lumps form and the skin is very red. It may also be itchy and covered with pustules and papules. As a rule, acne aestivalis occurs all over the body. Many patients suffer from reduced self-esteem and psychological problems due to facial discomfort. Complications do not usually occur with acne aestivalis. The symptoms can quickly disappear if the person concerned avoids direct sunlight. Only in rare cases can scars form which will not disappear on their own. Should the patient not avoid direct sunlight, the symptoms intensify and there is a further development of acne aestivalis with severe itching. In this case, the acne must be treated with antibiotics to prevent further inflammation or scarring. Life expectancy is not affected by the disease.

treatment and therapy

Since Mallorca acne usually disappears on its own within a few days, it usually does not need to be treated. However, if the pustules and papules start to itch and there is a risk that those affected will scratch the skin, first aid is called for. And there are household remedies that have proven themselves: cooling with cold compresses is good. Quark wraps also provide immediate relief. Simply spread cold quark on a handkerchief and place on the affected areas of the skin.

↳ More information: Home remedies for acne

Naturopaths swear by a freshly prepared decoction made from witch hazel (witch hazel), oak bark or chamomile . Saturate a cloth with it and blot the skin. And – very important: instead of oily sunscreen lotions or creams, it is better to use oil-free sunscreen in gel form! In rare cases, when the sun allergy is extremely pronounced, a visit to the dermatologist can also be advisable. He can prescribe an ointment with tretinoin or isotretinoin; these are medicines with vitamin A acid that open the hair follicles and sebaceous glands and allow the redness to subside more quickly.

prevention

If you haven’t been in the sun for a long time, you should take it easy on your next vacation: apply a thick, oily sunscreen gel with a high sun protection factor. Leave it on for at least half an hour so that the active ingredients can unfold – and only then go out in the sun. But first no longer than half an hour. Very sensitive sunbathing times are even shorter: five to ten minutes in the early morning or late afternoon.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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