Sun Allergy

A sun allergy happens when a person develops a rash and sometimes other symptoms after exposure to sunlight. The allergy can range from mild to severe, possibly causing more serious symptoms or limiting everyday activities.

What are the different kinds of sun allergies?

There are different types of sun allergies, depending on the rash type, cause and people most often affected:

• Actinic prurigo: Actinic prurigo causes raised papules or nodules on your skin. The rash can affect additional areas of skin that haven’t been exposed to the sun. It’s more common among Latin American and American Indian populations with darker skin. Actinic prurigo appears to have a genetic link. It’s also called hydroa aestivale and Hutchinson’s summer prurigo.
• Photoallergic reaction: This type of sun allergy occurs when a chemical applied to your skin reacts with sunlight. Examples include medications, sunscreens, makeup and fragrances. Symptoms may show up a few hours or days after sun exposure.
• Polymorphous light eruption: Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is more common in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), people with lighter skin, teenagers and young adults. It often appears as small bumps, patches or blisters a few hours after your skin has been exposed to sun.
• Solar urticaria: This type of sun allergy causes hives after just a few minutes of sun exposure. Symptoms can be mild to severe.

Who might get a sun allergy?

Sun allergies can affect anyone, including all ages, races and genders/sexes. Certain types are more common among people with lighter or darker skin. You also may be more likely to have a sun allergy if it runs in your family.

In addition, certain medications can increase your risk of having a photoallergic reaction. They include:

• Antibiotics.
• Antifungals.
• Antihistamines.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs.
• Diuretics.
• Hormones such as the birth control pill.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Retinoids, often used for acne and anti-aging.

Sun reactions are more common in the spring and early summer, when people start to go out in the sun more often. With continued sun exposure over the summer months, skin can sometimes become resistant, lessening the likelihood of an allergic reaction.