Sun allergy, also called solar urticaria, is a rare allergy to sunlight that causes rashes on the skin. The allergy can range from mild to severe, potentially causing more serious symptoms or limiting daily activities. A person experiences a rash and occasionally other symptoms after exposure to sunlight. The back of the hands, the outside of the arms, the lower legs, and the “V” of the neck are among the most often affected areas. In a small percentage of instances, the skin reaction could be more severe, resulting in hives or tiny blisters that might even spread to the skin in covered places. Early summer and spring are when individuals start spending more time outside in the sun, which increases the likelihood of solar responses.
Symptoms of Sun Allergy
After exposure to the sun, symptoms of sun allergy may take a few minutes, hours, or even days to manifest. Depending on how much skin area is exposed, how long you spend in the sun, and how intense the light is, they can range from mild to severe. A photoallergic eruption typically results in a red, itchy rash or small blisters. Sometimes the skin eruption also affects clothing-covered skin. Skin symptoms may not appear until one to two days after sun exposure because photoallergic eruption is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction.
Similar symptoms to those of PMLE are present in actinic prurigo, also known as hereditary PMLE. However, they often only affect the face, particularly the area around the lips. PMLE often manifests as an itchy or burning rash within the first two hours following sun exposure. The neck, upper chest, arms, and lower legs are the most common places for the rash to develop. Chills, a headache, and nausea could last another hour or two. In a limited percentage of instances, PMLE may manifest as red plaques, tiny blisters filled with fluid, or very minute bleeding spots under the skin.
Prevention of Sun Allergy
Use sunscreen. Even on foggy days, wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure to generously apply sunscreen and reapply it every two hours or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. Avoid being in the sun directly. If you have a moderate sun allergy, symptoms like itching, skin irritability, or pimples will typically go away after a few days without leaving any marks on the skin or causing permanent harm.
Some foods also contain UV protection. Beta carotene and lycopene, two essential elements that support skin pigmentation, are abundant in various fruits and vegetables, including carrots, tomatoes, red berries, watermelon, grapefruit, and apricots. Oily fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseed, and vegetable oils like linseed, camelina, and rapeseed oil are additional beneficial meals. These foods have antioxidant qualities and are high in omega-3 fatty acids. They can lessen vulnerability to skin redness brought on by UVB radiation.
