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Sun Allergy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Sun allergy describes a hypersensitive skin reaction to UV radiation. Typical symptoms include redness, itching, and a skin rash after sun exposure.

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Things worth knowing about "Sun allergy"

Sun allergy describes a hypersensitive skin reaction to UV radiation. Typical symptoms include redness, itching, and a skin rash after sun exposure.

What is a Sun Allergy?

The term sun allergy refers to an oversensitive reaction of the skin to UV radiation. Medically, it is often not a true allergy in the classical sense, but rather a light-induced skin reaction in which the immune system responds to UV-altered skin structures. The most common form is known as polymorphous light eruption (PLE). It predominantly affects fair-skinned individuals, women, and people who are exposed to intense sunlight after a prolonged period without sun exposure.

Causes

The exact causes are not yet fully understood, but the following factors are considered to contribute:

UV-A and UV-B radiation as primary triggers
Genetic predisposition (familial clustering has been observed)
Photoallergic reactions triggered by certain substances such as cosmetics, fragrances, or medications
Phototoxic reactions caused by plant-derived compounds such as furanocoumarins (e.g., found in citrus fruits or certain plants)
Systemic conditions such as lupus erythematosus, which can cause light sensitivity

Symptoms

Symptoms of a sun allergy typically appear minutes to hours after sun exposure and may include:

Redness (erythema) of sun-exposed skin areas
Intense itching (pruritus)
Small papules, vesicles, or wheals
Burning or tightening sensation of the skin
In severe cases: swelling and widespread skin rashes

Symptoms typically subside within a few days if further sun exposure is avoided.

Diagnosis

A sun allergy is diagnosed by a dermatologist and typically involves:

Medical history: Questions about symptoms, triggers, and medications
Photoprovocation testing (phototesting): Controlled UV irradiation of the skin in increasing doses to measure the reaction
Photopatch testing: Detection of photoallergic reactions to specific substances
Blood tests: To rule out systemic conditions such as lupus erythematosus

Treatment

Acute Treatment

During an acute flare-up, the following measures are recommended:

Cooling lotions or gels to relieve itching and burning
Corticosteroid creams (topical cortisone) to reduce inflammation
Antihistamines (oral or topical) to reduce itching and allergic response
Sun protection and avoidance during the reaction phase

Prevention and Long-Term Measures

Apply a high sun protection factor (SPF 50+) with both UV-A and UV-B protection
Wear UV-protective clothing and a hat
Gradual skin acclimatization to sunlight at the beginning of the sunny season (light hardening)
Taking antioxidants (e.g., beta-carotene, vitamin C and E) may provide supportive benefits
Phototherapy (UV desensitization) under medical supervision for severe cases
Avoid triggering substances such as certain cosmetics, fragrances, or medications

When to See a Doctor?

Medical advice should be sought if:

the skin reactions are severe or painful
symptoms do not resolve despite avoiding sun exposure
additional symptoms such as fever or mucous membrane reactions occur
reactions also appear under normal indoor lighting (possible indication of a systemic condition)

References

German Dermatological Society (DDG): Guideline on polymorphous light eruption. AWMF Registration No. 013-029 (2022).
Lehmann P. et al. - Polymorphous light eruption. In: Journal of the German Society of Dermatology (JDDG), 2011; 9(6): 435-444.
World Health Organization (WHO): Ultraviolet radiation and human health. Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ultraviolet-radiation (2023).

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