Understanding Sun Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Going outside on a sunny day usually feels nice and refreshing. But for some people, exposure to sunlight triggers an allergic reaction in the skin, causing redness, itching, swelling, and pain.

If you experience skin irritation after time in the sun, you may have a sun allergy. Read on to learn what causes these photosensitive reactions, types of sun allergies, who is most at risk, and how to find relief from discomfort.

What Is a Sun Allergy?

A sun allergy, also called photosensitivity, occurs when the immune system overreacts to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or artificial sources like tanning beds. This causes inflammation and other skin changes.

Researchers estimate sun allergies affect between 2-18% of the global population. While rarely life-threatening, these reactions can severely impact quality of life. Understanding your type of sun allergy allows proper treatment to prevent discomfort.

Major Types of Sun Allergies

There are several varieties of sun allergies, each with distinct features:

Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE)

The most common sun allergy, PMLE causes an itchy or burning rash with red bumps or blisters. This usually occurs in early summer as skin becomes exposed after winter. The rash normally lasts days to weeks.

Solar Urticaria

Solar urticaria triggers hives on sun-exposed skin within minutes. Though uncomfortable, the hives typically fade within 24 hours. This condition often relates to a UV-specific immune reaction.

Photoallergic Reactions

Certain medications and skin care products can interact with UV light to spur an immune response. This reaction shows as red, oozing blisters or bumps on exposed and sometimes unexposed skin.

Actinic Prurigo

This rare, inherited sun allergy often starts in childhood, causing itchy, bumpy lesions upon sunlight exposure. Because it is chronic, repeat sun exposure causes recurrent reactions.

What Causes Sun Allergies?

Research points to immune system dysfunction as the cause of most sun allergies. When exposed to UV rays, the body misidentifies them as harmful and releases inflammatory chemicals in response. This leads to skin damage in sunlight-exposed areas.

You may have an increased genetic risk for developing:

PMLE if you have a family history or other skin conditions
Solar urticaria if you have relatives with sun allergies
Actinic prurigo if you have indigenous ancestry

Photoallergic reactions result from interactions between UV light and certain substances like medications or skin care ingredients.

Diagnosing Sun Allergies

To diagnose your sun allergy, a dermatologist will examine your medical history, symptoms, and skin reactions. They may also order blood tests or do a skin biopsy to rule out conditions like lupus.

Phototesting and patch testing help identify specific UV and chemical triggers. Your doctor can then pinpoint the type of sun allergy you have.

Treating Sun Allergy Symptoms

Avoiding UV exposure provides the best relief for any sun allergy. Additional treatment depends on your symptoms:

Mild cases may be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream.

Moderate to severe sun allergies often require stronger prescription antihistamines, steroid creams, immunosuppressants, or monoclonal antibodies.

For some sun allergies, controlled UV exposure provides long-term improvement. But this phototherapy must be supervised by a doctor to prevent exacerbating reactions.

Lifestyle adjustments like sun protective clothing, shade seeking, and vigilant sunscreen use are imperative for minimizing outbreaks. Work with your dermatologist to find an integrated treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Living Well with Sun Allergies

Coping with sun allergies poses challenges but doesn’t preclude enjoying life. With self-care strategies like photoprotective clothing and seeking shade when possible, you can thrive despite photosensitivity.

Connecting with support groups and online communities can provide solidarity and wisdom from others navigating sun allergies. Protecting your skin enables you to spend time outdoors with family or engage in activities you enjoy.

Understanding your type of sun allergy and avoiding triggers remain key to minimizing frustrating reactions. But with the right treatment plan, you can prevent discomfort and live fully despite photosensitivity.