Sun Allergy

Sun allergy is a general term for skin irritation that occurs after prolonged exposure to the sun. The exact cause of sun allergy is not yet fully understood. Doctors now suspect that the sun’s UV radiation alters a substance in the skin, causing the immune system to react. The immune system triggers an allergic reaction to this specific substance, resulting in the symptoms typical of a sun allergy.

Small, itchy, red pustules may appear, or blisters may form, which later lead to red, dry patches of skin. Less commonly, large, red patches may develop. Symptoms usually appear on the arms, legs, feet, and décolletage. In most cases, the face remains symptom-free.

There are as many different types of sun allergies as there are varying symptoms. The most common type is polymorphic light dermatosis. In this condition, bumps often appear about 12 hours after sun exposure. Another type is photoallergic contact dermatitis. In this condition, a substance applied to the skin reacts with UV radiation. Such substances can include, for example, sunscreen or perfume. There is also sun allergy-induced hives, in which symptoms appear within just a few minutes of sun exposure. Finally, there is what is known as actinic prurigo. This sun allergy primarily affects people with darker skin tones. It often results in raised patches that can also appear on parts of the body that were not even exposed to the sun.

Prevention:

• Avoid the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Wear appropriate clothing (e.g., long sleeves, hats)
• Another important factor is choosing the right sunscreen: it should be free of oils and emulsifiers, and you should use a high SPF
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours

The following may help if a sun allergy occurs suddenly:

• For an acute sun allergy, quark compresses and aloe vera creams can help
• If someone is experiencing severe symptoms, special ointments (with or without cortisone) and antihistamines can be used as treatment

And finally, here’s a tip on how to prepare for next summer:

If you know you have a sun allergy, you can take beta-carotene or Calcium Sandoz Sun & Day early on as a preventive measure to avoid an outbreak. These should be taken at least three weeks before intense sun exposure to prepare your skin.

So that you, too, can really look forward to summer again, why not stop by for a personal consultation?