Sun allergy causes redness, itching, and hives on sun-exposed skin. It can be a symptom of an underlying medical problem, and there are different types of sun allergy. Treatment options include desensitization therapy, antihistamines, and topical creams. Seeking medical help is important in case of severe reactions.
A sun allergy is a condition in which someone’s skin reacts to sunlight, developing redness, itching, and hives as a result of sun exposure. There are different types of sun allergy, and sometimes a sun allergy can be a symptom of an underlying medical problem, so it’s a good idea to see a doctor for sun allergy symptoms or any other skin problem. For people with sun allergies, there are several treatment options to consider, depending on the cause of the allergy.
The signs of a sun allergy look a lot like a sunburn, except that the skin irritation in reaction to sunlight, known as photodermatosis, emerges within minutes of sun exposure, rather than developing after hours of sun exposure. exposure. The patient may feel itchy or tingling, and the sun-exposed skin area becomes red and bumpy. Sometimes, a sun allergy can emerge even under light clothing. The area of irritation usually returns to normal within a day, unlike a sunburn, which can take days or weeks to heal.
When photodermatosis does appear, there are several potential causes, including mild polymorphic eruption, actinic prurigo, and solar urticaria. These reactions are usually caused by a confused immune system reacting to compounds in sun-exposed skin. Several proteins change structure when exposed to sunlight, making them potential targets of the immune system. It’s also possible to develop what’s known as a photoallergic rash in response to the use of medications that increase sensitivity to the sun, causing rashes, hives, and redness on sun-exposed skin.
A doctor usually diagnoses a sun allergy by exposing the skin to wavelengths commonly found in sunlight. If the patient reacts, further tests may be conducted to determine the cause. Sometimes, a sun allergy can be resolved with desensitization therapy, in which a dermatologist carefully exposes the patient for set periods of time. Antihistamines and topical creams can also be used to treat the symptoms of a sun allergy and to reduce the severity of future outbreaks.
Some conditions like porphyria can also cause what looks like an allergy to the sun, which is why it’s important to seek medical help. In rare cases, people have developed very aggressive immune responses to sunlight, resulting in anaphylactic shock after sun exposure, which is another key reason to seek medical help for a suspected sun allergy.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
