Allergy to the sun: what it is, the symptoms to recognize it and how to behave

The allergy to the sun is not just one: it is divided into some types that however make everyday life difficult. Let’s find out more and how to recognize it.

Going out, looking out the window and exposing yourself to the light is a normal practice for every human being. Every day you go out to work, for a lunch with family and friends or for a trip. How much could your life change if you discover that you have a sun allergy? For many it is a pathology that deeply undermines daily habits and can present itself, initially, only with itching after exposure to the sun. Let’s try to understand something more about the symptoms and the therapy to follow in case of diagnosis.

What is sun allergy: types

It is not a real allergy, even if it is defined as such: allergy to the sun or photoallergy is a hypersensitivity of the skin to sunlight. The immune system in fact responds abnormally during exposure to the sun’s rays, reporting lacerations and inflammation of the skin. There are multiple forms of sun allergy:

• Polymorphic solar dermatitis. It may seem strange, but this type of disorder is very common. Symptoms are early, and are found from an early age. It can present with different symptoms depending on the individual and there is also a hereditary type that seems to be stronger and occurs, also in this case, after the first exposure to the sun (if this has not happened for some time).
• Photoallergic dermatitis. It occurs only in combination with a photosensitizing chemical, for example when taking tablets or applying special ointments and creams.
• Solar urticaria . Frequent problem in young women , annoying hives appear on the skin immediately after exposure to light.
• There is also Mallorca acne . This problem is found with the combination of sun and very greasy cosmetics that do not let the skin transpire: in this case the affected part is covered with painful and inflamed pimples .

Symptoms and causes of allergy to sunlight

It is not yet known why the immune system of some people reacts in this way: it is clear, however, that it detects some components of the skin tanned / altered by the sun’s rays as foreign and attacks them. For this reason, the classic symptoms of photoallergy are found:

• itching and redness
• inflammation
• swelling
• headache
• more or less extensive bubbles

Another element that could be triggers for some forms of this disorder are, however, the intake of photosensitizing drugs as well as the use of unsuitable creams or cosmetics and make-up. For this reason, the advice is always the same, before contacting a doctor, to view the package leaflets of the medicines and the labels of creams and tricks.

Therapy and how to relieve symptoms with natural remedies

Once it is established that the problem derives from a problem of allergy to the sun it will be much easier to intervene effectively. If you are in any doubt about the diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult your doctor or an expert who will probably test you for photosensitivity or photopatch tests. Usually the cure, in severe cases of photoallergy , is to take a course of antibiotics and antihistamines, to relieve the symptoms you can also make cold water compresses and, of course, avoid exposing yourself to light for a few days.

In other situations, the doctor prescribes phototherapy sessions: they simply consist of a gradual exposure to the sun’s rays to try to reduce the sensitivity of the skin.