How To Treat Sun Allergy

What Is The Best Treatment For Sun Rash

If preventing sun rash doesnt work, then there are treatments to lessen the symptoms. Home treatment often is sufficient for milder cases of sun rash. Aloe vera gel, cold towel compresses or hydrocortisone creams can be used to reduce swelling and redness.

Signs And Symptoms Of Sun Allergy

Skin affected by a sun allergys appearance can vary widely depending on what is causing the problem, with the symptoms usually occurring on skin that has been exposed to the sun and usually developing within minutes to hours after your sun exposure.

Typical symptoms may include:

• Redness and tenderness of the skin
• Tiny bumps that may merge into raised patches
• Itching or pain

Please see our team if you have severe or persistent symptoms.

What Parts Of The Body Are Most Affected By Sun Allergy

While a sun allergy reaction can occur anywhere on the body, it is most commonly seen on parts of the body exposed to the sun: arms, legs, hands, and the back of the neck.

In severe cases of sun allergy, even areas protected by clothing may be affected. Interestingly, areas of the skin that are normally exposed to the sun are usually spared from sun allergy.

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How To Get Rid Of Sun Allergy Rash

Common home remedies for treating sunrash include applying a cold compress to the affected areas, using hydrocortisone cream, taking antihistamines

Antihistamines are drugs which treat allergic rhinitis and other allergies. Typically people take antihistamines as an inexpensive, generic, over-the-counter drug that can provide relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, or hives caused by pollen, dust mites, or animal allergy with few side effects. Antihis

to lessen the allergic reaction or taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to reduce redness and swelling. See also How To Repair Curb Rash On Chrome Rims

Seek Shade And Wear Protective Clothing

The FDA recommends that people seek shade, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The agency reminds people that the suns rays may be stronger when reflected off water, sand and snow.

Keep in mind that several things can affect the amount of UV radiation exposure: time of day, season, geographic location, altitude, and weather conditions .

I need to wear sunglasses outside because my eyes are sensitive. I limit my time in the sun to the late afternoon if I cant avoid it during the day. Rachel Brummert, patient

People can wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats to reduce sun exposure.

I need to wear sunglasses outside because my eyes are sensitive, Brummert said. I limit my time in the sun to the late afternoon if I cant avoid it during the day.

People with jobs in construction or others that require plenty of time outdoors should ask their doctor about the possibility of adjusting their medication dosage or timing, according to the Laborers Health & Safety Fund of North America.

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What Is Sun Allergy

A sun allergy is a condition that happens when the immune system reacts to sunlight.

The immune system treats sun-altered skin as foreign cells, leading to the reactions. The reactions that can occur include a rash, blisters or hives. Only people with sensitivity to the sun will exhibit symptoms. For some, the reaction could occur after only a few moments of exposure to the sun.

Sun allergies are fairly common although they are often not reported.

Sun Allergy Treatment Tips

Treatment might start with a thorough history and physical exam, along with bloodwork and a skin biopsy, if necessary, says Dr. Veerula. Often it is treated by avoiding the trigger, which in this case is UV rays, from the sun or tanning beds. Usually, topical and oral anti-inflammatories can help.

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Polymorphous Light Eruption: Your Surprise Guest In Spring

Happy days are here again! The birds are singing, the sun is shining and spring is just around the corner. You eagerly shed a few extra layers to get a much-needed dose of Vitamin D, and two days later, a mysterious itchy rash appears on your chest, shoulders, arms, legs or the tops of your feet.If this sounds familiar, you may be among the 20 percent of the adult population who suffers from summer light eruption. Most common in women ages 15-35, this allergic reaction is triggered by a sudden increase in exposure to ultraviolet lightUVA rays in particular after a long period of non-exposure. This makes sun-starved skin thats been under wraps all winter especially vulnerable. The face, which gets sun year-round, is usually not affected.Once the condition has been triggered, it tends to recur every year, so anybody who has suffered an outbreak should take extra care to protect themselves every spring, and practice good sun habits throughout the summer to avoid additional flare-ups.For tips on preventing future outbreaks, check out our advice on how to protect yourself, below.

What Are Types Of Sun Allergy

There are several types of sun allergy. These include:

• Actinic prurigo: This is an inherited version of sun allergy. Symptoms are stronger than other types and it is common among Native American populations, although it affect all races, including Caucasians. Symptoms can begin in childhood.
• This type occurs when a chemical applied to the skin reacts with sunlight. Several types of medications, as well as sunscreens, cosmetics, and fragrances can cause the reaction. Symptoms sometimes do not show for two to three days.
• Polymorphyic light eruption : This is the most common form of sun allergy. About 10% to 15% of the U.S. population is affected. It occurs more in women than men and usually starts in their teens and twenties. PMLE is usually seen as a rash that causes itching and can appear as blisters or small reddened areas. Most cases occur during the spring. Symptoms usually appear a few hours after exposure to the sun.
• Solar urticaria: This sun allergy is rare and produces hives. Hives can appear only after a few minutes of sun exposure. It mostly affects young women. Symptoms can be mild or severe to the point of anaphylactic shock .

