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Did you know that you can be allergic to the sun? Thousands of people globally suffer from this disruptive condition. In countries like Turkey, where the UV index is generally high during the summer months, a sun allergy can have a significant impact on the quality of life. This blog explores the underlying causes, risk factors, types, treatments, and sun allergy protection guidelines for a better understanding of this unique health issue.
What Is a Sun Allergy?
Also known as photosensitivity, a sun allergy is a condition in which exposure to ultraviolet light (from the sun or other sources) triggers an immune response in the body, leading to the appearance of a skin rash and other associated symptoms. Sun allergy is more common in females and fair-skinned individuals. For sun allergy protection, dermatologists advise patients to:
• Avoid the sun during peak hours • Avoid medications and products that increase the chances of photosensitivity • Wear protective clothing • Diligently use sunscreen • Reapply sunscreen as needed
Types of Allergic Reactions to Sunlight
A sun allergy skin rash may be of different types, depending on its triggers and any underlying cause. These include photoallergic reaction, actinic prurigo, PMLE, CAD and Solar urticaria.
• Photoallergic Reaction: It occurs when UV rays react with a product on the skin's surface upon exposure to the sun. This may be due to a specific sunscreen, skin care products or certain perfumes. This type of sun allergy comes under the heading of delayed allergic reactions and leads to a sun allergy rash similar to eczema. The symptoms usually occur 1 - 3 days after exposure and the rash is associated with itching and tingling.
• Actinic Prurigo: The term Actinic refers to a photochemical reaction caused by UV rays and Prurigo translates to intensely itchy bumps on the skin. Actinic prurigo is a form of genetic sun allergy skin rash that is more common in people from certain ethnicities. For example, Actinic prurigo sun allergy patients in Turkey are usually of Native or Latin American descent.
• PMLE: PMLE is the most widespread type of sun allergy in Turkey and other parts of the world. It is more frequently encountered in paler skin tones and females. Exposure to UV radiation (UV-A) triggers an itchy rash on the exposed parts of the skin.
• Chronic Actinic Dermatitis: This rare and chronic condition has some correlation with already present eczema or chronic dermatitis. A delayed photosensitivity reaction occurs that causes thick, scaly, and itchy skin rash. This sun allergy rash may lead to irreversible skin damage.
• Solar Urticaria: It is a type of allergy to sun that has an acute onset. It causes symptoms similar to hives. It may impact people of any age and severe forms can cause systemic manifestations like dizziness and nausea.
If you are someone suffering from sun allergy symptoms, an immediate dermatologist consultation is advised.
Common Causes and Triggers Behind Sun Allergy
An allergy to sun is caused by the triggering of the immune response of the body. Why this occurs in certain individuals and not others is not fully understood. Sun allergy has a genetic component to it. Doctors specialized in treating sun allergy often list several risk factors that may increase the chance of developing symptoms. These include using certain medications such as NSAIDs, tetracycline antibiotics, antifungals, diuretics, and antihistamines. Skincare products with retinoids and hormonal treatments like birth control pills can also be triggers. People with eczema or dermatitis are more prone, and some fragrances or sunscreens may worsen the condition. To prevent sun allergy, dermatologists advise avoiding the above-mentioned risk factors and using sun allergy protection methods.
Sun Allergy Symptoms
Typical symptoms in patients presenting with sun allergy include the following:
Sun allergy skin rash (presents with papules, blisters, nodules, etc.) • Itching and redness • Localized swelling • Scaling • Weeping • Burning, tingling, or stinging sensations
Systemic manifestations of sun allergy are rare. However, individuals suffering from dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath require emergency intervention. Sun allergy may have a delayed onset and may occur in previously unaffected individuals. Due to the high UV index during summer, any symptoms or signs of sun allergy should not be dismissed without a visit to the dermatologist. Patients with sun allergy symptoms in Istanbul and other major cities can seek immediate care at Medical Park Hospitals.
How to Treat Sun Allergy Symptoms?
To diagnose a case of allergy to sun, the following tests may be performed. Photo testing or UV-light testing is often used to observe how the skin reacts to controlled light exposure. Photopatch testing may help identify whether certain chemicals combined with sunlight are causing the reaction. Blood tests can be done to rule out other possible causes, and in some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to exclude conditions like lupus or malignancies. After diagnosis, there comes treatment. For mild symptoms avoiding the sun for a few days might be good. If the symptoms are serious, using medications like corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine might be helpful. In addition to this, phototherapy is also used.
The other one of the most common sun allergy remedies is to avoid exposure to sunlight. In addition, dermatologists advise several management guidelines to help control symptoms. Patients are encouraged to avoid potential triggers and to wear protective clothing and sunglasses when outdoors. It is also recommended to install UV-blocking window glass or film at home, and to consistently use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for daily protection.
The Medical Park Hospitals treat many patients for sun allergy symptoms in Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey. With over 2500 healthcare professionals and international certifications like JCI, Medical Park Hospitals are uniquely qualified to provide state-of-the-art health services to its patients. If you are someone seeking treatment for sun allergy in Turkey, you can benefit from multilingual staff and international patient services at any of the Medical Park Hospitals across the country.