We all love a little bit of sun. A little bit of sun in the morning is really good for the body. But has this happened to you too? After going out on a sunny day, in the evening, you start to develop small red bumps on your body, especially on the areas that were exposed to the sun, and they start to itch unbearably. For some, this is a minor thing, but for others, it becomes so severe that they can't even do their daily activities. So today we are going to talk about this 'sun allergy' or Sun Allergy , which many people have but don't know about.
Simply put, what is Sun Allergy?
Sun Allergy is, simply put, an unwanted, excessive response by your body's immune system when your skin is exposed to sunlight. This means that your body thinks that sunlight, which is usually harmless, is a threat and starts to fight it. This reaction results in red, itchy, and blistering skin. For some, this condition is mild and resolves within a day or two. For others, it can be severe.
Are there main types of sun allergy?
Yes, there are several main types of Sun Allergy. Not everyone's allergy is the same. These are classified according to how it occurs, the nature of the damage to the skin, and the cause. Let's see what the main types are.
| Allergy Type | Characteristics and description |
|---|---|
| Actinic prurigo | This causes raised bumps (papules or nodules) on the skin. Sometimes these can appear in areas that have not been exposed to the sun. It has been found to have a genetic link. |
| Photoallergic reaction | This is a little different. It happens when a chemical you put on your skin (for example, sunscreen, perfume, makeup, or some medications) reacts with sunlight. It can take a few hours or a few days for symptoms to appear. |
| Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) | This is the most common type. It is especially common in women, people with fair skin, and young people. It appears as small blisters, spots, or lesions within a few hours of sun exposure. |
| Solar urticaria | This is when the skin develops 'hives', or what we call 'sunburns', within minutes of exposure to the sun. The symptoms can range from mild to very severe. |
Who is more likely to develop sun allergy?
Anyone can develop a sun allergy, but some people are at a higher risk.
- Family history: If someone in your family has this type of allergy, you are more likely to develop it too.
- Skin color: Some types (like PMLE) are more common in people with light skin. Others (like actinic prurigo) are more common in people with dark skin.
- Certain medications: When you use certain medications, the chemicals in those medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity). This can cause allergies.
Medications that make the skin sensitive to the sun
If you are using these types of medications, you need to be a little careful when going out in the sun.
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Antihistamines - Some allergy medications can also cause this.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Diuretics
- Medications containing hormones (e.g. birth control pills)
- Painkillers (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs)
- Retinoids - A type of cream used to treat acne and skin wrinkles.
The most important thing is, if you are using a medication like this, don't stop it suddenly. Talk to your doctor and get advice on what you can do to protect yourself from the sun.
What are the symptoms of a sun allergy?
The symptoms of a sun allergy can appear within minutes, hours, or even days after exposure to the sun. The severity of these symptoms depends on several factors.
- How long you were in the sun.
- How strong the sun is (the sun is stronger in the afternoon than in the morning).
- How much of your body was exposed to the sun.
Below are the most common symptoms.
| Skin symptoms | Other severe symptoms that may occur |
|---|---|
|
How do I know for sure if I have a sun allergy?
If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see your family doctor. If necessary, he or she will refer you to a dermatologist . The doctor will use several methods to diagnose this condition.
1. They will ask you a lot of questions: What are your symptoms, how long have you had them, do they only occur when you go out in the sun, what medications you use, and what skin care products you use.
2. Light testing: This involves directing different types of artificial light rays onto a small area of your skin in a controlled manner and seeing how your skin reacts to the light.
3. Patch testing: If you suspect that you are allergic to something on your skin, a small patch containing the chemical is placed on your back and then a light is shone on it to see if there is a reaction.
4. Skin biopsy: This is done very rarely. In this, a very small piece of skin is taken and examined under a microscope.
What are the treatments for a sun allergy?
The best and simplest treatment for this is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. However, since it's difficult to do so all the time, your doctor may recommend other treatments.
- Antihistamines: These help control itching and swelling. (Ex: Loratadine, Cetirizine)
- Corticosteroid creams: These are applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and redness.
- Oral corticosteroids: If the allergy is severe, they are given orally for a short period of time. (Ex: Prednisone)
- Omalizumab vaccine: This vaccine is used in some severe cases.
- Phototherapy: This is a long-term treatment. It involves gradually exposing your skin to ultraviolet rays under medical supervision in a controlled manner. Over time, your skin adapts to the sun's rays.
What should I do to prevent a sun allergy?
It's easier to prevent an allergy than to treat it once it's there. Here are some things you can do to help.
- Gradually acclimate to the sun: At the beginning of the year, instead of spending a lot of time in the sun all at once, increase your exposure gradually throughout the day. This will allow your skin to acclimate to it.
- Avoid the harsh sun: Whenever possible, avoid the harsh sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay indoors or in the shade during these hours.
- Wear protective clothing: When going outside, wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use a good sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply generously 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours if you sweat or swim.
- Be careful about things that increase sensitivity: If your doctor says that a medication or ointment you're using is causing this condition, talk to him about it and get an alternative.
What are the serious cases that require immediate medical attention?
Sun allergy usually causes skin symptoms. However, in rare cases, severe symptoms can occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Chest pain
- Severe headache
- Sudden severe weakness
- Fainting
- Severe stomach pain or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
These symptoms can be signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), so it is very important to act quickly in such cases.
Take-Home Message
- Sun Allergy is a true allergic reaction that occurs when you are exposed to the sun. It is not just a skin problem.
- There are different types of this. It is important to seek medical advice to find out which type you have.
- The best protection is to avoid the sun. It is essential to stay out of the sun during strong sunlight, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen.
- If you suspect you have a sun allergy, be sure to see a doctor to confirm it and receive appropriate treatment.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or fainting, consider it an emergency and go to a hospital immediately.
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