{"id":1619,"date":"2022-09-16T08:12:33","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T08:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/?p=1619"},"modified":"2026-02-09T11:22:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T16:22:16","slug":"sun-allergy-all-you-need-to-know-about-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/sun-allergy-all-you-need-to-know-about-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Sun Allergy: All You Need To Know About It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sun allergy often manifests as rashes with other accompanying symptoms after sunlight exposure. The allergy may vary from mild to severe, often causing more concerning symptoms and limiting the patient\u2019s everyday activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, patients who have different skin allergies may also experience that their conditions, like eczema and hives, flare up more frequently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this article, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Allergy and Immunology Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> experts will discuss everything you need to know about sun allergy symptoms, available sun allergy treatments, and the steps you can take to limit allergic reactions to the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Different Types of Sun Allergy Rashes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A person\u2019s allergy to the sun may produce different rash types. Most often, the following can be observed:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Photoallergic reaction: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This type of allergic reaction usually occurs when you\u2019ve previously applied a chemical product to your skin, and it reacts with sunlight. The symptoms may appear within a few hours after being exposed to the sun, but in other cases, it can take days. The chemicals that may trigger the reaction can include makeup, different fragrances, medications, and even sunscreen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Actinic prurigo: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This sun allergy produces raised nodules on the skin, and the rash can affect even those areas that haven\u2019t been exposed. This condition is more prevalent in American Indians and Latin Americans with darker skin tones. Also, experts speculate that this sun allergy has a genetic link to it, calling it Hutchinson\u2019s summer prurigo.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Solar urticaria:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This allergic reaction to the sun will most often cause hives almost immediately (after just a few minutes) of being under the sun. The sun allergy symptoms it produces are usually mild but may also be quite severe.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>PMLE, or polymorphous light eruption:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is a type of sun allergy that\u2019s more prevalent in women, especially in young adults or teenagers with a lighter skin tone. Most often, the allergy will appear in the form of small blisters, patches, or bumps only a few hours following sun exposure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1621\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Different-Types-of-Sun-Allergy-Rashes.jpg\" alt=\"Solar Dermatitis. Woman With Red Sunburned Skin Against Gray Background\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Different-Types-of-Sun-Allergy-Rashes-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Different-Types-of-Sun-Allergy-Rashes-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Different-Types-of-Sun-Allergy-Rashes-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Different-Types-of-Sun-Allergy-Rashes-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Different-Types-of-Sun-Allergy-Rashes-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Different-Types-of-Sun-Allergy-Rashes-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Different-Types-of-Sun-Allergy-Rashes.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Who Are Most Likely to Develop an Allergy to The Sun?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unfortunately, these conditions may affect anyone, regardless of race, age, and gender. Still, there are sun allergies that are more frequent among people with either darker or lighter skin, and some people may also be more likely to get an allergic reaction if they have a family history of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Furthermore, certain compounds may also increase the risk of having an allergic reaction to the sun. These include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Diuretics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Retinoids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Antifungals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hormonal compounds like birth control pills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Antihistamines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Drugs that lower cholesterol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, allergies to the sun are more prevalent in late spring and early summer. Over time, as sun exposure continues, the skin may become resistant to exposure, lessening the chances of allergic reactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Sun Allergy Symptoms and Causes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Experts in the medical field don\u2019t completely understand the causes of sun allergies. Some studies have established specific genetic patterns to these reactions. In contrast, others concluded that the human body would launch histamines or trigger an immune response following exposure to the sun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In reality, there can be a number of causes that will mostly depend on the skin reaction type.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sun allergy symptoms can appear within a few minutes, hours, or even days following exposure. They are often mild but can also be severe, depending on the amount of skin exposure, light intensity, the amount of time the patient has been exposed to the sun, and the type of allergic reaction they\u2019ve experienced.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The sun allergy rash will most likely occur in the exposed areas, but there are cases when they appear on other areas of the skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sun allergy symptoms may involve the following signs:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Papules, blisters, hives, bumps, or nodules<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oozing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Itchiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Scaling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Crusting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Redness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Burning or stinging sensations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In rare cases, sun allergy symptoms may also be systemic, causing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fainting and light-headedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vomiting and nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wheezing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anaphylaxis that can be life-threatening.