Summer brings increased exposure to factors that can trigger allergic reactions – from jellyfish, bee and wasp stings to solar radiation and sea temperature. An allergist explains which symptoms should not be ignored and when immediate medical attention is required.
Although in most cases the symptoms are mild, there are also conditions that require immediate medical treatment. The military doctor, child and adult allergist and curator of the Allergy Department of the Athens Naval Hospital, Kassiani Tzeli, in an interview with the Fm Agency and Tania Mantouvalou, explains what are the most common summer allergic reactions, how we can prevent them and what symptoms we should not ignore.
Jellyfish: It is usually not an allergy
The most common question that allergists receive during the summer months concerns jellyfish stings. As Ms. Tzeli clarifies, in most cases it is not a real allergic reaction, but a toxic skin reaction, which is manifested by severe pain, burning and redness. "Treatment includes rinsing the area with sea water, careful removal of tentacles without bare hands and, if necessary, local treatment. However, if a generalized rash, shortness of breath, dizziness or other systemic symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is required, as it may be a true allergic reaction."
Bees and wasps: When the sting becomes dangerous
In most people, Ms. Tzeli says, bee or wasp stings only cause local pain, redness and swelling, even if it is extensive. However, if rashes appear all over the body, shortness of breath, hoarseness, dizziness or fainting, it is anaphylaxis, a condition that requires immediate treatment. Patients with a history of a severe reaction should be evaluated by an allergist and, where appropriate, carry self-injected adrenaline with them.
It's not always "allergy to the sea"
Many people attribute rashes after swimming in the sea to an allergy. However, according to the expert, several times it is cold urticaria, which is caused by a sudden change in temperature and not by sea water. "This particular form of urticaria can, in some cases, even lead to anaphylaxis after a sudden dive. For this reason, it requires an allergy assessment and specific instructions before starting summer baths. Different is solar urticaria, in which rashes appear only in the places exposed to the sun. Although it significantly affects quality of life, it is effectively treated with appropriate treatment."
Sun, medicines and cosmetics
During the summer months, photodermatitis and photoallergic reactions also increase. Certain medications, dietary supplements, cosmetics or even sunscreens can, in combination with sunlight, cause skin rashes. At the same time, contact dermatitis from plants, cosmetics or other products used in the summer are also more common.
Prevention without panic – The pufferfish does not cause an allergy
Ms. Tzeli emphasizes that most summer allergic reactions can be effectively treated, as long as there is proper information and preparation. He recommends a basic holiday pharmacy with an antihistamine and appropriate topical creams for simple stings, while reminding that patients with a known history of allergy should never forget the medications recommended by their allergist. Referring to the marine species that have been of concern to bathers lately, she clarifies that the pufferfish does not cause an allergy, but serious toxic poisoning if consumed, while the lionfish can cause painful bites and only in extremely rare cases have allergic reactions been described. In conclusion, the paediatric and adult allergist emphasizes that allergies should not deprive them of summer vacation. "Proper information, prevention, composure and immediate seeking medical help when severe symptoms appear, are the main "weapons" for a safe summer."
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