Top NCAA Defensive Statistics: Analyzing College Football’s Defensive Powerhouses

Which college football players lead in defensive statistics. How do top defenders impact their team’s performance. What strategies do successful college defenses employ. Who are the rising stars in NCAA defensive rankings.

Breaking Down the NCAA’s Defensive Elite: Top Performers and Their Impact

College football’s defensive landscape is a battlefield where players showcase their skills, determination, and strategic prowess. The 2022 season has seen remarkable performances from defenders across various positions, each contributing significantly to their team’s success. Let’s dive into the statistics and stories behind these defensive standouts.

Interception Leaders: The Ball Hawks

Interceptions are game-changing plays that can shift momentum in an instant. In the 2022 season, several players distinguished themselves as elite ball hawks:

• Marcus Fuqua (Buffalo) – 7 interceptions
• Decorian Patterson (Middle Tennessee State) – 7 interceptions
• Micah Abraham (Marshall) – 6 interceptions
• Yam Banks (South Alabama) – 6 interceptions
• Sydney Brown (Illinois) – 6 interceptions

These players have demonstrated exceptional field vision, timing, and the ability to read quarterbacks effectively. Their performances have not only bolstered their individual statistics but have also provided their teams with crucial turnovers and scoring opportunities.

The Impact of Interceptions on Team Defense

Interceptions do more than just end offensive drives. They often lead to:

1. Improved field position for the offense
2. Potential defensive touchdowns
3. Shifts in game momentum
4. Increased pressure on opposing quarterbacks

Teams with high interception totals often find themselves with advantages in time of possession and scoring opportunities, making these defensive playmakers invaluable assets to their squads.

Sack Masters: Disrupting Offenses and Protecting the Secondary

While interceptions often steal the spotlight, sacks are equally crucial in disrupting offensive rhythm and creating turnover opportunities. The 2022 season has seen several players emerge as dominant pass rushers:

• Yam Banks (South Alabama) – 1 sack
• Sydney Brown (Illinois) – 1 sack
• Clark Phillips III (Utah) – 1 sack

These players have shown the ability to penetrate offensive lines and pressure quarterbacks, often forcing hurried throws or creating fumble opportunities. Their impact extends beyond the stat sheet, as the threat of their pass rush can alter offensive game plans and protect their teammates in the secondary.

The Ripple Effect of a Strong Pass Rush

A formidable pass rush can transform a defense by:

1. Forcing quarterbacks to make quick, often ill-advised decisions
2. Creating opportunities for turnovers
3. Allowing defensive backs to play more aggressively
4. Limiting the effectiveness of long-developing pass plays

Teams with strong pass rushers often see improvements across all defensive statistics, as the pressure up front cascades into benefits for the entire unit.

Versatility in Defense: Players Who Do It All

In modern college football, defensive versatility is increasingly valuable. Players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game provide their teams with strategic flexibility and the ability to adapt to various offensive schemes. Several players in the 2022 season have showcased this multi-dimensional skill set:

• Yam Banks (South Alabama) – 6 interceptions, 1 sack
• Sydney Brown (Illinois) – 6 interceptions, 1 sack
• Clark Phillips III (Utah) – 6 interceptions, 1 sack

These players demonstrate the evolving nature of defensive roles in college football, where the ability to both defend against the pass and rush the quarterback is highly prized. Their versatility allows defensive coordinators to implement more complex schemes and matchups.

The Strategic Advantage of Defensive Flexibility

Versatile defenders provide numerous benefits to their teams:

1. Ability to disguise defensive intentions pre-snap
2. Flexibility in responding to offensive personnel changes
3. Potential for creating mismatches against offensive players
4. Reduced need for defensive substitutions, maintaining tempo control

As offenses become more diverse and up-tempo, defenses with adaptable players gain a significant edge in controlling the flow of the game.

The Rise of Defensive Backs: Dominating the Turnover Battle

The 2022 NCAA defensive statistics highlight the significant impact of defensive backs on the game. With the majority of top interceptors playing in the secondary, it’s clear that these players are key to controlling the passing game and creating turnovers.

