Sun allergy

What is sun allergy?

Sun allergy is a general term used to describe certain conditions in which an itchy red rash appears on the skin when exposed to sunlight.

The most common form of sun allergy is polymorphic light eruption, also known as sun poisoning.

Some people have a hereditary type of sun allergy, while for others the symptoms only appear in the presence of another factor, such as certain types of medication or when the skin comes into contact with certain plants.

Mild cases of sun allergy disappear even without treatment. More severe cases may require treatment with steroid creams or medication.

People with a sun allergy may need to take preventative measures such as wearing sun protective clothing.

What are the symptoms of sun allergy?

One of the most common symptoms of sun allergy is redness of the skin. The skin becomes red, inflamed and sensitive to the touch.

This type of reaction is due to the inflammatory process that is stimulated as a result of skin contact with ultraviolet rays.

Itching or sore skin are also common symptoms of sun allergy. The affected area of ​​the skin may feel intense itching, which can lead to discomfort and even pain.

This type of irritation is the result of the inflammatory reaction and, in addition to being unpleasant, it can lead to unpleasant doubts and nervousness.

Small bumps called papules are also a typical sign of sun allergy. These bumps may appear on red and inflamed skin and are often multiple.

They can coalesce to form spots that give a characteristic appearance to the skin area.

These types of formations are the result of the body’s immune system’s response to ultraviolet rays, which leads to swelling and inflammation.

In addition, crusting or slight bleeding of the skin may be observed with sun allergy. This is because the skin’s improper reaction to the sun can lead to damage to the surface layers of the skin, which in turn can lead to crusting or even slight bleeding.

Symptoms of sun allergy usually appear after a few minutes or a few hours after exposing the skin to sunlight.

The time it takes for symptoms to appear can vary depending on the individual and their skin’s level of sensitivity to UV rays.

What are the causes?

The causes of sun allergy are complex and involve a combination of internal and external factors that interact to cause this type of skin condition.

Some people are more likely to develop a sun allergy due to certain circumstances and the sensitivity of their skin.

One of the main reasons for the appearance of sun allergy is related to the state of the body’s immune system.

Ultraviolet rays from the sun can trigger an improper immune response that leads to skin inflammation and irritation.

This can happen as a result of an imbalance in the immune system or excessive sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays.

Sun allergy treatment

Treatment depends on the specific type of sun allergy you have. In milder cases, simply avoid sun exposure for a few days and this may be enough to relieve symptoms.

Creams containing corticosteroids are also sold without a prescription and are suitable for application to the skin in case of sun allergy.

For more severe skin allergic reactions, your doctor may prescribe a short course of corticosteroid medication such as prednisone.

Medicines containing hydroxychlorine, such as Plaquenil against malaria, are also suitable for the relief of some types of sun allergies.

If you have a severe sun allergy, your doctor may recommend gradually exposing your skin to the sun in the spring when the sunlight is not as strong.

Phototherapy is also useful for sun allergy. A special lamp, imitating sunlight, is aimed at the areas of the body that are most often exposed to the sun.

Sessions are usually done several times a week over a period of about a month.

Some measures can help relieve the symptoms of sun allergy:

• Avoid sun exposure. Most sun allergy symptoms resolve quickly within a few hours or up to two days after the affected areas are no longer exposed to sunlight.
• Apply moisturizers to the skin. Moisturizing skin lotions can help relieve irritation caused by dry, flaky skin.
• Use soothing creams and gel-based skin protection such as aloe vera gel.< /strong>