Sun Allergy: Treatment for Mild to Severe Reactions

Being out in the sun can be great for your physical and mental health. However, if you have a sun allergy or sun sensitivity you might notice unwanted side effects from time outside, including a sun rash on your arms. These rashes, known as polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), often include raised red bumps, and are different from sunburn or heat rash. Luckily, protective clothing and sunscreen can help control the symptoms of a sun allergy so you can live a normal life. 

Continue reading to learn about sun allergies, how to clear up a sun rash on the arms, and how to cope with sun sensitivity. 

You Can Be Allergic to the Sun, but Why?

Sun allergies are known as polymorphous light eruptions (PMLE). Like other allergic reactions, they’re linked to the immune system. As the sun changes your skin—making it hot or inflamed—the immune system reacts as if the changes to your skin are a threat. The immune system then attacks the areas of sun-exposed skin, leading to sun rash bumps, hives, and other symptoms.

Sun allergies often appear for the first time in young adulthood. Some people have genetic risk factors that make them more likely to experience a sun allergy. Having a family member with sun sensitivity makes it more likely for you to develop it.

Still, researchers don’t know the exact cause of sun allergies. Hormones, autoimmune function, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light all seem to play a role. Sometimes, reactions to the sun result from certain medications or skin care products.

Types of Sun Allergy and Treatments

There are three main types of PMLE. Depending on your allergy type, your symptoms could appear within minutes of sun exposure or take days to show.

You can treat the rash associated with PMLE by using a cold compress or misting the skin with water. An antihistamine or prescription corticosteroid cream can also help. If your symptoms are severe or frequent, your healthcare provider might recommend UV light therapy. 

Hereditary PMLE

This form of PMLE, known as actinic prurigo, is passed through families. It appears in childhood or adolescence, and is often more severe than other types of PMLE.

Solar Urticaria 

If you have this type of sun allergy, you’ll experience hives after being exposed to the sun. This happens most often in young women, although the condition is rare.  The hives can be treated with an antihistamine. 

Photoallergic Sensitivity

Photoallergic sensitivity happens when the sun causes a reaction with a chemical that’s been applied to the skin or taken by mouth. Antibiotics, over-the-counter pain relievers, diuretics, and other medications can cause photoallergic eruptions. Sometimes, the rash from this type of allergy doesn’t appear for up to two days. Cortisone cream can help clear the rash, but you’ll also need to identify what product or medication triggered the reaction. 

Photo Contact Dermatitis

Photo contact dermatitis occurs when ultraviolet light from the sun interacts with something applied to the skin. It looks like an exaggerated sunburn that is hot and painful. It can be caused by substances like certain dyes, wood preservatives, coal tar, and certain drugs.

Diseases Associated With Sun Allergy

Some diseases and medical conditions make you more likely to experience sun sensitivity. If you have one of these conditions, including autoimmune disorders and skin conditions, you might notice that your skin is more sensitive to the sun:

• Lupus 
• Pemphigus
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Porphyria (a rare genetic disorder causes by the buildup of chemicals related to red blood cell production)

Skin Care With a Sun Allergy

It’s especially important to protect your skin from the sun if you have a sun allergy. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Wear sunscreen: Opt for sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and apply it 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours while exposed to the sun. 
• Cover your skin: Long sleeves, pants, hats, and sunglasses can protect your skin and eyes from the sun. 
• Avoid peak sunlight hours: The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so stay inside or seek shade during those hours.
• Use gentle skin care products: Take note of any new products that make your sun allergy worse. 
• Talk with your healthcare provider: Before starting any new medications, ask your provider how the drugs might impact your reaction to the sun. 

Are Sun Allergy Reactions Chronic?

Some people will experience sun allergies throughout their life. Yet, for many patients sun allergy appears in early adulthood and gets better with time. It’s also possible that with time you’ll get better at avoiding your triggers, and find a treatment regimen that works for you. Because of that, even if you have a chronic sun allergy, your symptoms will likely improve over time. 

Summary

If you have a sun allergy, you’ll experience a rash on sun-exposed skin. This allergy, medically known as polymorphous light eruption, is different from heat rash or sunburn. Researchers aren’t sure the exact causes of sun allergy, or why it can appear suddenly during young adulthood.

Sun allergies can be linked to medications and skin care products. If you experience a rash after being in the sun, try treating it with antihistamines, cool compresses or cortisone cream, and talk with your healthcare provider about how to protect your skin in the future.