Why Defensive Backs Are Crucial in Modern College Football

The importance of skilled defensive backs has grown due to several factors:

1. Increased prevalence of pass-heavy offenses
2. Spread formations that require more defensive back coverage
3. The need for defenders who can both cover and support against the run
4. The impact of turnovers on game outcomes

Teams with strong defensive back units often find themselves at an advantage, able to limit big plays and create opportunities for their own offense through turnovers.

Analyzing Defensive Performance Across Conferences

The 2022 defensive statistics reveal interesting patterns when examined across different conferences. While individual talent is evident across the board, certain conferences seem to produce more top-tier defenders in specific categories.

Conference Strengths in Defensive Production

A closer look at the conference affiliations of top defenders reveals:

• SEC: Known for producing NFL-caliber defenders, with players like Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State) leading in interceptions
• Big Ten: Strong showing in interceptions, with players like Sydney Brown (Illinois) making significant impacts
• ACC: Consistent production of well-rounded defenders
• Pac-12: Notable for producing versatile defensive backs, such as Clark Phillips III (Utah)

These trends can be attributed to various factors, including recruiting patterns, defensive schemes favored by conference teams, and the types of offenses commonly faced within each conference.

The Role of Coaching in Defensive Excellence

While individual talent is crucial, the impact of coaching on defensive performance cannot be overstated. The 2022 statistics reflect not only player skill but also the effectiveness of defensive coaching strategies across NCAA programs.

How Coaches Maximize Defensive Potential

Successful defensive coaches employ various techniques to enhance their players’ performance:

1. Implementing schemes that play to team strengths
2. Developing players’ individual skills and football IQ
3. Adapting strategies to counter evolving offensive trends
4. Creating a culture of aggressive, intelligent defensive play

The synergy between talented players and effective coaching is often what separates good defenses from great ones, as evidenced by the consistent performance of top defensive units throughout the season.

Future Prospects: Rising Stars in College Football Defense

While the 2022 statistics highlight current defensive leaders, they also provide insights into emerging talents who may dominate in future seasons. Several underclassmen have shown promise and are poised to become the next generation of defensive stars.

Identifying Tomorrow’s Defensive Legends

Factors that often indicate future success for young defenders include:

• Early playing time and production as underclassmen
• Consistent improvement in statistics year over year
• Versatility in playing multiple positions or roles
• Recognition from coaches and peers for work ethic and football IQ

As these young players continue to develop, they will likely shape the defensive landscape of college football in the coming years, potentially surpassing the achievements of current statistical leaders.

The Evolution of Defensive Strategies in College Football

The 2022 defensive statistics not only showcase individual performances but also reflect broader trends in defensive strategy across college football. As offenses continue to evolve, defenses must adapt to remain effective.

Emerging Defensive Trends

Several key trends are shaping the future of college football defense:

1. Increased emphasis on defensive back versatility
2. Growing importance of linebacker coverage skills
3. Rise of “hybrid” defensive positions
4. Greater use of pre-snap movement and disguised coverages

These trends are reflected in the statistics, with players who excel in multiple areas often ranking among the top performers. As the game continues to evolve, expect to see more emphasis on versatility and adaptability in defensive players and schemes.

The Impact of Analytics on Defensive Strategy

The use of advanced analytics has become increasingly prevalent in college football, influencing defensive strategies and player development. This data-driven approach is changing how teams:

• Evaluate player performance beyond traditional statistics
• Identify offensive tendencies and adjust defensive calls
• Optimize personnel groupings for specific situations
• Develop more effective practice and training regimens

As analytics continue to refine our understanding of defensive performance, expect to see even more sophisticated approaches to defensive strategy in future seasons.

The Psychological Edge: Mental Toughness in Defensive Play

While physical skills and tactical knowledge are crucial, the mental aspect of defensive play is often underappreciated. The top performers in the 2022 defensive statistics demonstrate not only physical prowess but also exceptional mental toughness and game intelligence.

