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Sun acne
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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[ Symptoms of sun acne
S. Jones and SS Bleehem (1977) first reported the appearance of an acne-like rash in a 37-year-old man who had been receiving PUVA therapy for 6 weeks. The clinical manifestation of the disease was monomorphic papules; comedones were not observed. Other authors then reported the development of an acne-like condition on people's faces after exposure to strong UVA rays. According to many dermatologists, solar acne mainly occurs together with other forms of photodermatoses.
The disease develops in the spring and summer months after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Pink-red papules of a hard consistency appear on the face, neck and body. Unlike simple acne, comedones are not observed in the lesions.
The following epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic distinctive features of solar acne are of great importance for establishing a diagnosis:
- are seasonal in nature and develop after prolonged exposure to sunlight;
- most often found among women from 1 to 40 years old;
- pustules and comedones are not found;
- Treatments for common acne are not effective in treating sun acne.
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Treatment of sun acne
It is recommended to use sun protection agents and glucocorticosteroid (Elocom, Advantan, etc.) ointments during exacerbations and remissions. In severe cases, vitamin therapy, antioxidants, and antimalarial agents are prescribed along with the above-mentioned drugs.
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