A sun allergy occurs after exposure to sunlight and is accompanied by dermatitis (a rash on the skin). There are several types of sun allergy and their symptoms can range from mild to severe.
What is allergy?
Allergy is a disease characterized by the body’s hypersensitivity to certain substances or external triggers (allergens). When the body is exposed to allergens, the immune system perceives them as dangerous, as a result of which specific antibodies (immunoglobulins) are produced in the blood.
Allergic reaction is accompanied by pronounced clinical symptoms: dermatosis (eczema or urticaria), skin itching, rhinitis, swelling of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and eyes. The signs depend on the type of allergen and the organs affected.
Allergies can be caused by certain foods, plant pollen, animal hair, various chemicals and sunlight. With each repeated contact with an allergen, the symptoms of an allergic reaction can increase and lead to complications (chronic dermatoses, bronchial asthma, anaphylactic shock). If allergies are suspected, consultation with an allergist is necessary.
What is allergy to the sun?
Sun allergy (photodermatitis, photodermatosis) is the body’s reaction to exposure to sunlight, which is accompanied by a burning and itchy rash on the skin. Photodermatosis occurs in people with increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation and may indicate disorders in the body (for example, reduced immunity, hormonal failure or lack of certain vitamins and trace elements). The risk of developing sun allergy is increased in people with sensitive and fair skin.
What does a sun allergy look like?
A sun allergy looks like a red rash on the skin. It may appear as a small, bulging rash (nodules) or blisters (similar to a skin burn).
Photodermatosis usually occurs on exposed areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun: the face, arms, shoulders, and décolletage area. How sun allergy looks like, you can see in the photo below.
How do you know if you are allergic to the sun?
Signs of a sun allergy vary depending on its type, time spent in the sun and the amount of skin affected. Photodermatitis can appear a few hours after sun exposure or two to three days later (in a delayed type of reaction). Symptoms of sun allergy:
- swelling, redness, irritation and soreness of skin areas;
- hives, rashes, blisters;
- itching, burning, tingling of the skin;
- dryness and peeling of the dermis at the site of rashes.
Photodermatosis is often manifested by weakness, dizziness, increased body temperature, decreased blood pressure and nausea. In rare cases, solar allergy can provoke bronchospasm, coughing and difficulty breathing.
What are the causes of sun allergy?
Allergic reaction to the sun usually develops due to the accumulation in the skin of various chemicals or products of their transformation, which enter the body orally, through the respiratory tract or dermis. Causes of photodermatitis:
- taking certain medications (corticosteroids, antibiotics, neuroleptics, immunosuppressants, diuretics);
- use of cosmetics, perfumes, household chemicals containing chemicals (fragrances, perfumes) and some oils;
- contact with other allergens or consumption of certain foods that can provoke photosensitization (increased sensitivity of the dermis to sunlight);
- presence of other chronic skin diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis);
- avitaminosis, metabolic disorders, melatonin deficiency (can provoke weakening of the skin’s protective properties and increase its sensitivity);
- damage to the skin using various chemicals (e.g., chemical peels or tattoos).
Some forms of sun allergy are hereditary. The risk of developing photodermatosis is increased in people who do not use sunscreen (SPF-factor creams) when sunbathing and who stay in the sun for long periods of time during unfavorable hours (12 to 16 hours of the day).
Types of sun allergies
There are different types of sun allergies, each with its own provoking factors and symptoms. A dermatologist can determine the type of allergic reaction after an examination.
| Types of photodermatosis | |
| Polymorphic light rash (PMLE) | Most often occurs in people with fair skin. It usually occurs in spring or early summer, when the skin is less adapted to sunlight after winter. The first signs appear a few hours after sun exposure and can last from a few days to two weeks. Symptoms include an itchy and burning rash that looks like small spots or blisters. |
| Sun urticaria | Develops due to an abnormal immune response to exposure to ultraviolet rays. It looks like raised red or pink bumps that appear within minutes of sun exposure. |
| Photoallergic reaction | Occurs when certain components of medications or cosmetics react with ultraviolet light, triggering an immune system response. The first signs appear within a day or two of sun exposure. Symptoms include itchy bumps or blisters that form crusts and peeling when they burst. |
| Actinic prurigo | An inherited form of solar allergy. It is manifested by bulging nodules or papules on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun. |
How is sun allergy diagnosed?
Photodermatosis is diagnosed by a dermatologist or allergist. The doctor will gather a medical history, perform a visual examination, and order the necessary tests. Diagnosis of sun allergy may include:
- phototesting (represents exposure to controlled ultraviolet radiation on areas of the skin);
- patch tests (the examination involves applying patches to the skin with various substances that may provoke photodermatosis).
The ALEX test, a blood test to detect allergens, may also be used. If metabolic disorders or other dermatologic diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus) are suspected, the dermatologist may order a skin biopsy (microscopic examination of epidermal cells).
How is allergy to the sun treated?
Treatment of allergy in consultation is prescribed by an allergist or dermatologist after a comprehensive examination. Therapy depends on the type of photodermatosis, its severity, the presence of concomitant skin diseases and individual characteristics of the body. Treatment of allergies may include:
- taking antihistamines and drugs with photosensitizing effect;
- use of anti-inflammatory agents for external use;
- phototherapy (gradual controlled exposure of the skin to UV rays to reduce its hypersensitivity);
- enterosorbents (to eliminate intoxication of the body).
In case of extensive rashes, the dermatologist may prescribe a corticosteroid ointment. Complex drug therapy for photodermatosis may include taking vitamin complexes (containing vitamins A, E, C and B6), which have antioxidant properties.
How to treat sun allergy at home?
Sun allergy can be treated at home with baths or lotions of decoctions of herbs that can relieve inflammation and itching. Means of folk medicine should be used only on the prescription of a doctor. Self-treatment can aggravate allergy symptoms and cause complications (skin irritation or burns).
Features of treatment of allergy to the sun in children
When symptoms of allergy in a child (rashes, soreness and itching of the skin) it is necessary to consult a pediatrician. The doctor will be able to identify rashes and prescribe treatment depending on the age of the child and the individual characteristics of his body.
For the treatment of photodermatosis in children, preference should be given to preparations in the form of a cream or spray, which quickly relieve pain, itching and redness, as well as create an antimicrobial effect. Antihistamines can be in the form of syrup or suspension. During treatment of photodermatosis, it is important to limit the child’s exposure to the sun.
How to take care of yourself and your loved ones in case of sun allergy?
In case of aggravation of allergy to the sun, it is necessary to eliminate the provoking factor – minimize exposure to the open sun. In case of rashes and itching, it is necessary to use local anti-inflammatory and antihistamines in the form of a spray, cream or gel. It is also important to avoid skin dryness and dehydration, so you should drink enough water a day (at least one and a half to two liters).
Can sun allergies be prevented?
It is impossible to prevent sun allergies, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Recommendations for preventing photodermatitis:
- avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the day during peak hours (12 to 4 p.m.);
- wear protective clothing on hot days (wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing and sunglasses);
- use sunscreen with a high SPF factor at all times of the year;
- choose cosmetics with minimal chemicals.
Take any medications, including oral contraceptives, vitamin complexes and nutritional supplements, only when prescribed by a doctor. If side effects from medications occur (e.g., hives), the dosage must be changed or the medication must be discontinued.
