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Photosensitivity
A sun allergy is an immune system reaction to sunlight.
It manifests most often, as an itchy red rash.
The most common locations include the “V” of the neck, the back of the hands, the outside surface of the arms and the lower legs.
Signs and symptoms usually occur only on skin that has been exposed to the sun.
Typically rash reactions develop within minutes to hours after sun exposure.
Rarely, the skin reaction is severe, producing hives or small blisters that may even spread to skin in clothed areas.
Such reactions are triggered by changes that occur in sun-exposed skin, causing the immune system to recognize the alterations as foreign, eliciting an immune defenses.
The most common form of sun allergy is polymorphic light eruption, also known as sun poisoning.
Some patients have a hereditary type of sun allergy.
Most develop signs and symptoms only when triggered by another factor, such as a medication or skin exposure to plants.
Mild cases are self-limited and clear up without treatment.
More-severe cases may be treated with steroid creams or oral steroids.
Patients may need to take preventive measures and wear sun-protective clothing.
Risk factors include:
Race-it is more common in people with lighter skin, some chemicals used in sunscreens, medications, and having another skin condition, having blood relatives with a sun allergy
Medications can make the skin sunburn more quickly are tetracycline antibiotics, sulfa-based drugs and pain relievers, such as ketoprofen.
Dermatitis increases your risk of having a sun allergy.
Prevention:
Avoiding the sun during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Avoid sudden extensive exposure to sunlight.
Sun exposure should be gradually increased so the skin cells have time to adapt to sunlight.
Wearing protective clothing.
Avoid known triggers