Physicians Health

As the weather gets warmer, allergies, especially sun allergies, become more and more common among people.

Warm and sunny weather may be quite harmful for many people who have a sun allergy.

So, what is a sun allergy, when does it develop and what measures should you take?

Even today, medical science doesn’t know much about allergies. No doctor can answer such questions as how allergies develop and how they can be cured.

A sun allergy is an immune reaction to sunlight. The most common types of sun allergies are: polymorphous light eruption, actinic prurigo, photoallergic eruption and solar urticaria.

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is a common type of sun allergy, which causes an itchy rash on skin. Women are affected by this condition more often than men. It is estimated that 10-15 percent of people in the US suffer from this type of allergy.

Actinic prurigo has more intense symptoms than PMLE and usually develops at an early age. This type of allergy is commonly found in people of American Indian origin.

Photoallergic eruptionis is usually caused by the reaction of sunlight with the cosmetics you use.

Solar urticaria is mostly found in young women. People with this type of allergy have large red bumps on their skin.

The most common symptoms of sun allergy are hives, bumps, red skin and itchiness.

What should you do to ease your allergy symptoms?

Once you reveal the above-mentioned symptoms, turn to a doctor immediately. Depending on your situation he/she will prescribe you medications that will prevent your state from worsening.

You should remember to wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection. Do not go out without a hat when the sun is at its peak, even if you don’t have any allergies.

It would also be good to apply some sunscreen before going out, since it will protect your skin from sun exposure. Use only tried and true skin care products, to be sure that they won’t cause any allergic reactions. And don’t forget to protect your lips by using sunblock.

Photo © Iris Kristina

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