7. Systemic Symptoms: When the Sun’s Influence Goes Beyond Skin
Photodermatitis isn’t just a skin-deep affair. Sometimes, the sun’s influence can permeate deeper, causing systemic symptoms that affect the entire body. These can range from fatigue to fever, showcasing the sun’s pervasive impact on our physiology.
A bout of intense sun exposure can leave one feeling drained and fatigued. It’s as if the sun has sapped the energy straight out of the body. This isn’t just psychological; there’s a physiological basis to it. When the skin gets affected, the body diverts resources to heal and repair, leaving one feeling tired.
In some cases, the body might even react with a fever. This elevation in body temperature is the body’s way of accelerating the healing process. A warmer environment can facilitate faster cellular repair and immune response. But this isn’t without its discomforts. The fever can be accompanied by chills, making one oscillate between feeling hot and cold. (7)