Cultivating a Defensive Mindset

Key psychological factors that contribute to defensive success include:

1. Ability to maintain focus throughout the game
2. Resilience in bouncing back from mistakes or big plays
3. Confidence in one’s abilities and defensive scheme
4. Effective communication and leadership on the field

Players who excel in these areas often find themselves at the top of statistical categories, as their mental strength allows them to consistently perform at a high level regardless of game circumstances.

The Role of Film Study in Defensive Excellence

Many top defenders attribute their success to rigorous film study and preparation. This mental aspect of the game allows players to:

• Anticipate offensive plays based on formations and tendencies
• Recognize and exploit offensive weaknesses
• Make quicker, more informed decisions on the field
• Improve overall football IQ and situational awareness

As the game becomes increasingly complex, the ability to out-think opponents becomes just as important as out-performing them physically.

The Impact of Defensive Success on Team Performance

While individual defensive statistics are impressive, their true value lies in how they contribute to overall team success. The 2022 season has shown a strong correlation between top defensive performers and team achievements.

Translating Individual Success to Team Victories

Teams with standout defensive players often see benefits such as:

1. Improved win-loss records
2. Higher rankings in national polls
3. Better performance in key statistical categories like points allowed and total defense
4. Increased chances of postseason success

The impact of a strong defense extends beyond just preventing scores; it can demoralize opponents, energize the team’s own offense, and shift the entire momentum of games and seasons.

The Synergy Between Offense and Defense

While this analysis focuses on defensive statistics, it’s important to note the symbiotic relationship between a team’s offense and defense. A strong defense can:

• Provide better field position for the offense
• Allow the offense to be more aggressive in play-calling
• Reduce pressure on the offense to score on every possession
• Create scoring opportunities through turnovers and defensive touchdowns

Teams that achieve balance between offensive and defensive excellence often find themselves competing at the highest levels of college football.

The Road Ahead: Predicting Defensive Trends for Future Seasons

As we analyze the 2022 defensive statistics, we can begin to forecast how these trends might evolve in upcoming seasons. The landscape of college football defense is continually shifting, influenced by rule changes, offensive innovations, and the influx of new talent.

Anticipated Developments in College Football Defense

Looking ahead, we might expect to see:

1. Increased emphasis on speed and agility across all defensive positions
2. Greater specialization in nickel and dime packages to counter spread offenses
3. More sophisticated use of pre-snap movement and disguised coverages
4. Growing importance of defensive players who can contribute on special teams
5. Continued evolution of hybrid positions that blur traditional role definitions

As these trends develop, the definition of what makes a top defensive player may shift, potentially leading to new statistical categories and evaluation metrics.

The Influence of NFL Trends on College Defense

College football often takes cues from NFL developments, adapting pro strategies to the collegiate game. We might see increased focus on:

• Complex blitz packages to counter improving offensive line play
• More aggressive press coverage techniques
• Emphasis on creating turnovers as a primary defensive objective
• Development of defensive schemes to neutralize dual-threat quarterbacks

As college players aspire to NFL careers, defensive strategies that align with pro-style play may become more prevalent, further shaping the statistical landscape of NCAA defense.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving World of College Football Defense

The 2022 NCAA defensive statistics paint a picture of a dynamic, ever-changing aspect of college football. From the ball-hawking skills of top interceptors to the versatility of players who excel in multiple categories, these numbers tell the story of how defensive play is adapting to the modern game.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the role of defense in college football will continue to evolve. The players who top these statistical categories are not just athletes; they are students of the game, constantly adapting to new challenges and finding innovative ways to impact the outcome of games.

For fans, coaches, and aspiring players alike, following these defensive trends provides insight into the strategic depth of college football. It’s a reminder that while offensive fireworks may catch the eye, it’s often the gritty, intelligent play of defenders that forms the backbone of championship-caliber teams.

