Sun-Kissed Skin Woes: What Causes Them and How To Stay Safe in the Sun

People can be allergic to the sun, experiencing itchy rashes or hives due to UV light. This "sun allergy" covers diverse immune responses, including genetic factors or reactions to chemicals in medications and cosmetics. Sun protection and avoiding triggers are crucial for managing these reactions.

Symptoms, and Causes

The term "sun allergy" encompasses multiple conditions that cause an itchy rash when the skin is exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Polymorphous light eruption is the most prevalent form of sun allergy, but there are different types, and the causes can vary.

Some people inherit a sun allergy, while others encounter symptoms due to external factors like medications or contact with specific plants. The appearance of symptoms varies, including itchiness, stinging, raised patches, flushing, and blisters. Severe cases may require treatment with steroids, and preventive measures like protective clothing are crucial.

Sun allergy symptoms can manifest within minutes to hours after exposure and may resolve on their own in mild cases. Consulting a healthcare provider, particularly a dermatologist, is essential for persistent or unusual reactions.

The causes involve immune responses, medication interactions, and chemical sensitivities, with genetic predisposition playing a role in some cases. Seeking medical attention ensures accurate diagnosis and personalized care.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Risk factors for sun allergies include contact with specific substances like fragrances, disinfectants, and certain sunscreen chemicals. Medications such as tetracycline antibiotics and sulfa-based drugs can increase sunburn risk. Having dermatitis or a family history of sun allergy also elevates the likelihood of experiencing a reaction.

Meanwhile, preventing sun allergy reactions involves avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing protective clothing, using sunglasses, and applying sunscreen regularly. Gradual exposure to sunlight during seasonal changes can help skin adapt.

Choosing appropriate fabrics and applying sunscreen generously, even on cloudy days, are essential measures. Additionally, avoiding known triggers and using UV-blocking window film further contribute to prevention.

Types of Sun Allergy

Various types of sun allergies exist, categorized by rash, cause, and common demographic factors among affected individuals. Here are some of them:

Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE):
- Common form of sun allergy, affecting about 1 in 10 people worldwide.
- More prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Rash appears within two hours of sun exposure, often affecting women in early adulthood.
- The cause is unknown.
Actinic Prurigo:
- A hereditary form of sun allergy, rare but severe.
- Predominantly affects Native American populations in the U.S.
- Symptoms start earlier and are more severe than typical PMLE.
- Harvard Health reported a connection to Native American populations.
Photoallergic Eruption:
- Common sun allergy triggered by a reaction between sunlight and ingested or applied chemicals.
- Blistery rash develops in one to two days and can spread to unexposed skin areas.
- More likely to occur in light-skinned individuals sensitive to the sun.
- Synthetic and natural substances, as well as certain medications, can cause it.
Solar Urticaria:
- Considered rare by most doctors.
- Immediate development of hives and bumps on the skin after sunlight exposure.
- The cause is unknown, and it's not well-understood.
- Described as a condition where individuals react with hives upon exposure to sunlight.