Sun Tan

Sun Tan : Symptoms, Causes, Types, Do's, Don'ts, Yoga, Ayurvedic Reference and Treatment: Complete Ayurveda Details

Damage to skin by exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun is a common problem today taking to consideration the current scenario of rising temperature and scorching heat all over the globe, especially in tropical and temperate zones.

Excessive UV radiation causes skin burn and damage to DNA. Skin tanning occurs as a result of excessive release of melanin by melanocytes of the skin triggered by UVA and UVB frequencies of sun radiation.

The extent of damage caused on skin depends on the type of skin as well as the amount of time of exposure. Moderate sun tan may occur in less than 15 minutes of exposure but symptoms usually show in 30 minutes while the pain is usually extreme within 6 to 48 hours of exposure and may subside completely within 3 to 8 days following proper Ayurvedic management.

Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is the best destination for skincare Ayurvedic treatment. Sun tan is successfully managed through IAFA ultimate Ayurvedic solutions.

Symptoms of Sun Tan

Common presentation of sun tan is red, darkened, sometimes swollen, painful skin associated with burning sensation.
Small fluid-filled blisters.
Mild symptoms include darkening, peeling, or itching of skin in sunlight exposed body parts like face, arm, legs, neck, feet, hand, and back.
Severe sun tan causes burns and blistering on skin associated with fainting, unconsciousness, fever, chills, nausea, weakness, vomiting, etc.
In very severe cases symptoms of shock like low blood pressure, fainting, and extreme debility may be noticed.

Etiology

The cause of tanning primarily includes extreme exposure to sunlight as well as artificial light like tanning lamps found in tanning beds.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is clinically based on the history of exposure as well as the examination of the skin. Vitals have to be stabilized in severe cases.

Management

For milder cases, application of Aloe Vera gel, taking a cold shower, cold compress, wearing loose clothing is sufficient to alleviate the symptoms.

In severe cases, proper Ayurvedic management mentioned as per IAFA is suggestive, which includes internal and external medications.

Preventive Measures

The best way to avoid sun tan is to minimize exposure and duration of exposure by following methods:-

Wear broad-spectrum Ayurvedic sunscreen of appropriate SPF (sun protection factor).
Use a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, well-covered clothing while going out.
Avoid going out at the hottest part of the day and opt for shady locations while outside.

“Following Ayurveda will surely help in better healing and recovery through safe and complete nature-friendly treatment modalities. IAFA is the best destination in the world for Sun tan management and associated symptoms”.

Reach Institute of Applied Food Allergy® and add a total rejuvenation to your skin!!!

– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet in Sun Tan

Pathya (Do's)

Consume tender coconut, fresh fruit juices, and light vegetarian food.
Include Shariba, Usheera, Coconut, etc. in the diet.

Apathya (Don'ts)

Avoid exposure to direct sun, heat, radiation, etc.
Avoid excess oily, spicy food and abhishyandi ahara (excess unctuous food)

Yoga Therapy

Halasana
Sarvangasana
Uttanasana
Trikonasana
Bhujangasana
Tadasana

Pranayama

Shitkari pranayama – helps in alleviating vitiated pitta.

Ayurvedic Management

Sun tan can be correlated to kushta mentioned in Charaka Samhitha chikitsastana chapter 7 kushta prakarana.

Certain kushta is characterized by daha (burning sensation), kandu (itching), ruja (pain), raga (redness), and lesions may be correlated Sun tan.

This condition is caused by vitiation of pitta dosha, more specifically pitta dosha increase.

Treatment Principle

Pitta reducing chikitsa
Nidana parivarchaka chikitsa – avoiding exposure to sunlight

Internal Medications

Tiktakam Kasayam
Saribadi Churnam
Pravala Pisti
Shadangapaneeya / Usheerajala / Sharibapaneeya to drink frequently

External Application

Shatadoda Ghrita
Kumariswarasa / Aloe vera gel
Sharibadi Churna with honey
Rakta Chandana Churna
Sweta Chandana Churna

After the acute phase is stabilized proper skincare, medications for improving skin health may be followed for alleviating the effect of past exposure as well as preventing new sun tan.

SINGLE HERBS USED IN AYURVEDA

Kumari (Aloe vera)
Rakta chandana (Pterocarpus santalinus)
Sweta chandana (Santalum album)
Shariba (Hemidesmus indicus)

Conclusion

Skin is the largest organ of the body, as well as the most important physical barrier of immunity, needs to be protected and cared for achieving better immune status and health. Both internal and external medication is equally important in the treatment of any skin disease as skin is the extrinsic manifestation of the health status of the body as a whole. Ayurveda stresses the importance of maintenance of proper mental health in the treatment of skin diseases for complete healing.

Following Ayurveda will surely help in better healing and recovery through safe and complete nature-friendly treatment modalities. IAFA is the best destination in the world for Sun tan management and associated symptoms.

Reach IAFA and add a total rejuvenation to your skin!!!

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)