Sun Allergy
Allergic to the sun we all suffer from some form of sun allergy and may not even realize it. Technically, if sun exposure causes damage to our skin, allergy to the sun then all of us are allergic to the sun. However, there are many more severe allergic reactions to the sun that can affect a variety of people. skin rash from sun If you are truly “allergic” to the sun then you probably suffer from type 4, or delayed, allergies. Type 4 allergies often appear on the neck, outside of the arms, on the lower parts of the legs, and on the back of our hands. Reactions like this often produce little blisters on the skin or some kind of rash or eruption. can you be allergic to the sun
There are four frequent kinds of sun allergies, they include:
Polymorphous light eruption is the very common. It falls right behind the very common skin issue after prolonged exposure—sunburn. It causes damage to every race, and it is said to be common in 10% to 20% of our population. Mostly happening during the spring, and as it continues into summer it increases, then decreases into fall. It is thought that being exposed over and over to sunlight helps to lessen sensitiveness of the skin and protects the skin, however, the allergy will usually just show back up a year later, in the springtime.
How do you know if you have Polymorphous Light Eruption?
A rash commonly shows up in a few minutes to even a couple hours, and sometimes even days after being exposed to the sun.
Signs of a rash cause by polymorphous light eruption include:
– Compact bunches of little lumps
– Elevated rough blotches
– Reddening of the skin
– Irritation
– Burning
– Blistering
Actinic prurigo causes damage to mostly the same ethnicity of people. American Indians often develop this from an early age. This disease mostly effects those who are of native American decent. It is a very intense disease.
Symptoms of Actinic Prurigo include:
– itchy inflamed papules, nodules, and plaques on the skin
– lesions
– face, neck, arms, hands, and legs are mostly were lesions are spotted
Symptoms often times get worse in the springtime and also in the summer.
Photoallergic eruption
Photoallergic eruption happens when the sun is directly exposed to an area of the skin that has had chemicals introduced to it, chemicals like—sunblock, ointments, or colognes. Also, if you are taking an antibiotic orally, this reaction could also be present.
Symptoms of a photoallergic eruption are:
– Skin rash allergy
– Chills
– Headache
– Nausea
Solar Urticaria – sun allergy
Solar urticaria is very uncommon. It is highly unlikely that a person suffering from some kind of sun allergy, to be suffering from this disease. It is the one real kind of allergic reaction to the sun. Most suffering from this disease are young women.
– Vitamin E (Helps heal and helps immune system. Can be taken orally or as lotion)
– Aloe Vera (naturally cooling)
– Quercitin (improve circulation)
– Pantothenic Acid
Always consult your physician before using any information on sun allergy symptoms.
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.
