Introduction:
A sun allergy refers to a condition when the immune system reacts to the sunlight, most often it occurs as an itchy red rash. It is still not clear why the body develops this reaction. Sun allergy is medically known as Polymorphous Light Eruption. Sun allergies are commonly reported in spring and early summer. These sun allergies are quite common, but they are often not reported. A sun allergy can develop anywhere on the body, but it is commonly seen on the parts of the body that are exposed to the sun.
What Is Sun Allergy?
A sun allergy most often presents as itchy reddish spots or welts that usually develop within minutes of sun exposure. This condition can last for a few minutes to hours. These sun allergies are triggered by the changes that occur in the sun-exposed skin. However, the immune system considers some components of the sun-altered skin as foreign bodies and activates our immune defenses against them, producing an allergic reaction that takes the form of a rash, tiny blisters, or skin eruptions.
How Does Sun Allergy Develop?
The exact cause for the development of sun allergies is unknown. It is still not clear why there is such an immune response when exposed to the sun. Some forms of sun allergies can be inherited, and certain chemicals or medications or some medical conditions can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. But why some people have sun allergies while others do not develop is still uncharted.
Are There Any Risk Factors That Can Make the Skin More Sensitive to Sun?
There are certain risk factors that can increase the risk of developing sun allergy. Here are a few:
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Race: People of any race can develop sun allergies, but people with lighter skin are more prone to develop sun allergies.
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Certain medications: There are certain medications that can make the skin sensitive more quickly. The medications include tetracycline antibiotics, sulfa-based drugs, and pain relievers.
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Skin Condition: Having other skin conditions like dermatitis.
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Family History: Having a family history of sun allergy or sun-related skin conditions.
How Does Sun Allergy Look Like and What Other Symptoms Are Associated With Sun Allergy?
Sun allergy most often appears as itchy red rashes. It can also appear as tiny blisters or skin eruptions. The signs and symptoms include:
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Redness.
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Itchiness around the affected area.
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Scaling, crusting, or bleeding.
These signs and symptoms usually occur in the areas that are being exposed to the sun and typically develop within minutes to hours of exposure.
What All Parts of the Body Can Get Affected by the Sun Allergy?
The most common locations include the,
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“V” part of the neck.
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Back of the hands.
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The outside surface of the arms.
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Lower legs.
In severe cases, even areas protected by clothing can get affected. And the areas that are normally exposed to the sun, such as the face, are usually spared from sun allergy.
What Are the Different Types of Sun Allergy?
There are various types of sun allergy which includes:
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Actinic Prurigo:
Actinic prurigo is an inherited condition of sun allergy. The symptoms of actinic prurigo are severe and stronger than other types. These symptoms begin in childhood.
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Photoallergic Reaction:
This occurs when a chemical applied to the skin reacts with sunlight. There are certain medications that can make the skin more prone to sun allergy.
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Solar Urticaria:
Solar urticaria is a rare type of sun allergy. This sun allergy causes hives which can appear after a few minutes of sun exposure. Solar urticaria most commonly affects young women, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe and at times can reach a point of anaphylactic shock (a life-threatening allergic reaction).
How Is Sun Allergy Diagnosed?
In most cases, sun allergy is diagnosed by just looking at the skin. But in case the diagnosis is not clear cut, a few diagnostic tests may be recommended to help identify the condition. The tests include:
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Ultraviolet (UV) Light Testing:
This test is otherwise known as photo testing. It is done to determine how the skin reacts to different wavelengths of ultraviolet light. This helps identify the kind of UV light that is causing the reaction.
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Photopatch Testing:
Photopatch testing shows if sun allergy is caused by a substance that is applied to the skin. During the test, the patches of the common sun allergy triggers are directly applied to the skin, and the area is made to get exposed to a measured dose of ultraviolet light. If there is a reaction, then that particular substance is likely to be the cause of the sun allergy.
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Blood Tests and Skin Samples:
These diagnostic tests are rarely recommended if the symptoms are suspected to be caused by an underlying condition such as lupus.
How Is Sun Allergy Treated?
The treatment for sun allergy depends on the type and severity of the condition. For mild cases, just avoiding sun exposure for a few days is enough for the condition to resolve.
For moderate cases, creams containing Corticosteroids can be suggested, and for severe cases, a short course of Corticosteroid pills and phototherapy is recommended. During phototherapy, ultraviolet light is used on areas of the body that get exposed to the sun to gradually get your skin used to sunlight. This phototherapy is done a few times a week for several weeks.
Can Sun Allergy Be Prevented?
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Avoid sun exposure, particularly in the hours of maximum sun exposure. Seek shade during the hours between 10 AM to 4 PM.
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Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains SPF 30 or greater. Sunscreen has to be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors.
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Check if certain medications that you are taking are causing this sun allergy. If so, talk to your doctor for alternatives for the medications.
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Use sunglasses and a hat with broad brims when being outdoors, or use an umbrella.
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Apply skin moisturizers to alleviate the irritation that is caused by dry, scaly skin.
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You can also try some soothing skin remedies like lotions with aloe vera to ease the symptoms.
Conclusion:
Avoiding sun exposure is considered crucial in sun allergies. If you are dealing with sun allergies, then try avoiding substances that trigger the allergic reaction. Keeping track of your activities, food habits and avoiding the recurrent causes of sun allergies is the simplest strategy to manage and prevent sun allergies in the future.
