Can a Person Be Allergic to the Sun?

When people talk about a sun allergy, they’re typically referring to any number of conditions in which a rash occurs upon skin that has been exposed to the sun. While there are conditions that seem to invoke an allergic reaction to the sun, a couple are most common.

PMLE
Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is one of the most common photodermatoses. After spending time in the sun, a person develops an itchy, red and bumpy rash on their chest and arms. It frequently occurs in women aged 20 to 40. The look of the rash can vary on different people–that’s why it’s called polymorphous–but it usually looks like pink or red bumps across the arms, chest, and legs. Unfortunately, the rash is often not only unsightly, but it can cause a good deal of discomfort caused by itching or burning.

What’s perhaps most interesting about PMLE is that it often starts up in the spring or early summer, and as the summer progresses, the sun can be better tolerated without any rash appearing. After that first episode, PMLE tends to happen annually. Currently, there’s no known prevention for the first rash of the season, but allergy sufferers may experience some relief by wearing sun-protective clothing and high SPF sunscreens.

Solar Urticaria
Some people may break out in hives after only a few moments in the sun. Solar hurricanes may happen upon any exposed skin, but like PMLE, it usually omits the face. Once a person is out of the sun, the hives tend to disappear quickly.

Drug-Induced Photosensitivity
When taking certain medications–both oral and topical–a person may find their skin burns more easily in the sun. While a rash can vary in appearance among different people, a sunburn response is the most common. Such photosensitivity may affect any part of skin exposed to the sun. If you know that one of your medications can cause photosensitivity, minimize sun exposure and maximize sun protection.

Here at Covenant Allergy and Asthma, we treat a wide range of summer maladies. If you need treatment to help you better enjoy your summer and beat the blues of allergies or asthma, give us a call today!