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 mastocytosisMastocytosis Rare disease caused by the buildup of mast cells. Cutaneous mastocytosis primarily affects the skin and is more common in children, while systemic mastocytosis affects internal organs and is more common in adults. (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 cellMast cell A type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow. They help defend against infections and play a key role in allergic reactions. In SM, mast cells become overactive and build up throughout the body. 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 anaphylaxisAnaphylaxis A severe allergic reaction that can turn fatal without treatment. Patients with SM are at a higher risk of developing 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 antihistaminesAntihistamines Medications that block the effects of histamine, the chemical found in mast cells that is responsible for many of the symptoms of SM, as well as many allergic reactions., which help by blocking histamineHistamine A chemical released by mast cells when they are activated. Histamine causes many of the allergy-type symptoms in mastocytosis, including flushing, itching and hives. 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 epinephrineEpinephrine Also called adrenaline, this hormone is used in emergency situations to reverse symptoms during a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). with you at all times, just in case.
