Going out to experience the sun and all it has to offer is usually an everyday occurrence. For some people, it may become something else. Despite your best skin care methods, you may still find that for some reason your skin does not take to the sun too kindly and you are not sure why.

Photodermatitis may be the reason behind your skin discomfort. You may have already heard of photodermatitis and may not have realized it. Photodermatitis has also gone under the name of sun poisoning. There are several potential reasons your skin has photoderamatitis, but first you need to be sure that photodermatitis really is what your skin has problems with.

Most people use sunscreen to avoid the harmful UV rays the sun emits. Even though sunscreen is always helpful, it may not always be able to block out every single UV ray. When these UV rays hit your skin, your skin may react to them in a negative manner. Your skin may begin to swell, you may feel a burning sensation, or you may develop a rash that is red and bears a resemblance to an outbreak of little red blisters.

Your skin may eventually peel after sun exposure, and you may also feel slightly nauseous. It can be a little discomforting knowing your skin has such an unfavorable reaction to the sun, but because there are several reasons this may occur, you may be in a position to help alleviate the effect on your skin.

Your best bet is to see a doctor if you suspect you have photodermatitis. Your doctor may then determine you have a vitamin deficiency, in which case adding a few extra doses of a particular vitamin into your diet could help your skin grow stronger and more resistant to UV rays and eliminate photodermatitis. You may also be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as SLE or lupus), though if you had this disease it is likely you would already know about it.

The most likely candidate for your photodermatitis is a medication or skin product you are currently taking or using that contains an element that makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. If it is a medication, you can talk to your doctor about it and change it to something else if possible. If the culprit is a skin care product, then you will have to be the one to find a better alternative. Skin care products that contain certain fragrances can sometimes affect the skin and certain sunscreens may contain an ingredient known as PABA that can make the skin more sensitive.

Ways to avoid photodermatitis are similar to staying safe from sunburn: Avoid bright daylight hours when the sun is at its peak, keep your skin covered by wearing pants, long sleeve shirts, and hats, use a sunscreen that does not irritate your skin and protects you from UV rays, and avoid any other products that may make your skin more sensitive.

Treatment for your photodermatitis can come in the form of foods or topical remedies. Some are still under speculation, so bear this in mind: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish), beta carotene (found in carrots), protein, green tea, calendula, and you can apply aloe vera directly to your skin.

Remember that UV rays can still affect your skin even on cloudy days, so do not be fooled into thinking bright sun will be the only trigger to photodermatitis. Taking steps to keep your skin is the best condition it can be is important to battling any skin condition. Try to stay positive and do not let the condition stress you as stress will only worsen any condition you may have. With the right treatment, the right products, and any help from a doctor that you may need, your skin should have a fighting chance and you can kick photodermatitis out of the picture.