5. Painful Hives: Nature’s Fiery Embrace
Among the myriad of photodermatitis symptoms, the emergence of painful hives is perhaps one of the most challenging to endure. These raised, reddened welts on the skin can appear suddenly, transforming a calm skin surface into a tumultuous terrain. And their presence is not just visual; they bring with them a sensation that’s hard to ignore.
Hives, or urticaria, in the context of photodermatitis, are the skin’s vehement objection to UV-induced harm. The raised nature of these welts results from localized swelling in the skin’s deeper layers. And this isn’t a silent protest. The accompanying pain and burning sensation are hard to miss, making the skin’s displeasure known.
The curious aspect of these hives is their transient nature. They can appear suddenly and might dissipate just as quickly, only to reappear elsewhere. It’s like a game of whack-a-mole played on the skin’s surface. But what’s undeniable is their impact. Each hive, with its pronounced presence, speaks volumes of the sun’s capacity to stir the skin’s deepest layers. (5)
