Sun Allergy: Symptoms And Treatment

The beautiful days are finally here and we all can't wait to get out for a walk and enjoy the sun. But during our first exposures to the sun, we must be very vigilant, because UV rays can give us a bad surprise. Small pimples and itching: if our first exposure to the sun causes a reaction of the skin, it is very likely that we are the victim of benign summer lucitis. Behind this term is what is usually called a sun allergy. It is a condition that mainly affects women (aged 15 to 35) and, in rarer cases, can affect men and children. It is important to emphasize that this pathology is not dangerous and it has a temporary character. Its manifestations disappear in ten days.

Sun allergy: what is it and what are its manifestations?

A sun allergy is the reaction of the immune system to exposure to UV rays. There are different types of reaction to the sun: benign summer lucitis, solar urticaria or photosensitization. In fact, benign summer lucitis is the most common of the solar reactions we have listed. It occurs shortly after sun exposure in spring or summer. The minor phenomenon is frequent and concerns almost 20% of the French population, especially women. In fact, all skin types can be affected, but the risk is much lower for darker skin types.

What are the symptoms ?

Sun allergy, or lucitis, is manifested by a rash of pimples that usually affects areas newly exposed to the sun, such as the neckline, shoulders or upper arms. On the other hand, the face and the hands which are exposed to the sun all year round are spared. The symptoms are characterized by the appearance of small red pimples on the exposed parts. They can even be very itchy. Although it is rarer, other more serious reactions may appear, such as red papules, sometimes vesicles or raised lesions. These symptoms are unpleasant but without risk and disappear after ten days if you avoid exposure to the sun. You should know that polymorphic lucitis, another form of allergy to the sun,appears causing symptoms with each new exposure to UV rays, whether in spring, summer or fall.

Sun allergy: what to do?

If you are allergic to the sun, it is very important to have a perfect hygiene of life. This can go a long way in preventing the onset of more or less severe symptoms. It would be wise to gradually adapt your skin to UV exposure. Dermatologists recommend adopting a SPF30 UVB / SPF30 UVA protection ratio. The first days, you should gradually expose yourself by avoiding the period between 12h and 16h. Do not forget to reapply your sun protection, especially after swimming. It is a good idea to wear light clothing even when you are under the shade of a parasol.

What treatment to adopt?

The main treatment for sun allergy is prevention. Limiting exposure and using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor are the two obvious recommendations. We can also use certain food supplements such as beta-carotene, associated with the intake of selenium and vitamins E and C. But there are also treatments to prevent a sun allergy or reduce the rash when it occurs. It is necessary to consult a dermatologist who will be able to offer you the treatment best suited to your situation.

There is, for example, phototherapy, which helps increase the skin's natural defenses and decrease the body's defense reactions against the sun. This technique is effective, but maintenance treatment is required to maintain the level of tolerance acquired.

As an alternative, certain drugs are indicated in the event of a reaction to the sun. These include antihistamines, but also carotenoids, synthetic antimalarials, para-aminobenzoic acid and vitamin PP.

To prevent solar lucite naturally, we can simply consume more vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, squash, corn, but also shrimp and salmon to obtain carotenoids. These are fat soluble pigments which, once absorbed by the body, are converted into vitamin A, which promotes the production of melanin and hydration of the skin. This whole process helps protect the skin from the sun's rays.

Sun allergy in children

Children, too, can be among those who are allergic to the sun. The sensitive skin of young children often reacts to the sun's rays, even when covered with sunscreen. It should be taken into account that the causes can be various: from a simple exposure to the sun to the use of certain products during the exposure or to the consumption of certain drugs. In case of allergy, itching, red spots or pimples appear soon after exposure. These can last from a few hours to a few days. It is even possible that the allergy becomes chronic.

The most common allergies that affect children are: polymorphic mild rash, sensitivity to light due to drugs, contact dermatitis.

-The light polymorphic rash represents an immune reaction responsible for either sunburn or light on the skin. This type of itchy rash is the most common of all sun allergies. It can appear as multiple dots or blisters. If your child suffers from such a mild rash, exposure to the sun should be done gradually. At first, a few minutes a day will suffice, then the frequency is gradually increased to increase the child's resistance. Exposure to soft sunlight in the spring can be very helpful in helping the skin acclimatize.

* In the event of a severe rash, it may be necessary to use a steroid cream, to be applied at night.

-The sensitivity to light due to drugs, it is also very common. Usually, children who take medications and expose themselves to the sun suffer from it. This type of sensitivity can affect any part of the body that comes in contact with the sun's rays. Stopping the drug tends to help relieve symptoms, but this is not always possible. If the drug is essential, it is very important to consult a professional.

-Contact dermatitis is less common than the previous two types. This allergic reaction occurs when a chemical reacts with the sun. Any part of the body that comes in contact with the chemical can be affected. The rash can be caused by soaps, perfumes, and other toiletries. What to do ? The first step is to try to identify the "culprit" chemical source and stop using it. This by protecting the child from the sun. Affected areas should be washed thoroughly and calamine lotion may be applied to relieve swelling. Antihistamines are also recommended.