Sun Allergy: When Is a Sunburn Not a Sunburn?

Table of Content

• Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic analgesics and drugs used in gout
• What can be mistaken for heat rash?
• Can salt water give you a rash?
• Can Sun Exposure Cause Skin Rash

People with photosensitivity have an immunological response to light -- most often sunlight. The amount of exposure required to cause a reaction varies from person to person. Some people with photosensitivity are also affected by indoor fluorescent lighting.

With continued sun exposure over the summer months, skin can sometimes become resistant, lessening the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Treatment — Identify and stop using the medication or product that triggers the sun allergy. If symptoms persist, photoallergic eruption can be treated with a corticosteroid cream until the true culprit is identified. Race — The most common type of sun allergy occurs mostly in Caucasians. A hereditary form of PMLE is common in people of Native American ancestry.

Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic analgesics and drugs used in gout

In most cases, treatment will often depend on the specific type of allergy one is suffering from. Are there any differences between a sun allergy and sun poisoning? An allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to sunlight exposure. In most cases, the reaction can be triggered by only a brief moment of exposure to the sun.

If the rash has already developed, treatment will depend on the specific type of sun allergy. Of all forms of sun allergy, solar urticaria is the one that is most likely to be a long-term problem. Solar urticaria — Hives usually appear on uncovered skin within minutes of exposure to sunlight.

What can be mistaken for heat rash?

Hives form when histamine, a chemical, is released by mast cells. Histamine is usually released with an allergic reaction and it acts by causing the blood vessels to leak fluid into the nearby tissues causing skin to puff up like a mosquito bite. Releasing histamine does not need to be from an allergic reaction though; there are other circumstances where it can be released. Phototherapy usually lasts several weeks and prepares the skin for exposure to sunlight.

Even on cloudy days, UV radiation reaches the earth and can cause skin damage. Photoallergic contact dermatitis occurs when an irritant or allergen causes a reaction only after being exposed to the sun. This can occur with sunscreens, shaving lotion and some perfumes. Patch testing can help identify the products that cause this reaction. When allergy to the sun, you are likely to develop an itchy red rash on areas of the skin exposed to the sun.

Can salt water give you a rash?

But many can experience symptoms for 10 to 15 years or longer. Because scientists don’t fully understand what causes sun allergies, there aren’t any strategies to prevent the condition. • Regularly apply broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more. Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. Certainly, there are lots of other plants that are outstanding natural home remedy for swelling.

Itching and burning may occur and the rash may last for several days. In some people, the reaction to sunlight gradually becomes less with subsequent exposures. Solar urticaria, also known as sun allergy, is a rare allergy to sunlight that causes hives to form on skin that’s exposed to the sun.

Several days after sunburn, people with naturally fair skin may have peeling in the burned areas. Some itching may occur, and the peeled areas are even more sensitive to sunburn for several weeks. The sunburned areas are more susceptible to premature aging and skin cancer down the road.

Dr. Joe believes in spreading health knowledge as much as possible to promote safety and overall health. Gently apply the lotion on the skin after applying a cold compress on the affected part of skin. Supplements containing oral beta-carotene can also be used to treat the allergy and get rid of the symptoms. People with chronic photosensitivity may gravitate toward finding night work and sleeping during the day, while others just deal with the unsightly and uncomfortable rash. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Choose a product that has been formulated especially for the lips, with an SPF of 20 or more.

How do you know if you’re allergic to the sun?

If you do, you may be able to find treatments, and you should be evaluated if you notice any problems. Avoid the sun and seek medical attention if you experience a rash like this within a few days. More serious cases of sun allergy may be treated with steroid creams or pills, which can help bring down swelling.

Review of medications you take and products you put on your skin. In many cases, for some unknown reasons, the upper eyelids, the region under the nose , and the chin are spared of any symptoms. This factor can additionally help in the diagnosis of Photoallergic Drug Induced Photosensitivity. For protection from the sun, wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs. Consider wearing a broad-brimmed hat, which provides more protection than does a cap or visor. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

A severe hereditary form of PMLE more common in people of Native American descent often involves a rash around the mouth. There are a number of different ways that sun exposure can cause skin rash. The most common is through ultraviolet radiation, which can damage the skin and lead to inflammation. This can happen even if you are only in the sun for a short period of time. UV radiation is a known risk factor for a number of skin conditions, including skin cancer.