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How Do I Treat A Sun Allergy

The best means of avoiding an allergic reaction to sunlight is to stay out of the sun. Since this isnt always feasible or advisable, you may want to consider other forms of treatment:

• Corticosteroid medications: Over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatories, such as prednisone, are useful in treating dermatological outbreaks.
• Hydroxychloroquine: Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial medication shown effective with some types of sun allergy.
• Phototherapy involves exposing your skin to the light of an ultraviolet lamp. Repeated sessions may increase resistance to the suns rays.

If youre uncertain whether you have a sun allergy, see your physician. There are several diagnostic exams he or she can perform, including UV light testing, photopatch testing, and an analysis of blood and skin samples, which may point to an underlying medical issue, such as lupus.

How Can I Prevent Sun Allergy Rashes

The skin can sometimes react to the ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays with itching, redness or blisters. The following tips will help prevent the onset of a sun allergy:

• Accustom the skin to sunlight slowly by avoiding long sunbathing sessions and the midday sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Use a sunscreen product with a high sun protection factor .
• Clothing provides only limited protection against UVA and UVB rays, but the darker and denser the fabric, the better.

We have a false sense of security in the shade since the environment reflects sunlight even in places appearing to be shady. Up to 70 percent of radiation intensity is reflected by sand, water, snow or buildings. Glass windows also dont protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.

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What Is A Sun Allergy Rash

This is a skin condition that happens because of the hypersensitive to the sunâs hot rays. This rash will usually appear during the spring season when your skin is still adapting to the changes in the heat and temperatures of the season. It will usually start to appear within a few hours after your skin has been exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time. It will only show up on the areas of your body that is not covered. Once your skin has adapted and grown use to the heat of the spring season the sun allergy rash will improve gradually and disappear eventually. When a person has a sun allergy rash they will start to itch and their skin will start to burn immediately after being exposed to the sun. When a person has this rash it may be accompanied by chills, nausea, malaise, and headaches.

Rash From Sun Exposure

Sun rash and sun allergy are terms often used to describe a number of conditions in which an itchy red rash occurs on skin thats been exposed to sunlight. A common form of sun rash is polymorphic light eruption, also known as sun poisoning. Some people have a hereditary type of sun rash, while others develop signs and symptoms only when triggered by another factor such as.Sun rash, also called a sun allergy, is when a red, itchy rash appears because of exposure to sunlight. One kind of rash thats quite common is.Heat rash, sun rash whats the difference? Heat rash. Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, often occurs during hot, humid weather. This rash usually appears in. Sun rash. Sun rash starts in areas where the skin is exposed to sunlight. Most sun rashes will resolve on its own within. Seek .

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Treatment Of Sun Allergy

The following steps can be taken for treatment of sun allergies:

• The most obvious treatment is that you must stop your sun exposure!
• In most cases, sun allergies often resolve within 10-14 days, however, you must limit your sun exposure as much as possible.
• Cool compresses or cold water sprays can help relieve itchiness Application of a cool compress
• Drugs such as corticosteroids , oral antihistamines and in some cases, anti- malarial drugs in the form of lotions and tablets can also be used.
• Anti-itch creams can should be used if needed
• Stop the usage of drugs and other substances that are increasing your sensitivity to light
• Application of moisturizers help alleviate the symptoms by retaining the skin moisture
• If none of the above seem to relieve your symptoms or if you are seeing persistent or unusual symptoms such as swellings, make sure you make an appointment with the dermatologist. There is no help like professional help!

What Causes A Sun Allergy

4. Drugs: You might also be aware that photosensitivity is a side effect of certain groups of drugs. These include certain antibiotics such as Doxycline, Tetracyclines NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Piroxicam and Naproxen Antihypertensives like Captopril, Methyldopa and Diltiazem Antidepressants like Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Tazeodone Hypoglycemics like Glipizide and Glyburide diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide and Furosemide.

Although there are various kinds of sun allergies, the four most common ones include:

So lets see now, how do we get rid of sun allergies?

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Use Sunblocks And Sunscreens

People sensitive to the sun must wear a sunblock or sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply the product an hour before sun exposure and reapply it every 30 minutes. If you sweat heavily or swim, reapply sunscreen immediately after drying off. Note that in some cases physical sun-blocks with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide could aggravate the allergic reaction. So try the product on small patch of skin first in order to prevent allergic reaction to the sunscreen.

