Sun allergy: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Sun allergy causes symptoms such as redness of the skin, itching, red dots and dots on the skin and a burning sensation in the area. The symptoms of sun allergy arise due to the immune system’s exaggerated reaction to the sun’s rays, being mainly noticed on the arms, hands, neck, chest and face.

Although the cause of sun allergy is not yet known, it is possible that it happens because the body recognizes the changes caused by the sun on the skin as something “foreign”, resulting in an inflammatory reaction.

This allergy can usually be prevented or mitigated through the use of sunscreen and appropriate treatment, which must be carried out under the guidance of a dermatologist and which may include the use of antihistamines.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of sun allergy are:

• Red spots on the skin;
• Blisters or red spots on the skin;
• Itching in a region of the skin;
• Irritation and sensitivity in parts exposed to the sun;
• Burning sensation on the skin.

In some cases, there may also be the formation of blisters with transparent liquid inside, which is more common in people with fair skin or who are undergoing treatment with medications that cause sensitivity to sunlight.

These symptoms may appear within a few minutes after sun exposure, but depending on each person’s sensitivity, this period may be shorter.

Read too: Red Spots on the Skin: 19 causes, photos (and what to do)

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of sun allergy is made by a dermatologist through observation of symptoms, assessment of health history and sensitivity tests to sunlight, such as phototests or skin testing, in which ultraviolet light at different lengths is used to check the skin’s reaction. skin.

Another test that the doctor can perform is the patch test, which consists of applying substances to the skin and then UV radiation, to check whether they cause skin sensitivity when in contact with the radiation. In addition, the doctor may also order other tests, such as blood tests or skin biopsy, mainly to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as eczema or lupus, for example.

Make an appointment with your nearest dermatologist using the following tool to investigate the possibility of a sun allergy:

Possible causes

The exact cause of sun allergy is not fully known, however, some factors may contribute to its development, such as:

• Very clear and sensitive skin;
• Using chemical products on the skin, such as perfumes, repellents or even certain substances present in sunscreen;
• Use medicines that cause sensitivity to the sun, such as tetracycline, sulfa, ketoprofen;
• Chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer;
• Other skin diseases, such as dermatitis or psoriasis;

Additionally, people with a family history of sun allergy also appear to be more likely to develop skin changes after sun exposure.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment of sun allergy should be guided by a dermatologist and begin with techniques to avoid prolonged contact with the sun, such as using sunscreen or wearing clothing that has sun protection and covers most of the skin, for example.

In milder cases, the doctor may recommend the use of oral antihistamines, such as loratadine or fexofenadine hydrochloride, which help to relieve itchy skin, or the use of creams or lotions containing calamine or aloe vera, to soothe the skin.

Furthermore, in more serious cases, the dermatologist may prescribe corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, hydroxychloroquine or phototherapy treatment.

How to protect your skin from the sun

To protect your skin and prevent sun allergy symptoms from appearing or worsening, it is important to take some measures, such as:

• Avoid sun exposure, looking for shady places and spending as much time as possible out of the sun. See how to sunbathe without risks;
• Apply sunscreen on skin with a minimum protection factor of 30, before leaving home;
• Use a moisturizing lipstick with protection factor 30 or higher;
• Avoid sun exposure during the hottest hoursbetween 10 am and 4 pm, as during this period the sun’s rays are more intense;
• Wear sun-protective clothing that have at least SPF 40, or give preference to shirts with long sleeves and pants, for example. In summer, this type of clothing should be made of natural, light fabric and light colors;
• Wear a cap or hatas well as sunglasses, to protect your head and eyes from the sun’s rays.

Furthermore, when allergy symptoms appear, it is recommended to run cold water over the area and keep it protected from the sun, to reduce inflammation and relieve itching and redness, as well as applying a little aloe vera gel to help soothe. the skin.

However, in more serious cases, when there is intense itching and the appearance of red plaques all over the body, you should still go to the hospital or consult a dermatologist.