If you are someone who suffers from an allergy to the sun, you know how challenging it can be to take care of your skin. Sun allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild skin irritation to a full-blown rash. Luckily, there are some things you can do to protect your skin and keep it healthy. In this post, we will discuss the best ways to take care of your skin if you are allergic to the sun. We will also share some tips for avoiding sun allergies in the first place. Read on for all the details!
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How can you be allergic to the sun?
Sun is the biggest source of vitamin D that helps the body to function properly. It is also a great source of energy and mood booster. However, some people are allergic to the sun. The allergy can be due to many reasons like changes in seasons, over-exposure to the sun, certain medications, etc. Sun allergy is basically a group of itchy rashes that can occur in response to the sun by your immune system.
Sun allergies can happen to anyone and can be triggered by other skin conditions, medications, or older medical conditions.
A sun allergy can happen to anyone. But, if you have a family history of allergies or asthma, then you are more likely to be allergic to the sun. Also, sun allergy can be triggered by other skin conditions, medications, or older medical conditions.
Types of sun allergies
Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)
There are different types of sun allergies. The most common type is polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). It is also known as summertime itch or solar urticaria. This condition generally starts in spring and subsides in fall. In this condition, the person gets a bumpy itchy rash on the skin that has been exposed to the sun. The rash looks like hives or welts and can appear on the face, neck, chest, and arms.
Solar urticaria
Solar urticaria is a type of sun allergy in which the person gets hives on the skin that has been exposed to sunlight. The hives are usually itchy and can last for a few hours. They usually go away on their own but can come back when you are exposed to sunlight again.
Drug-induced photosensitivity
Certain medications can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. If you are taking any of these medications, then you should avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
Actinic prurigo
Actinic prurigo is a rare condition that generally affects young children and adolescents. In this condition, the person gets itchy, scaly patches on the skin that has been exposed to the sun. The patches can last for weeks or even months.
Sun allergy symptoms
The symptoms of sun allergy can vary from person to person and they can vary from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:
- Itchy or burning rash
- Hives
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Tiny bumps
For additional sun protection wear a hat.
When to see a doctor?
If you develop any of the above-mentioned symptoms after sun exposure, then you should see a doctor. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and will also examine your skin. They may also do a patch test to rule out other conditions. Also, here’s the list of symptoms that also may occur. If you experience some of them, then you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Muscle cramps
- Severe headache
- Stomach pain
- Sudden and severe weakness
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Vomiting
How to take care of your skin if you are allergic to the sun?
If you are prone to sun allergies, then it’s a big chance that you have sensitive skin. So, you need to be extra careful while taking care of your skin. Here are some tips that can help:
- Use a mild soap or cleanser to wash your face. Avoid using harsh soaps as they can strip away the natural oils from your skin and make it dry. What else you can do when it comes to cleansing is to try the gentlest face brush – FOREO LUNA 3 for sensitive skin. The iconic LUNA 3 is made of velvety soft silicone that is bacteria-resistant, and 35x more hygienic than nylon brushes. Flip it over to transform it into a firming massage device, that pushes active ingredients from your skincare deep into your skin – where they work best.
LUNA 3 for sensitive skin is the most hygienic way to cleanse your skin. Its ultra-soft silicone touchpoints gently exfoliate dead skin cells without being abrasive.
- Use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Apply it immediately after washing your face.
- Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply it every 2 hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming.
What are some sun allergy treatment options?
If you have a mild sun allergy, then the symptoms will go away on their own. But, if the symptoms are severe, then your doctor may prescribe oral or topical corticosteroids. These are anti-inflammatory medications that can help to reduce swelling and itching. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe oral antihistamines to relieve the symptoms. If you have a severe reaction, then your doctor may give you an injection of epinephrine. This is a medication that can help to reduce swelling and itching.
How can you prevent sun allergies?
If you have a sun allergy, then you should avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Here are some tips that will help you take care of your skin:
- Wear loose, comfortable, and protective clothing that covers your skin
- Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your face and neck from the sun
- Don’t spend too much time in the sun. If you have to be out in the sun, then take breaks in the shade
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Can you still go outside if you have a sun allergy?
Don’t worry. Sun allergy is not the end of your beach or summer life. You can still go outside and enjoy the sun. Just make sure to take some precautions to protect your skin. And, if you experience an allergic reaction that may cause some of the above-listed symptoms, then see a doctor right away.
I developed sun allergy recently. it always appears in the same spot on the leg. very strange. Applying sunscreen is very helpful, but there are so many harmful ingredients in those sunscreens. hard to find a healthier option, except for staying out of the sun))
I feel so seen, thank you for the very helpful article! It’s a pain… But I find that the UFO 2 device is helpful when I get sunburnt :D
good
I appreciate the insights shared in this article, particularly the emphasis on seeking professional advice for mardana kamzori ka nusksha. It’s reassuring to know that there are various treatment options available and that it’s not something anyone has to face alone.
Hello Elena,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. :)
Keeping your skin healthy is the main goal.
Wish you a good day!