How Can Ple Be Treated

When the rash comes up, topical or oral corticosteroids, as well as oral antihistamine may help to reduce itching.

Mild PLE may be controlled by following the top sun safety tips listed below in the Self care section below.

If very troublesome, desensitisation treatment may be considered. Desensitisation is a way of raising the skins resistance by treating it with increasing doses of ultraviolet light in a special cubicle. The treatment is given in the early spring so that the skin is ready to cope with the summer sun. The effect of desensitisation treatment wears off in the winter, so it should be repeated every spring.

Gradual exposure to sunlight in the springtime may help to reduce the severity of the rash when the summer comes in individuals who have a mild PLE.

A few people with extensive PLE may still have problems despite the measures listed above. Some tablets , which are usually prescribed for malaria, may be helpful in some cases. A short course of oral steroids can be considered at times, e.g. to cover a summer holiday. If very resistant to the treatments mentioned above, other oral non-steroidal agents like azathioprine can also be used. Using oral or topical antioxidants as well as oral nicotinamide prior or after the first sun exposure has shown to prevent PLE. Topical antioxidants and topical corticosteroid also help decrease itch.

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How Can I Deal With Sun Allergy Without Being Trapped Inside

This article was published more than 9 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

The question: I seem to have developed a sun allergy over the years and get itchy red skin if I have been out in strong and even not-so-strong sun. I sometimes even get it when it’s overcast. My family doctor has prescribed hydrocortisone cream for when it flares up, but I would like to prevent it from happening at all. The itchiness usually lasts a couple of days. When outside, I wear sunscreen fanatically and a hat, but it doesn’t seem to do the trick. I don’t want to be trapped inside. Would seeing an allergist or a dermatologist help?

The answer: The short answer to your question is yes, seeing a dermatologist may help though it sounds as if your family doctor has already prescribed treatment that works during flare-ups. I don’t mean to deter you from seeking out a skin specialist definitely ask your family doctor about a referral but I do think you should prepare yourself for what might be a nagging, persistent condition you need to learn to manage.

Toronto dermatologist Anatoli Freiman said you may have a relatively common condition called polymorphous light eruption, which is characterized by red bumps and raised itchy patches after sun exposure, more prevalent in females aged 20 to 40. Its exact cause is unknown but it’s thought to be a form of sun sensitivity that’s typically more common in spring and early summer.

Causes Of Polymorphic Light Eruption

Polymorphic light eruption is thought to be caused by UV light altering a substance in the skin, which the immune system reacts to, resulting in the skin becoming inflamed.

It’s not passed down through families, but about 1 in 5 people with the condition have an affected relative as it’s a fairly common condition.

It’s not infectious, so there’s no risk of catching polymorphic light eruption from another person.

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How Is A Sun Rash Treated

Sun rash isnt always treated, since many times, it can go away without treatment between 10-14 days. It depends on the specific rash, and if theres significant sun poisoning or not.

However, if the rash is itchy, an over-the-counter anti-itch steroid cream like hydrocortisone can be helpful, as can oral antihistamines, which are also available OTC.

Cold compresses or a cool bath can provide itch relief, as well.

If you have any blisters or if the rash is painful, dont scratch or pop the blisters. This can lead to infection.

You can cover the blisters with gauze to help protect them, and take an OTC pain relieving medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen . As your skin starts to heal, you can use gentle moisturizers to relieve itching from dry or irritated skin.

If home remedies arent effective, you might need to see a doctor. They can prescribe you stronger anti-itch cream or oral medication to relieve any symptoms.

If youre taking any medication, they can let you know if the medication is causing your light sensitivity or rash.

If your sun rash is due to an allergy, your doctor might prescribe anti-allergy medication or corticosteroids to help address any symptoms you might be having. Sometimes the anti-malarial medication hydroxychloroquine is prescribed, since its been shown to address symptoms of certain types of sun allergy.

How Can I Tell If I Have A Sun Allergy

When it comes to watching out for sun allergies, it’s first important to note that PMLE is not very common. In fact, Dr. King says it only affects about 10-15% of the population. However, if you are concerned, she says the reaction often shows itself in “itchy or burning red bumps or blisters or patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin.” While reactions in deeper complexions are likely to take on more flesh-colored bumps with melanin disguising underlying redness, the skin will still experience the other topical signs even if they aren’t a red-hue, according to Dr. Zeichner.

What’s more likely than PMLE, though, is for you to have a photosensitive reaction due to topical treatments or medications you might be using. Phototoxic reactionsthe more common of the two photosensitive varietieswill “look and feel like a sunburn or a rash” according to Dr. King, and she says photoallergic reactions could feature more severe signs like “rash, blisters, red bumps or oozing lesions one to three days after sun exposure.”

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