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Photosensitivity - Supplements
A red rash that breaks out on your body during sun exposure may mean you’re “allergic” to light. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Try beta-carotene
Increase your tolerance to sunlight by supplementing with beta-carotene
- Shield your skin from the sun
Steer clear of excessive sun exposure by wearing protective clothing or smoothing on sunscreen
- Get a checkup
Visit a qualified healthcare provider to find out if your photosensitivity is caused by a treatable medical condition or a side effect of medication
Also indexed as:
- photosensitivity,
- skin photosensitivity
About this treatment
What Are "Star" Ratings?
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Beta-Carotene | 100,000 to 300,000 IU daily under medical supervision | Beta-carotene is able to protect against free-radical damage caused by ultraviolet light and may help increase tolerance to sunlight. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Adenosine Monophosphate | Refer to label instructions | According to one report, about half of the people with porphyria cutanea tarda who took adenosine monophosphate saw complete alleviation of their photosensitivity. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Fish Oil | redundant | In one trial, supplementing with fish oil reduced photosensitivity in 90% of people suffering from polymorphous light eruptions. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Vitamin B3 | Refer to label instructions | Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can reduce the formation of a kynurenic acid—a substance that has been linked to photosensitivity. |
| ||
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Vitamin B6 | Refer to label instructions | Vitamin B6 has been used to successfully reduce reactions to sunlight. |
| ||
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
Learn more about Aisle7, the company.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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