The symptom burden of systemic mastocytosis (SM) can be challenging to manage as it includes a range of symptoms that can heavily affect quality of life. The best way to prevent symptom episodes is by becoming familiar with their associated triggers and avoiding them.
Triggers such as sun exposure are more difficult to manage than others. But by making a few changes to your daily habits and lifestyle, you will find SM a little easier to manage.
What is SM?
Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a rare hematological disease characterized by mast cells that are overactive and accumulate in different parts of the body such as the bone marrow, liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract and lymph nodes.
The effect of sun exposure
There are three different reasons why sun exposure can activate symptom episodes in people living with SM.
Read more about SM signs and symptoms
- Sudden changes in body temperature can trigger SM symptoms.
- Sun exposure can intensify skin irritation in SM.
- Ultraviolet light can trigger mast cell activity that releases histamines, leading to an allergic reaction.
Sun exposure over a long period, particularly in hot conditions, causes mainly skin irritations such as flushing, hives and itchiness. A sudden drop in temperature — as when you jump into cold water after spending time in the sun — can lead to anaphylaxis.
Tips for protecting yourself from sun exposure
We all need some sun to maintain our levels of vitamin D, which is an essential nutrient. The key for people living with SM is to limit exposure and stay vigilant about the intensity of the sun and the length of time you are exposed.
Your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements if you become vitamin D deficient.
A few tips follow.
- Timing: Avoid direct sunlight by remaining in shade during the hottest part of the day, in most places between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Clothing: Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face from the sun’s rays. Choose light, loose layers of clothing made from natural fibers that you can take on or off to regulate your body temperature. Cover your skin without overheating. Wear light shoes instead of sandals.
- Sunscreen: Apply and reapply sunscreen that protects from UVA and UVB light.
- Skin hydration: Keep your skin moisturized to prevent further irritation from the sun.
If you experience a flare-up, be prepared and treat symptoms proactively with antihistamines, which help by blocking histamine release.
Corticosteroid tablets can also provide relief, but be sure you check prescription and dosing with your doctor. It’s best to carry two doses of epinephrine with you at all times, just in case.