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Diagnosing Sun Allergy\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you suspect that you have an allergy to the sun, you should consult with your primary care physician or dermatologist. Together, you will discuss your symptoms, review your skincare products, and the medications you take.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In other cases, the doctors may use lite testing. This involves placing both artificial and natural light sources from the skin and using different intensities and wavelengths to help experts understand what might be causing the reaction. This test is often combined with patch testing, where patches of susceptible chemicals are also placed on the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, in rare cases, experts may order a skin biopsy to get a closer look at the skin cells.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Sun Allergy Treatment and Management<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Simply put, avoiding exposure to the sun is probably the most effective treatment in the case of sun allergy rashes. Still, this is not feasible for most people. For them, especially if their reactions are more intense, the following sun allergy treatments may help:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using corticosteroids, like prednisone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Creams to combat itchiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fexofenadine, cetirizine, loratadine, and other antihistamines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Phototherapy to improve the skin\u2019s tolerance to light<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Omalizumab injections<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The prognosis for these allergies can vary widely. Some people simply outgrow the condition, while others will keep experiencing symptoms for up to 15 years or longer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Reducing the Chances of an Allergic Reaction<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For the most part, those who experience sun allergies should know that they can reduce the risk of having an allergic reaction. The following methods may help:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Being aware and prepared:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Learning about your allergy is essential. For example, hives are known to be triggered by sweat and heat. Avoid becoming overheated, and aim to be protected from the sun. Also, prepare for the hot summer months. Eczema can worsen during the summer, so a treatment plan can minimize the symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Know about other factors:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sun allergy isn\u2019t the only thing that can trigger reactions during summer. Certain plants and insect bites can also cause severe reactions. Staying away from certain plants and using insect repellent can both help. Also, the high pollen and mold counts, coupled with poorer air quality and smog, can worsen asthma and nasal allergies, leading to skin flare-ups. During these times, limit outdoor activities if you are susceptible to these nasal allergies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Build a tolerance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Try to gradually increase your sun exposure in late spring\/early summer. This can help your skin to adapt.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Limit exposure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Avoid the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Avoidance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Steer away from using chemicals and medicine that might intensify photosensitivity\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1622\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Reducing-the-Chances-of-an-Allergic-Reaction.jpg\" alt=\"Woman Sitting on a Beach Chair Under a Tree Enjoying a Summer Day at the Beach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Reducing-the-Chances-of-an-Allergic-Reaction-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Reducing-the-Chances-of-an-Allergic-Reaction-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Reducing-the-Chances-of-an-Allergic-Reaction-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Reducing-the-Chances-of-an-Allergic-Reaction-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Reducing-the-Chances-of-an-Allergic-Reaction-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Reducing-the-Chances-of-an-Allergic-Reaction-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/232\/2022\/09\/Reducing-the-Chances-of-an-Allergic-Reaction.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Sun Allergy Aftercare<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After an allergic reaction, you can ease your symptoms by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Getting out of the sun<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Placing damp and cool clothes in the affected areas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Drinking plenty of fluids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Taking antihistamine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, seek immediate medical help when the symptoms are systemic. These can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fainting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osteopathic.org\/what-is-osteopathic-medicine\/muscle-cramp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Muscle cramps<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Severe headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sudden weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Opt for Professional Help<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sun allergies can be limiting, and patients who experience reactions have every right to be concerned. Fortunately, with the help of trained and knowledgeable experts, people with sun allergies can create a personalized treatment or management plan to help them cope. To find out more, feel free to reach out to us.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sun allergy often manifests as rashes with other accompanying symptoms after sunlight exposure. The allergy<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[13,10,9,11,12],"class_list":["post-1619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sun-allergy","tag-allergy-to-sun","tag-sun-allergy","tag-sun-allergy-rash","tag-sun-allergy-symptoms","tag-sun-allergy-treatment"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1619"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1619\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/allergy-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}