Is itching after sun exposure a symptom of sun allergy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I noticed that if I get under the sun for less than 30 seconds, my body begins to itch, and this did not happen during winter. I also have the same feeling when I am trying to exercise my body or when I feel a little hot. It begins to burn, after about three minutes body begins to itch, it starts from my back and spreads all over my body.

It makes me act like I am on drugs. I have a similar feeling when I take pepper. It would not go until I go under a cool place. I do not have this skin problem when the weather is cold. I am concerned right now because I cannot even go out.

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From your history about the concern, it seems like you have a mild condition of cholinergic urticaria along with photo-sensitivity. Cholinergic urticaria is nothing but the development of itching or, in some cases, itchy bumps when there is a rise in body temperature.

I needed you to answer a few more queries to establish my diagnosis.

Onset, at what age did you start experiencing this?
Do you have any known allergies like dust allergies, frequent episodes of cold, or a running nose?
Do you have any family history of allergies?
Are you on any medications that you are chronically on?

There is no need to panic as this resolves after several years. The main thing to do is avoid the triggering factor, like avoiding spicy and hot food, exercising in an air-conditioned room to a level where your body can tolerate the heat, and not overdressing.

Also, it would be advised that you be on oral antihistamines meant for itching for some time, until each episode subsides. And also apply sunscreen twice in the morning and afternoon, even in the winter season, as there are ultraviolet rays active even in the cold season.

Kindly revert back with the answers to my questions so that I can guide you through this and advise a few medical tests to perform.

I hope this helps.

Revert with the answers for further assistance.

Thank you and take care.