Could you be allergic to the sun?

• April 19, 2020

With sunny days back again and tanning plans on our horizon, we say hello to all kinds of allergies, itches and burns. However, did you ever consider you might be allergic to the sun? If you’ve ever had a rash or a sudden reaction after being exposed to sunlight, then you should read this.

How can we be allergic to sunlight?
When our skin is exposed to the sun, our immune system sometimes thinks it’s being attacked by a foreign object. Since the immune system’s job is to protect us from a foreign attack, it will react negatively to sunlight, attacking our won body’s tissues. This causes a rash, blisters, or hives that will appear directly after exposure to sunlight, therefore resulting in a sun allergy.
But a sun allergy is not just about the skin rashes and eruptions, because this immune reaction decreases your natural defenses and increases your risk for damage from harmful UVA and UVB (seriously raising your chances of developing skin cancer so be careful).

So a sun allergy is not a sunburn?
They’re both the result of exposure to sunlight, but they’re not the same.
The main difference lies in that a sun allergy is an immune system reaction. When the skin perceives that it’s under attack by the sun it goes into defense mode.
A sunburn, on the other hand, results from sun exposure causing a UV light radiation burn or red skin.
In either case if you feel like your skin is over-sensitive and reacting to the sun, you should quickly consult Dr. Costi for a proper diagnosis.
What does a sun allergy look like?
There are many reactions to sun exposure especially at the beginning of the spring and summer seasons, and here are some of the most common.

Solar Urticaria: this manifests hives within minutes of sun exposure, accompanied by a burning and/or stinging sensation.

Actinic Prurigo: this reaction is manifested through very itchy crusted bumps or nodules.

PMLE and Photo allergy: this looks like a rash that burns and itches. Blisters or fluid-filled sacs may also be present. The rash may begin within two hours of sun exposure.
How do we treat it?
Once your doctor has evaluated your symptoms, you can both discuss the best way to move forward.
While there is no definitive cure for sun sensitivity, there is however a way to treat it. The first step is decreasing sun exposure using hats, clothing, and sunscreen. The second step is with a topical steroid cream that will decreasing the reaction and swelling of the skin. This helps the rash or eruptions to resolve quicker, also decreasing the itching.
When this treatment is unsuccessful, your doctor may be prescribe Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine). This drug has historically been used as an anti-malaria drug but dermatologists have found that it can also prevent sun allergy flares.
Another option includes phototherapy which causes the skin to harden through exposure to UVB rays, making it less sensitive and less prone to rashes when exposed to the sun.

Are we all at risk of developing this allergy?
While we’re all at risk, the fact is that sun sensitivity occurs more often in women than in men and children, and more often in people with fair skin. The percentage also increases with heredity.
A triggering factor might be a certain substance like fragrances, disinfectants and even sometimes a chemical in your sunscreen.
Other triggers may include medications like tetracycline antibiotics, sulfa-based drugs, and pain relievers like ketoprofen.
Those who have other skin conditions, such as dermatitis, are also at increased risk.

Are you concerned about a sun allergy?
If you feel tired, are suffering from stomach discomforts or sensitive skin then you may be experiencing allergic reactions such as a sun allergy. We suggest that you contact Dr. Costi today and learn about your treatment options.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and be careful under the sun!