Sun Allergy

Diagnosis

Your health care provider may diagnose sun allergy by examining your skin. Additional tests may be recommended to confirm the type of sun allergy or rule out underlying conditions:

• Ultraviolet (UV) light testing. Also called phototesting, this test uses a special lamp to see how your skin reacts to light and helps identify the type of sun allergy.

• Photopatch testing. Identical patches of common sun allergy triggers are applied to your skin, usually on the back. One area is exposed to UV rays from a sun lamp. A reaction only in the light-exposed area suggests a link to the substance being tested.

• Blood tests and skin samples. These tests are used if an underlying condition, such as lupus, is suspected. Blood or skin biopsy samples are analyzed in a laboratory.

Treatment

Treatment for sun allergy depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Mild reactions may only require temporary sun avoidance.

Medications

• Corticosteroid creams are available in nonprescription and prescription strengths.

• For severe reactions, prescription corticosteroid pills such as prednisone may be used for a short period.

• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), a medication typically used for malaria, can help ease symptoms of certain types of sun allergies.

Phototherapy
For severe sun allergy, your health care provider may suggest gradually acclimating your skin to sunlight each year as daylight increases. Phototherapy involves using a special lamp to expose commonly sun-exposed areas to ultraviolet light, usually a few times per week over several weeks.