Description

Sun allergy is a broad term. We describe several conditions that can cause an itchy rash on the skin after being in the light of the sun or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Polymorphous light eruption is the most common form of sun allergy.

Some people have a hereditary type of sun allergy. Others develop symptoms only when triggered by another factor — such as taking medication, or touching certain plants. Other types of sun-related reactions occur for reasons that are not clear.

Mild sun allergy can be resolved without the need for treatment. Severe rashes may be treated with steroid creams or pills. If you have a severe allergy of the sun, you may need to take preventive measures. For example, use clothing that protects you from the sun.

Symptoms

How the skin with a sun allergy is seen varies widely depending on the color of their skin and what is causing the symptoms. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Itching (pruritus)
  • Stinging
  • Small bumps that can be combined in raised patches
  • A redness of the exposed area
  • Blisters or hives

The symptoms usually appear only in the skin that has been exposed to the sun or other UV light source. The symptoms appear within minutes to hours after exposure to the sun.

When to see a doctor

See a health care provider if you have unusual, upset, skin reactions after being in the sun. Severe or persistent symptoms, you may need to see someone who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders (dermatologist).

Causes

Causes of sun allergy include immune system reactions to sunlight, certain medications, and chemicals that make the skin more sensitive to the sun. It is not clear why some people have the sun, allergy, and others do not. Inherited traits may play a role.

Risk factors

The risk factors of having an allergic reaction to the light of the sun include:

  • Contact with certain substances. The sun of the allergy symptoms are triggered when the skin is exposed to a substance, and then, in the light of the sun. Common substances responsible for this type of reaction include fragrances, disinfectants, and chemicals used in some sunscreens.
  • Taking certain medications. A number of medications that can cause the skin to burn more quickly — including tetracycline antibiotics, sulfa-based drugs and pain relievers, such as ketoprofen.
  • Have another skin condition. Have dermatitis increases your risk of having a sun allergy.
  • Having a blood relative with a sun allergy. You are more likely to have a sun allergy if you have a sibling or a parent with a sun allergy.

Prevention

If you have a sun allergy or an increased sensitivity to the sun, you can help prevent a reaction by taking the following steps:

  • Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun's rays are strongest during these hours. Try to schedule outdoor activities for other times. If you can't do that, limit the time you're in the sun. Seek shade when possible.
  • Avoid sudden exposure to a lot of sunlight. Many people have a sun allergy symptoms seasonal. The symptoms occur when the daylight hours are longer, and people are exposed to more sunlight. In these moments, gradually increase the amount of time you spend outdoors so that your skin has time to adjust to the increase in sunlight.
  • Wear sunglasses and protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats you can help protect your skin from exposure to the sun. Avoid fabrics that are thin or have a loose weave — UV rays can pass through them.
  • Apply the sunscreen.The use of a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with anSPFof, at least 30, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours or more often if you're swimming or perspiring. If you are using a product that contains physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide), apply to any other product you are using — except insect repellent. Insect repellent will in the past. Physical blockers provide the most effective protection for sensitive skin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all sunscreen to retain their original strength for at least three years. Check sunscreen labels to the instructions on the storage and expiration dates. Pot of sun protection if it is expired or more than 3 years of age.
  • Avoid known triggers. If you know a particular substance causes the reaction of the skin, such as a drug or contact with the nature of the parsnip or limes, avoid the trigger.
  • ApplyUV blocking window film. Put a UV-blocking film on the windows of your house and the car.

Apply the sunscreen. The use of a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.

If you are using a product that contains physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide), apply to any other product you are using — except insect repellent. Insect repellent will in the past. Physical blockers provide the most effective protection for sensitive skin.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all sunscreen to retain their original strength for at least three years. Check sunscreen labels to the instructions on the storage and expiration dates. Pot of sun protection if it is expired or more than 3 years of age.

Diagnosis

Your health care provider can diagnose sun allergy by looking at your skin. You may need tests, such as:

  • The ultraviolet (UV) radiation of the test light. Also called phototesting, this test is used to see how your skin reacts to the light from a special lamp. This can help to identify which type of sun allergy.
  • Photopatch testing. This test shows if the sun of the allergy is caused by an awareness of the substance applied to the skin before sun exposure. In the test, identical patches of common sun allergy triggers are applied to the skin, usually on the back. A day later, one of the areas that receives a measured dose of the ULTRAVIOLET rays of a sun lamp. If a reaction occurs only in the light-exposed area, it is likely that it is linked to the substance that is being tested.
  • Tests of your blood and skin samples. Your health care provider may have to undergo these tests to see if your symptoms could be caused by an underlying condition, such as lupus. With these tests, a blood sample or a skin sample (biopsy) is taken for examination in a laboratory.

Treatment

Treatment for sun allergy depends on the type and its symptoms. For mild symptoms, you may need simply to avoid the sun for a few days.

Drugs

Creams that contain corticosteroids are available in both nonprescription and prescription strengths. For a severe reaction, your doctor may have you take the prescription of corticosteroid pills, such as prednisone, for a short time.

The malaria drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) can relieve the symptoms of some types of sun allergies.

Phototherapy

If you have a severe allergy of the sun, your doctor may suggest that you gradually getting your skin used to the light of the sun each year, as the daylight hours are longer. In phototherapy, a special lamp is used to shine ultraviolet light on the areas of the body that are often exposed to the sun. It is usually done a couple of times a week for several weeks.

Lifestyle and home remedies

These steps may help to alleviate sun allergy symptoms:

  • Avoid exposure to the sun. Most sun allergy symptoms improve within a day or two if you keep the affected skin out of the sun.
  • Stop using drugs that make you sensitive to light. If you are taking medications for other conditions, talk with your doctor about whether you can stop taking them if you are doing your skin more sensitive to the sun.
  • Apply moisturizers. Hydration of the skin lotions can help to relieve the irritation caused by dryness, peeling of the skin.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your primary care provider. Or when you call to schedule an appointment, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist).

At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if you need to do anything in advance. For example, if you're going to have tests that check for a reaction to uv light (phototesting), you may need to stop taking certain medicines before.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to list answers to the following questions:

  • How long after exposure to the sun did your symptoms start?
  • What kind of symptoms do you experience?
  • The symptoms worsened or improved?
  • Have you ever had these types of symptoms before?
  • What medications and supplements that you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask a series of questions. Examples may include:

  • What parts of the body are affected?
  • Exactly what makes the affected skin looks like?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • How long does the reaction of the skin for the last time?
  • Do you have any itching or pain?
  • Your skin react to direct sunlight or to the light of the sun shining through the glass window?
  • Does anyone else in your family reactions of the skin to sunlight or other allergic conditions of the skin?
  • What products do you use on your skin?
Symptoms and treatment of the allergy to the Sun