Sun allergy: what you need to know and what you can do
Have you been in the sun and are you suffering from red bumps, blisters or spots? Are you itching? Then chances are you have a sun allergy. This is especially common in people with light skin color, light eyes and red or blond hair. If the bumps and blisters are only on your ears, we call it "spring ears. Fortunately, sun allergy usually goes away on its own after a few days.
What is sun allergy and how do you get it?
With sun allergy, your skin reacts hypersensitively to UV radiation from sunlight or the light from a tanning bed. You can get it suddenly even if you are behind glass or wearing clothes. Certain medications can also cause skin rashes in combination with sunlight. These include antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, acne medications, antidepressants and diabetes medications. More on that later this month.
Uv rays combined with plants, fruits, herbs, sunscreen or perfumes containing musk, sandalwood or coal tar can also cause rashes. This can lead to itchy photoallergic contact eczema or a painful phototoxic skin reaction.
What can you do about sun allergy?
-
Use sunscreen with at least factor 30 to prevent sun allergy.
. -
Stay out of the sun as much as possible to allow the spots to heal.
. -
If symptoms persist, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:
- Levomenthol against itching (over-the-counter and prescription).
- Antihistamines: These medications help reduce itching and rashes by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. Examples include cetirizine, loratadine (over-the-counter and prescription).
- Corticosteroid cream for inhibiting the inflammatory response (prescription only). Examples are: hydrocortisone acetate on the skin and triamcinolone acetonide on the skin.
This helps against the inflammation in the skin and against itching.
Spread the cream thinly on the spots twice a day. Use the cream for up to 1 week. Longer than 1 week is usually not necessary.
- Prednisolone for suppressing inflammation (prescription only).
In our pharmacy we work with responsible sunscreen products. We are happy to advise you on the best products and treatments for sun allergy.