Understanding Skin Sensitivity To Sun – Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. – Jaime Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA – Updated December 10, 2021
Sun rash can occur due to a genetic condition or the use of certain medications. Rashes can appear as small blisters and cause itching or burning, among other symptoms.
Understanding Skin Sensitivity To Sun
Sun rash is a type of photodermatosis where exposure to sunlight causes a reaction on the skin. One common type of sun rash is called polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), sometimes called sun rash.
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Many people incorrectly call PMLE a sun allergy. In fact, as already mentioned, PMLE is a type of photodermatosis. This refers to a skin disease caused by sun exposure. This is one of the most common forms found in the area
We explain how to spot a sun rash, what causes it, and how to treat symptoms if they develop.
Sun rash usually appears a few hours or days after exposure to the sun. It can develop on any part of the body exposed to sunlight. Some types of sun rash appear on skin that is usually covered in the fall and winter, such as the chest or arms.
Some people who develop sun rash have a rare photodermatosis called solar urticaria (sun allergic hives). People with solar hives may experience the following symptoms in addition to the rash:
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UV rays from the sun or artificial sources such as sunlamps can cause reactions in people who are sensitive to this type of light. The resulting immune reaction triggers the rash.
If you experience a rash after sunbathing, it is important to talk to a doctor, such as a dermatologist (if available). They can rule out other conditions, such as contact dermatitis or lupus.
Your doctor may also examine the area to determine what type of sun rash it is. If you have never had a rash before and it suddenly appears, call your doctor.
See a doctor immediately if your rash becomes large and painful, or if you have a fever. Sometimes sun rashes can mimic other, more serious illnesses, so it’s best to get it checked out by a doctor.
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Health professionals do not always recommend treating sun rashes. In most cases, it resolves within a few days without treatment. However, this depends on the specific rash and whether there is severe sun poisoning.
These remedies are not effective for everyone. If the treatments have not had the desired effect, you may need to see a doctor. You may be prescribed a stronger anti-itch cream or oral medication to relieve symptoms.
For people who regularly take medication for other conditions, the doctor may inform you that sun rash is a side effect of the medication.
If the rash is caused by allergies, your doctor may prescribe allergy medicine or corticosteroids to relieve any symptoms. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe an antimalarial drug called hydroxychloroquine, as it has been shown to treat the symptoms of certain types of photodermatoses.
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A rash usually goes away within a few days, depending on the cause. If the rash comes back despite these precautions or doesn’t seem to improve with treatment, call your doctor.
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Sun rash – medically known as polymorphous light eruption – is a skin reaction caused by solar radiation. It can cause irritation, but usually does not cause serious complications. It usually resolves after a few days.
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Exposure to spring and summer sunlight and exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. However, UVB light can trigger it in some people.
The following article provides information on the types, causes, and symptoms of sun rash. It also discusses the type of rash called polymorphous photodermatitis, how sunburn compares to sunburn, and how to treat and prevent sunburn.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, sun rash is the most common type of skin condition caused by exposure to sunlight.
Most of the more common sun rashes, such as polymorphic light eruption, are worse with initial exposure to the sun, such as in the spring. In summer, the rash is not as severe.
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Although this can vary, most people with sunburn experience the same symptoms every year.
Some people may also have photoallergic dermatitis. This condition is an allergic skin reaction to a substance combined with UV radiation.
A common substance that can cause both photoallergic dermatitis and rashes is benzophenone-3, which is found in some sunscreens.
Some sun rashes cause small red dots that are 2 to 5 mm in size. Rashes can appear differently on different skin tones. For example, on darker skin, the spots may appear white or gray.
Contact Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, symptoms of polymorphous light eruption most often appear on parts of the body exposed to the sun, including:
Skin bumps or lesions usually heal without scarring. The condition can start at any time and continue throughout a person’s life. In some cases, an individual may get relief from the rash and not develop it for a few years.
Indicates that the polymorphic light burst is typically uncomplicated. But if the condition becomes severe, it can lead to:
It is suggested that this occurs when a person has a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to an antigen exposed to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
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The population. Usually, sunburn causes small bumps that appear on the skin a few hours after exposure.
Sun rash can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing a sun rash.
Both sunburn and sun rash are the result of exposure to the sun. However, symptoms and causes can vary. Sunburn is caused by UV rays that damage the outermost layer of the skin.
Lighter-skinned people can detect sunburn more easily. Their skin may look red and inflamed. However, it is more difficult to notice subtle skin changes on darker skin. The sunburn may be tender or warm to the touch.
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A sunburn can cause the skin to peel as the burn heals, but this is less common with sunstrokes.
Treatment can reduce discomfort and, in some cases, prevent the rash from spreading. Treatment options may include medications, home remedies, and topical creams.
The best way to prevent sunburn is to use adequate sun protection. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, proper sun protection can help reduce the spread of sunstroke.
Phototherapy is a type of desensitization that involves repeated exposure to sunlight. Repeated exposure helps reduce the immune system’s overreaction to sunlight, which can prevent future sunstrokes.
Skin Inflammation: Causes And Treatments
In most cases, sun rash does not require professional medical care. However, it is useful to see a doctor in the following cases:
Polymorphic light eruption is a type of sun rash that occurs as a result of solar radiation. According to research, hypersensitivity to the sun is the main possible cause.
The aim of the treatment is to reduce discomfort and protect the skin from further damage. In most cases, sun rash is not serious and does not cause complications.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid the use of third party links. In each article, we link to primary sources—including studies, scientific references, and statistics—and list them in the sources section at the bottom of our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date. In addition to all the good things it does for us, the sun can also be dangerous: it can burn your skin, damage your eyes, and even damage your vehicle. It could also be responsible for the rash she’s been Googling since discovering it on her shoulder. You may have a ‘sun rash’ or ‘sun allergy’ and not even know it, so let’s find out what it is and what you can do about it.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, the term “sun allergy” can be used to describe a variety of conditions, but generally refers to any itchy, red rash that appears on the skin after exposure to the sun. A tendency to sun allergies can be hereditary or appear unexpectedly due to external factors such as medication or exposure to certain plants such as giant hogweed, wild parsnips or lime. Antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, cholesterol medications, diuretics, hormones (such as birth control), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and retinoids can increase the risk of photoallergic reactions, for example.
The most common type of sun allergy is polymorphic light eruption, also known as “sun poisoning”. The Cleveland Clinic identifies actinic
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