As we eagerly anticipate future seasons, one thing is certain: the world of college football defense will continue to surprise, impress, and play a crucial role in shaping the sport we love. The statistical leaders of today are laying the groundwork for the defensive stars of tomorrow, ensuring that this aspect of the game remains as exciting and impactful as ever.

2022 College Football Complete Stats – Defense

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Player Player on team	GP Games played	INT Interceptions	SCK Sacks
M. Fuqua S BUFF Marcus Fuqua S BUFF	13	7	0
D. Patterson CB MTSU Decorian Patterson CB MTSU	13	7	0
M. Abraham DB MRSHL Micah Abraham DB MRSHL	13	6	0. 5
Y. Banks S SALA Yam Banks S SALA	13	6	1
S. Brown DB ILL Sydney Brown DB ILL	12	6	1
E. Forbes CB MISSST Emmanuel Forbes CB MISSST	12	6	0
K. Kinchens S MIAMI Kamren Kinchens S MIAMI	12	6	0
B. Morrison CB ND Benjamin Morrison CB ND	11	6	0
C. Phillips III CB UTAH Clark Phillips III CB UTAH	12	6	1
J. Taylor II S OKLAST Jason Taylor II S OKLAST	13	6	0
C. Bullock DB USC Calen Bullock DB USC	14	5	0
C. Chattman S TXSA Clifford Chattman S TXSA	14	5	0
B. Clark S TCU Bud Clark S TCU	12	5	0
C. DeJean DB IOWA Cooper DeJean DB IOWA	13	5	0
C. Lockridge DB FRESNO Cam Lockridge DB FRESNO	13	5	—
Q. Mitchell CB TOLEDO Quinyon Mitchell CB TOLEDO	12	5	0
R. Rahimi S LIB Robert Rahimi S LIB	13	5	—
B. Sanders DB NEVADA Bentlee Sanders DB NEVADA	12	5	0
K. Smith DB ILL Kendall Smith DB ILL	12	5	0
J. Stanley S USM Jay Stanley S USM	12	5	—
J. Torchio S WISC John Torchio S WISC	13	5	1
J. Brents DB IOWA Julius Brents DB IOWA	13	4	0
C. Coldon CB WYO C.J. Coldon CB WYO	10	4	0
J. Ford LB TEXAS Jaylan Ford LB TEXAS	12	4	2
C. Gonzalez DB OREG Christian Gonzalez DB OREG	12	4	0
Q. Johnson DB MEMP Quindell Johnson DB MEMP	12	4	0
I. Larsen S UTAHST Ike Larsen S UTAHST	10	4	2
K. Lovely CB WMICH Keni-H Lovely CB WMICH	12	4	—
D. McGlothern DB ARK Dwight McGlothern DB ARK	13	4	0
R. Moore DB MICH Rod Moore DB MICH	13	4	0. 5
T. Nubin DB MINN Tyler Nubin DB MINN	11	4	0
W. Roberts DB LATECH Willie Roberts DB LATECH	12	4	0
K. Rodgers CB TXSTSM Kordell Rodgers CB TXSTSM	9	4	0
J. Skinner S BOISE JL Skinner S BOISE	12	4	0
J. Thomas S MTSU Jakobe Thomas S MTSU	9	4	0
B. Trahan S UL Bralen Trahan S UL	13	4	0
Q. White CB GAST Quavian White CB GAST	10	4	1
A. White CB NCST Aydan White CB NCST	13	4	1
T. Wortham DB UCONN Tre Wortham DB UCONN	13	4	0
D. Carnell DB MIZZOU Daylan Carnell DB MIZZOU	13	3	0
R. Cooper Jr. DB OREGST Ryan Cooper Jr. DB OREGST	13	3	1
C. Edmonds DB ARIZST Chris Edmonds DB ARIZST	12	3	0
W. Johnson DB MICH Will Johnson DB MICH	11	3	0
S. Lockett III DB WASHST Sam Lockett III DB WASHST	11	3	0
D. Mask DB UCF DeJordan Mask DB UCF	12	3	0
C. Mason S KSTATE Cincere Mason S KSTATE	10	3	0
M. Shorts DB USM Malik Shorts DB USM	13	3	—
R. Texada CB NTEXAS Ridge Texada CB NTEXAS	13	3	0
D. Toombs II S FAU Dwight Toombs II S FAU	12	3	0
J. Walker LB JMAD Jailin Walker LB JMAD	10	3	—

