Sun Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms typically develop within just a few hours of sun exposure. Red , itchy bumps or blisters develop in the exposed area. A rash that resembles hives or insect bites may also appear. If the reaction is untreated, it usually goes away by itself in a week or two. Unfortunately, these symptoms are not terribly specific and could be cause by a vareity of other medical conditions. However, sun allergy symptoms will only appear on portions of the skin the were exposed to the sun whereas other sorts of rashes may appear anywhere.
Sun allergy symptoms effect men, women and children of all ages and all races. However, symptoms are usually first noticed in people between 20 and 35 years of age.
What if Sun Allergy Symptoms Persist?
You should consult your doctor if the sun induced rash does not go away in a few weeks. Although it is unusual, a rash triggered by sunlight could be an indicator of an autoimmune disease (e.g. lupus). An ANA (antinuclear antibody) blood test is often performed when an autoimmune condition is suspected. Your doctor may also recommend a skin biopsy to check for other skin disorders with similar symptoms to sun allergy.
Treating Sun Allergy Symptoms
Itching is the most annoying sun allergy symptom.
Over the counter oral antihistamines such as Benadryl or prescription Atarax (hydroxyzine) are effective itch control medications.
Other over the counter anti-itch preparations include Aveeno Oatmeal Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion, PrameGel, and Sarnol-HC 1%.
Topical steroid creams can also help reduce itching and get rid of the rash. Cortaid Steroid Cream is available over the counter. Stronger cortisone creams are available by prescription..
There is also a regimen of desensitizing light exposure called "hardening". Exposing the skin to precise dosages ultraviolet light can help your body to get used to it. About 15 treatments are done in the early sping in order to ease a sun allergic person into the spring / summer season. This regimen is adminstered by trained medical personnel using highly specialized equpment and should not be tried on your own.
Sun Protection
Be sure to use plenty of sunblock lotion that contains both UVA- and UVB-blockers with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher.
Clothing can also be treated to block UV rays. Rit Sun Guard Laundry Treatment . increases the ultraviolet protection factor of typical cloth fabric from 4 to 30! Simply add it to your washing machine along with your normal laundry detergent. A wide brimmed hat is also recommended.
