Solar urticaria is a skin condition where hives develop after exposure to sunlight or artificial light. It causes redness, itching, and hives. The cause is unknown, but excess chemicals produced by the body when exposed to sunlight are thought to be the cause. Treatment involves over-the-counter or prescription medications. Precautions such as avoiding direct sunlight, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen can prevent outbreaks. Complications can occur, and a dermatologist can help develop an individualized treatment plan.
Solar urticaria is a skin condition in which hives develop when the skin is exposed to sunlight, although artificial light can also cause symptoms in some cases. With solar urticaria, when the skin is exposed to sunlight, the patient may experience symptoms such as redness, itching, and hives developing. This condition can sometimes be confused with sunburn, although those with this type of hives typically show symptoms within minutes of sun exposure. The cause of this skin condition is not clearly understood, although the body appears to produce excess chemicals when exposed to sunlight, resulting in an abnormal skin reaction. Treatment typically involves the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications such as antihistamines or topical creams.
When a person who has solar urticaria is exposed to sunlight or in some cases artificial light, symptoms often develop within minutes or sometimes up to an hour afterward. The chemicals released by the body cause blood vessels to open, leading to a buildup of fluid under the skin. This can cause red patches of itchy skin. These patches of red skin can swell up, a condition known as hives. Solar urticaria can develop in anyone, regardless of age or gender.
While hives can usually be prevented or treated relatively easily, potential complications can occur. For example, if a large area of skin has been affected, a significant amount of fluid may be lost under the skin. This can lead to symptoms such as pale skin, nausea and dizziness.
Outbreaks of solar urticaria can be prevented by taking specific precautions. Direct sunlight should be avoided whenever possible, especially when the sun is highest in the sky. When this is not possible, protective clothing should be worn to cover as much skin as possible, including wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Sunscreen should be applied several times a day when you need to be out in the sunlight.
Treatment for solar urticaria outbreaks usually involves the use of an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine. Steroid creams or ointments can be applied directly to the affected areas of the skin. A specialized treatment known as phototherapy can be performed by a doctor in an attempt to harden the skin and make it less sensitive in some cases. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin conditions and can help the patient develop an individualized treatment plan.
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