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Sun allergy
How to enjoy the summer
Sun allergies are common in the summer months and can be very annoying. You can find valuable information about preventing and treating the skin problem here.
Summer at last! How we were looking forward to sunbathing for the first time – but how quickly the joy fades when a sun allergy appears! Did you know that a sun allergy is not a “true” allergy? And that there are various sun allergies – such as polymorphic light eruption, acne aestivalis and solar urticaria? We have summarised the most important information about sun allergies for you.
What is a sun allergy?
A sun allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction of the skin to light, particularly UV-A and UV-B rays. This is not an allergic reaction in the strict sense of the word. There are various forms of sun allergies, with the most common being polymorphic light eruption.
The exact cause of a sun allergy is not fully understood. Factors such as genetic predisposition, skin type and certain substances in cosmetics and skincare products may increase the risk of sun allergy. Some people are affected by a sun allergy every year.
How do you recognise the most common form of sun allergy, polymorphic light eruption?
Typical symptoms of polymorphic light eruption are:
- itching
- reddened skin
- burning skin rash
- swelling
- bumps or blisters
These symptoms often appear on exposed parts of the body such as the face, neck, arms and legs after sunbathing for the first time in the summer. The light eruption reaction usually appears within a few hours of the skin being exposed to the sun.
The symptoms of acne aestivalis (Mallorca acne) are similar to those of ordinary acne and include redness, small pimples, pustules or papules on areas of skin exposed to sun such as the face, cleavage, shoulders and upper arms. The skin may also be itchy, burning or irritated.
The term “Mallorca acne” came about because this type of sun allergy is particularly common in people who expose their skin to the sun without preparation. It is believed that Mallorca acne is caused by a combination of UV-A radiation and certain ingredients in sunscreens. To prevent Mallorca acne, it is recommended that grease-free and emulsifier-free sunscreen should be used. You should also gradually get your skin used to the sun (see “How can you prevent a sun allergy?” for further recommendations).
A sun allergy is generally easy to treat. The aim is to alleviate the symptoms of the sun allergy. To achieve this, it is important to cool the skin affected by the sun allergy and to ensure it has sufficient moisture. Traditional home remedies such as vinegar, quark or yoghurt compresses may help. Once the skin is no longer exposed to the sun, the problems usually disappear on their own.
If the sun allergy is more severe, prescription products containing cortisone, antihistamines or anti-inflammatory creams can be used for treatment. Please contact your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis of the specific type of sun allergy and to determine an appropriate treatment.
The duration of a sun allergy may vary depending on the severity of the reaction and individual factors. In mild to moderate cases, symptoms may disappear within a few days, particularly if the skin is treated and adequately protected from the sun. However, in more severe cases or with repeated sun exposure, the sun allergy may last longer. If the sun allergy symptoms persist for longer, are very severe or worsen, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.
The right sun protection is crucial to preventing a sun allergy. Wear light clothing and a sun hat to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation. Use a grease-free and emulsifier-free sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and avoid the midday sun. Slowly get your skin used to the sun. You should also avoid using cosmetics or skincare products with ingredients that could encourage a sun allergy.
Young children with a sun allergy often have similar symptoms to adults. So watch out for skin reactions when your child has been in the sun. If you notice signs of a sun allergy, you should consult a paediatrician or a dermatologist.
To protect children from a sun allergy, do the same as you would for adults: no direct sun, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Use sunscreen that is especially suitable for the sensitive skin of young children.
Solar urticaria is also colloquially referred to as a sun allergy. This is a rare form of urticaria (hives/nettle rash). In the case of solar urticaria, within minutes of exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light an itchy skin rash develops accompanied by welts and redness. The reaction can be mild to severe and is caused by the release of histamine.
As with other sun allergies, it is important to avoid the light that triggers it. Antihistamines may also help with the symptoms. If you suspect you are suffering from solar urticaria, you should consult a dermatologist.