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Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common eye diseases and is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. According to the World Health Organization, 161 million people in the world suffer from eye diseases, including 25-30 million people affected by AMD. In Russia, the incidence of age-related macular degeneration is more than 15 people per 1000 population, but to date there is a large number (up to 51.6%) of Russians who have never heard of AMD (Bausch & Lomb study on age-related macular degeneration 2007).

Patients diagnosed with AMD do not see objects that they are directly looking at, which makes it impossible to watch TV, drive a car, recognize familiar faces, straight lines become “wavy”, sometimes some letters become invisible when reading, color vision is reduced – all this disrupts the normal course of life for such people. Usually, AMD is discovered by accident and therefore too late, because the brain compensates for the initial loss of vision. Pain, as a sign that something is wrong, is absent in this disease.

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that leads to a decrease in visual acuity due to damage to the central part of the retina – the macula (millions of cones and rods are located tightly adjacent to each other). Macular degeneration usually affects both eyes, although it can be asymmetrical, meaning one eye is more affected than the other.

There are two forms of AMD: “dry” (or atrophic) degeneration, which occurs when the pigment density of the macula decreases and can turn into “wet” (or exudative). Although the “wet” form makes up only about 10-20% of all cases of AMD, it is often the cause of blindness. With this form of the disease, the ingrowth of newly formed vessels under the retina begins from the side of the choroid. These vessels form the subretinal neovascular membrane. Fluid leakage from the neovascular membrane leads to local detachment of the retinal layers and the inevitable death of photoreceptors – rods and cones. Protein exudate, hemorrhages aggravate the situation, leading to the formation of a rough scar in the macula and irreversible deterioration of vision.

Risk factors:

The older a person gets, the more vulnerable the protective system of the eyes becomes and requires additional help. Along with the age factor , which is a “natural” cause of AMD, there is also a risk group for the development of this disease.

Smoking : Smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD than non-smokers. The reason for this is the metabolic changes that affect the development of AMD. Smoking leads to the formation of free radicals. Smokers require higher doses of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Quit smoking or cut down on cigarettes as soon as possible!

Unbalanced diet : lack or deficiency in the diet of essential vitamins and trace elements, as well as protective carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin), weakens the body’s antioxidant system.

Obesity : Scientists have discovered that the deposition of two important substances, lutein and zeaxanthin, is carried out in adipose tissue and in the macula. Both carotenoids (plant pigments) are found in high concentrations in the adipose tissue of overweight people, while their content in the tissues of the eye was low. This problem cannot be solved by increasing the intake of lutein and zeaxanthin. Only weight loss can set the stage for successful supplementation.

Solar radiation and, above all, the blue part of the solar spectrum is the most dangerous for the retina and can lead to partial loss of vision. The function of natural “sunglasses” in our body is performed by the carotenoids found in the retina of the eye – lutein and zeaxanthin (these substances can only come with food, the human body is not able to produce them). They “filter” blue light and act as antioxidants. But with age, the amount of carotenoids, which are part of the antioxidant defense system, decreases.

AMD may also result from prolonged exposure to light on the retina. In this case – as with smoking – there is an additional and excessive formation of free radicals, which, in turn, cause an increase in the load on the protective system, so ophthalmologists recommend using sunglasses to protect the eyes.

Members of the ethnic group: people with fair skin and blue irises are more susceptible to AMD.

Gender : women are more susceptible to AMD than men.

Heredity : people with cases of AMD among close relatives.

Genetic factor : in some cases, a combination of genes is the cause of AMD.

If one eye is affected by AMD, there is a high chance that the disease will develop in the other eye as well.

