A sun allergy is a reaction of the immune system to sunlight usually causes a red and itchy rash. It affects the “V” of the neck, outside area of the arm, back of the hands and the lower legs. Sometimes it causes severe reactions such as development of small blisters and hives that spread to other areas of the skin which are covered with clothing.
Types of sun allergy
- Polymorphous light eruption is an itchy rash on the affected area of the skin.
- Actinic prurigo or hereditary PMLE – the symptom is more severe and begins earlier usually during childhood or adolescence. A family history of the condition
- Photoallergic eruption – caused by effect of sunlight on a chemical applied on the skin such as fragrances, sunscreen, cosmetics and antibiotic ointments. Tetracyclines and sulfonamides used for psychiatric medications can also cause this condition.
- Solar urticaria – develops hives or large, itchy and red bumps on exposed areas of the skin. It usually affects young women.
Symptoms
- Redness, itching and pain
- Small bumps that becomes raised patches
- Blisters or hives
- Inflamed skin
- Pain and tingling sensations
- Fever and chills
- Swelling of the face
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Headache and dizziness
Treatment
- Apply cold compress on the affect to lessen the burning sensations, redness of the area and for fast healing of the condition. Soak a clean towel in cool water and place it directly on the blisters. Another alternative is taking a cool water bath is good for the condition. After taking a bath, apply aloe Vera gel on the blisters to relieve of the symptoms.
- Cover the blisters using clean and dry bandages to prevent development of bacterial infections.
- Drink a glass of cold water to keep the body hydrated. It helps in restoring the fluids lost due to sun burns. Eat fruits such as watermelon which is good in hydrating the body.
- Use the prescribed cortisone cream to lessen the itchiness and pain of the affected area.
- Prescribed oral histamine to heal hives and lessen the itchiness and the redness of the skin.
- Apply a cold milk compress to the affected area. Soak a clean cloth in cold milk and then dab the cloth on the affected areas for at least 30 minutes to lessen the itchiness and the pain. Rinse off the milk using cold water, pat the area dry and then apply moisturizers in the area to prevent drying of the skin.
- Apply lip balm on the lips with SPF 30 and above to lessen effects of sun allergy on the area.
- Apply sun block on the skin with sun protection factor or SPF of 15 or higher. It protects the skin from exposure to both ultra violet A or UVA and ultraviolet B or UVB rays.
FACT CHECK
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17681-sun-allergy
https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/sun-allergy-photosensitivity-a-to-z
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sun-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378082