If you have these symptoms, you could be allergic to the sun -

Also known as photosensitivity, a sun allergy occurs when the skin is hypersensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which the sun naturally emits. The allergy can range from mild to severe, possibly causing more serious symptoms or limiting everyday activities. Some people have a hereditary type of sun allergy. Others develop symptoms only when triggered by other factors. 

Researchers aren't sure how many people sun allergies affect, but an estimated 2% to 18% of people worldwide may live with a sun allergy. To learn more about it, check out the following slides. 

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Symptoms -

Sun allergy symptoms can vary from person to person. While some people may have only mild symptoms, others may develop more severe reactions. Signs and symptoms may include itchiness, stinging, and blisters. 

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Types of sun allergies -

There are many kinds of sun allergies, each with different causes, triggers, and symptoms. The four main types are polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), solar urticaria, photoallergic reaction, and actinic prurigo. 

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Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) -

PMLE is the most common type of sun allergy, which typically occurs in spring or early summer. An itchy or burning rash with red bumps or blisters develops within hours of exposure to direct sunlight, lasting from several days to two weeks.

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Solar urticaria -

A rare form of sun allergy, solar urticaria causes hives that appear on the skin within minutes of sun exposure. It typically goes away within 24 hours.

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Photoallergic reaction -

This type of sun allergy occurs when ingredients in certain medications interact with UV rays, causing the immune system to overreact. Symptoms may show up a few hours or days after sun exposure.

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Actinic prurigo -

Actinic prurigo is a rare and inherited sun allergy that causes itchy, bumpy, or scaly skin lesions after sun exposure. A chronic condition, it usually begins in childhood before age 10. 

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Who might get a sun allergy? -

Sun allergies can affect anyone, including all ages, races, and genders. Certain types are more common among people with lighter or darker skin.

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Risk factors -

There are a number of risk factors for having an allergic reaction to sunlight, including certain substances, medication, previous skin conditions, and family history.  

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Contact with certain substances -

Some sun allergy symptoms are triggered when your skin is exposed to a substance, such as fragrances or disinfectants, and then to sunlight.

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Taking certain medications -

A number of medications can make the skin sunburn more quickly, including tetracycline antibiotics, sulfa-based drugs, and pain relievers.

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Having another skin condition -

Having dermatitis increases your risk of having a sun allergy.

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Having a blood relative with a sun allergy -

You're more likely to have a sun allergy if you have a sibling or parent who has it. 

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Diagnosis -

A healthcare provider will thoroughly review your personal and family medical history, ask about your symptoms, and perform a physical examination.

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Tests -

Common tests to evaluate your symptoms include phototesting, patch testing, blood tests, and skin biopsy. 

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Phototesting -

Phototesting involves exposing small areas of the skin to controlled amounts of UV light to observe any allergic reactions.

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Patch testing -

Patch testing helps identify photoallergic reactions. A healthcare provider places patches on your skin that contain chemicals suspected to cause a reaction. They then expose the patches to UV rays and ask you to return to the office later to examine your skin. 

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Blood tests -

This uses a sample of your blood, which a healthcare provider will send to a lab to rule out other conditions that can cause sun sensitivity. 

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Skin biopsy -

This test takes a small sample of your skin, which a provider sends to a pathologist, who examines it under a microscope. 

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How to prevent a sun allergy -

While there's no certain way to prevent most sun allergies, there are several things you can do to help reduce its frequency and severity.

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Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm -

The sun's rays are strongest during these hours. Seek shade if you have to be out between these hours. 

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Avoid sudden exposure to lots of sunlight -

Many people have sun allergy symptoms seasonally when daylight hours get longer and they're exposed to more sunlight. At these times, gradually increase the amount of time you spend outdoors so your skin has time to adapt.

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Wear sunglasses and protective clothing -

Long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats can help protect your skin from sun exposure.

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Apply sunscreen. -

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Don't forget to reapply every two hours. 

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Avoid known triggers -

If you know that a certain substance causes your skin reaction, such as a medication or perfume, avoid that trigger.

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Treatments -

While there is no cure for most sun allergies, treatments can help relieve symptoms, reduce the frequency of allergic reactions, and improve your quality of life.

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Lifestyle changes -

Making adjustments to your lifestyle, such as avoiding triggers and wearing SPF, may help you manage it. 

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Topical medications -

For mild sun allergies, you may be recommended over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or ointments, which can help relieve itching and inflammation after an allergic reaction. 

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Oral medications -

You may also be prescribed oral medications for severe sun allergies to help you manage symptoms and prevent future allergic reactions.

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Phototherapy (light therapy) -

Light therapy involves controlled, gradual exposure to UV light, which may help desensitize skin to sun exposure and reduce allergic reactions to sunlight.

 
Sources: (Health) (Mayo Clinic) (Cleveland Clinic) 

See also: Sunscreen mistakes to avoid this summer

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