The pathological process in age-related macular degeneration flows individually, however, with the development of the subretinal neovascular membrane, the time factor becomes of key importance. With early diagnosis of this condition and timely treatment, it is possible to avoid the loss of visual functions, achieve long-term remission (temporary attenuation of the process) or its reverse development.

In the prevention of the development of AMD, a balanced diet is of great importance, including fruits and green vegetables (cabbage, pepper, spinach, broccoli, green peas, corn), containing large amounts of antioxidant vitamins A and E, carotenoids and zinc, and the use of lutein-containing supplements leading to to an increase in the concentration of lutein in the blood serum and retina.

Treatment:

Treatment of AMD includes: monitoring, taking antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements, intravitreal injections (into the vitreous body) of drugs (Lucentis, Eylea, Vizchiu) that inhibit (depress, suppress) the production of endothelial vascular growth factor (VEGF). It has been proven that when they are introduced into the vitreous body, the growth of blood vessels stops, exudation decreases, which contributes to the preservation of the nerve cells of the macula. Lucentis is injected into the vitreous body in a strictly defined dose. The operation is usually performed 3 times with an interval of 1 month. The condition of the macula is monitored using a high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner. Lucentis was the first drug, the treatment of which leads not only to a slowdown in the progressive decline in central vision, but also to a partial restoration of visual acuity (increased visual acuity in 25-40% of patients and its stabilization in 9 patients). 5%).

Another treatment for AMD is photodynamic therapy. It is based on the intravenous administration of a drug called verteporfin (Vizudin), which, being deposited in the walls of retinal vessels, selectively increases their sensitivity to laser radiation of a certain wavelength. Thus, a targeted effect on pathological newly formed vessels is achieved and the degree of damage to healthy surrounding tissues is reduced. In carefully conducted comparative studies, scientists have convincingly shown that in certain forms of wet AMD, photodynamic therapy can stop the progression of the disease and improve vision.

A few tips for patients:

If you have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, this is not a reason to go into the disease. You can, albeit not much, but improve your condition in some simple ways:

• Regularly check your vision with the Amsler grating – this will allow you to detect changes in the retina in time that require treatment.
• Take a multivitamin with trace elements and lutein – this has been proven to slow down the development of the disease.
• Include leafy green vegetables in your diet: spinach, kale, lettuce.
• When in the sun, always wear UV protection goggles.
• Quit smoking. Smoking disrupts the functioning of blood vessels, including retinal vessels.
• Do not forget about physical exercises – this leads to a general improvement of the body and increases the efficiency of the vascular system.

Allergy to the sun – photodermatitis (photodermatosis) and its prevention – St. Petersburg GBUZ Dermatovenerologic Dispensary No. 11

The sun’s rays not only warm us with their warmth in spring and summer and delight us in winter, but also help to strengthen the immune system. But, unfortunately, in some people, exposure to the open sun can cause an allergic reaction.

Allergy to the sun, photodermatitis (photodermatosis) are diseases caused by increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. This is not at all a rare occurrence. Statistics show that about 20% of people around the world experience this disease.

Sun allergy is actually photodermatitis or photodermatosis. The toxic or allergic effect of the sun is manifested by the interaction of solar (ultraviolet) rays with any substance that is on the skin (exogenous photodermatitis) or in the skin (endogenous photodermatitis).

Sun allergy in the form of exogenous photodermatitis

The most striking example of exogenous photodermatitis is the so-called meadow dermatitis. In the summer, during the flowering period, many meadow plants secrete special substances – furocoumarins, which are deposited on the skin when a person is in these places. With simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet radiation, some people who are sensitive to it may experience skin redness and vesicles (erythema, vesicles, bullae). The rash is accompanied by intense itching. In the future, long-term pigmentation remains on the affected areas of the skin.

