Rising incidence of vitamin D deficiency and sun allergy in Bengaluru

In the last several decades, it was thought to be beneficial for the skin and the body’s absorption of Vitamin D to spend time in the sun during the early morning and evening. But it has now evolved.

Doctors are seeing an increase in patients with sun allergy and vitamin D insufficiency as a result of increasing temperatures. Medical specialists, such as dermatologists, oncologists, and orthopedics, are increasingly reluctant to advise sun exposure due to this worry. The previously advised 20-minute sun exposure times have been lowered to 5–10 minutes.

Dermatologist and dermo-surgeon Dr. Anagha Sumanth said that many of her patients come in with deficiencies and allergies. They are now being told to avoid spending more than five to ten minutes in the sun on their upper backs and to properly protect exposed regions with sunscreen.

“When the heat waves are not too intense, it is best to sit in the sun before 8 a.m. and between 3.30 and 5 p.m. Ninety-five percent of Bengalureans are vitamin-D deficient, according to orthopedist and Dayanand Sagar University professor Dr. Avinash CK. Dermatologists emphasized that a vitamin D deficit is not brought on by sunscreen.

“There is a growing number of patients experiencing polymorphic light eruption, pigmentation, rashes, and irritation due to sun allergy. Children are most afflicted, with 20% of patients presenting with such concerns on a daily basis. As a result, patients are now encouraged to have frequent vitamin and skin checks every six months, according to a different dermatologist from a prestigious private hospital.

“Sun exposure is vital for everyone, but when temperatures rise, we also need to be aware of the risk of sun-related skin damage. In order to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage that can lead to cancer, it is advised to limit direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm during the summer. Protective clothing and sunscreen (at least SPF 30 that can block UV-A and UV-B rays) should also be worn before going outside. This advice comes from Sparsh Hospital oncologist Dr. Narayan Subramanyam.