Sun allergy or photodermatitis can also occur if a sun-sensitive person puts on a cream or ointment, or uses perfume and deodorant before going out into the sun. Substances that make up various cosmetics or perfumes can react with ultraviolet rays and cause an allergic reaction. Such properties are, for example, eosin, which can be found in lipstick, and para-aminobenzoic acid (surfactant), which is part of some sunscreens. In addition, polyunsaturated fatty acids, retinoids, bergamot oil, St.

Fair-skinned people and young children, whose skin defense mechanisms are much weaker, are more likely to be allergic to the sun.

Photodermatitis is often caused by many drugs. This effect has, in particular, sulfonamides, barbiturates, chlorpromazine, some antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline), antihistamines, some cardiovascular drugs (amiodarone, trazikor), cytostatics, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin), oral contraceptives.

In addition, an increased reaction of the skin to the sun’s rays appears when the skin is “weakened” by some additional effect – peeling, tattooing using cadmium salts.

Allergy to the sun in the form of endogenous photodermatitis

This group of photodermatitis includes rather rare diseases, in the development of which disturbances in the functioning of the body’s immune system, as well as various metabolic disorders (metabolism disorders) play an important role. Endogenous photodermatitis includes, in particular, porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosa, sun eczema, sun pruritus, Hydroa vacciniformia, polymorphic photodermatosis.

Typically, these reactions can proceed through two mechanisms: 1) phototoxic reaction and 2) photoallergic reaction. Phototoxic reactions are much more common than photoallergic ones.

How does sun allergy or photodermatitis usually manifest itself?

Main symptoms of photodermatosis:

• redness and inflammation of the skin,
• skin peeling,
• often accompanied by intense itching and burning,
• rashes may be in the form of folliculitis (pustules) or papules.

Often this condition does not develop immediately. Unlike a burn, it can occur several hours after you leave the beach, and in some cases even after returning from the resort. A phototoxic reaction can occur several hours after sun exposure, while a photoallergic reaction can occur even days after sun exposure.

Increased risk of sun allergy:

• in people with naturally fair skin;
• in pregnant women;
• in young children;
• a number of drugs can make the skin burn faster – including tetracycline antibiotics, sulfanilamide drugs, painkillers, etc .;
• who have relatives with sun allergies. You are more likely to be allergic to the sun if you have a sibling or parent with a sun allergy;
• also having atopic dermatitis or another type of dermatitis increases the risk of developing a sun allergy;
• Some skin allergy symptoms are triggered when your skin is exposed to a certain substance and then sunlight. Some common substances responsible for this type of reaction include fragrances, disinfectants, bleach, and even some of the chemicals used in sunscreens;
• those who abuse solariums;
• In addition, an allergic reaction from exposure to the sun can also develop in those who performed cosmetic procedures using cadmium salts the day before (tattooing, chemical peeling).

Photosensitizers cause sun allergy

Some vegetables and plants can cause sun sensitivity when they come into contact with the skin. Mango peel, lime juice, parsnips, celery can cause temporary discolouration (darkening) of the area of ​​skin exposed to the sun. The main phototoxic fruits and vegetables are: celery, carrots, rice, parsley, parsnips, and all kinds of citrus fruits. Therefore, before going to the beach, you should not eat oranges, tangerines or grapefruits. Swelling, redness and itching may occur on the surface of the skin, where there are drops of juice from these fruits. And the more active the sun, the more acute will be the reaction of the body.

Prevention of sun allergy (photodermatitis and photodermatosis)

Unfortunately, there are not many methods for preventing such allergies.

If you have very sensitive skin, make it a habit to sunbathe under an awning or umbrella. Avoid exposure to the sun during its peak hours (from 11:00 to 16:00). Protect yourself with a headdress and loose clothing made from natural fabrics: linen, cotton. Children have a very weak protective skin reaction, so babies under three years of age are generally not recommended to be in direct sunlight.

Use sunscreens with high photoprotection of well-known brands, and at regular intervals of at least every two hours. Please note that the cream contains protection against UVB rays (SPF) and UVA rays (PPD) – they affect the occurrence of photodermatosis.

It should be noted that the wavelength plays an important role. Try not to go to resorts where the sun is especially strong.