Sun allergies make the skin burn like it is, what is the reason?

Definition

What is a sun allergy?

Sun allergy is a term to describe photosensitivity. Photosensitivity is a condition when the skin develops a reddish rash due to an excessive allergic reaction after exposure to sunlight.

This can happen because the immune system recognizes the skin that is exposed to the sun as a harmful foreign compound. As a result, allergic skin reactions appear, such as rashes, itching, and skin blisters.

Allergic reactions also usually occur in the V neck (collarbone to sternum), the back of the hands, the outer sides of the arms, and lower legs.

How common is this condition?

Sun allergy is a fairly common condition, but not many people report it. This allergy usually occurs in people with sensitive skin.

In some cases, skin reactions will occur some time after exposure to the sun's heat.

Type

What are the types of this disease?

Different types of allergies will produce different symptomatic reactions. Here are some types of sun allergies that you need to be aware of:

Actinic prurigo

This type of allergy occurs due to heredity. Actinic prurigo is more common in Native Americans.

However, this one sun allergy can affect all racial groups and the symptoms can start from childhood and adolescence.

Photoallergic reaction

Photoallergic reactions are generally triggered by sunlight reacting with chemicals applied to the skin, such as sunscreen or perfume.

Prescription medications or ointments can also cause this condition, including antibiotics (tetracyclines and sulfonamides). The appearance of these sun allergy symptoms is slower, namely one to two days after exposure to the sun's heat.

Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE)

Compared to other types of sun allergy, polymorphic light eruption is the most common type known as sun poisoning. This condition affects about 10-15% of the population of the United States and most of them are women.

In temperate climates, PMLE only occurs in spring or summer. This one allergy symptom will usually appear several hours after exposure to UV rays.

Solar urticaria

If sun poisoning is a common condition, solar urticaria is a fairly rare type of allergy. Sufferers will feel itchy skin only a few minutes after being exposed to the sun.

This condition is more often experienced by young women. The symptoms of this allergy are quite varied, ranging from mild to severe that cause anaphylactic shock.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a heat allergy

Generally, the signs and symptoms of a skin allergy caused by the heat of the sun are dry, reddish skin. However, the characteristics of people who experience this one allergy are quite diverse, depending on the type, which includes:

• dry and reddish skin,
• pain and itching of the skin,
• small red rash on the skin,
• cracked, peeling, and bleeding skin, as well
• blistered skin.

Some of the symptoms above are usually only experienced on the part of the skin that is exposed to the sun. These signs can also develop within minutes to hours after the first exposure.

When should I see a doctor?

If not treated immediately, this allergy can cause skin thickening and cause scars. Both of these can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction accompanied by symptoms:

• coughs,
• high fever,
• swelling of the face,
• irregular heartbeat,
• dizziness, and
• nausea and vomiting.

Everyone's body may be different when they experience an allergic reaction. Therefore, you should consult a doctor to find out what causes allergies and how to deal with them.

Cause

What causes sun allergies?

Until now, experts still don't know why someone can get sun allergies. However, most cases indicate that sun poisoning can run in families (genetic).

In addition, the cause of this allergy is often due to chemicals in medicines, cosmetics, and food, such as:

• antibiotics,
• antihistamines,
• chemotherapy drugs,
• diuretics, and
• diabetes drugs.

Certain diseases, such as lupus and eczema, also make the sufferer's skin more sensitive to light.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of getting a sun allergy?

There are certain factors that can increase a person's risk of developing a sun allergy, including:

Race

Anyone can experience a sun allergy. However, this condition occurs most often in people with white skin, especially the Caucasian racial group.

Being exposed to certain substances

This one allergy symptom can also be triggered when the skin is exposed to certain substances and then exposed to sunlight. The chemicals in perfumes, disinfectants, and sunscreens can be the masterminds of this skin problem.

Take certain drugs

Those of you who are taking certain drugs, such as tetracycline antibiotics, sulfa-based drugs, and pain relievers (ketoprofen) may need to be careful. The reason is, the drugs mentioned can cause skin burns faster.

Suffering from other skin diseases

People with skin diseases, such as dermatitis, may also need to be more vigilant because their skin is more prone to sun allergies.

Genetic factors

If you have family members who have allergies to sunlight, you are also more at risk of developing this allergy.

Keep in mind that not having risk factors does not mean you are not free from this disease. You still need to consult a doctor for further explanation, especially when experiencing the symptoms mentioned.

Diagnosis

How to diagnose this condition?

In most cases, doctors diagnose a sun allergy based on the symptoms that appear on your skin. However, there are several types of allergy skin tests that are done to confirm this disease which are as follows.

Ultraviolet light test

Ultraviolet light test (phototesting) is a test done to see how the skin reacts to UV light wavelengths. A given wavelength of UV light uses a different type of special lamp.

By determining which light waves are causing the reaction, it is easier for your doctor to detect which type of allergy you have.

Testing using photopatch

This one test aims to detect the causes of allergies by applying certain substances to the skin before being exposed to the sun.

This is done with the help of a patch containing an allergenic substance and applied directly to the skin, usually to the back.

One day later, one part of the body will receive a dose of UV light from a special lamp. If the reaction occurs only in the exposed area, it is possible that this is due to the substance being applied.

Blood tests and skin samples

Blood tests and skin samples are usually done if symptoms are suspected to be caused by another health problem, such as lupus. The blood and skin samples (biopsy) taken will later be examined further in the laboratory.

Medicine and medication

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for a sunburn allergy?

Basically, medication for skin allergies caused by the heat of the sun is based on the type that the patient has. Most cases of this allergy will resolve on their own, but it does not rule out you need certain drugs.

Here are some treatment options for sunburn allergy, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.

• Corticosteroid cream, either without or with a doctor's prescription.
• Corticosteroid (prednisone) pills for severe allergic skin reactions.
• The malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to relieve allergy symptoms.
• Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, as prescribed by your doctor.
• Systemic or topical steroids to reduce swelling.

In severe cases of allergies, your doctor may advise you to get used to the sun gradually. This can be done with the help of phototherapy.

Phototherapy is a therapy that uses special lights to shine light on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to sunlight. This therapy is usually done several times a week for several weeks.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat sun allergies?

In addition to getting drugs and therapy from a doctor, you also need to pay attention to your lifestyle to be more careful. Here are some home remedies and lifestyle options that may help you prevent sunburn-induced skin allergies.

• Use the medicine as directed by the doctor.
• Avoid exposure to UV rays as often as possible, especially when taking medication.
• Use sunscreen, a hat, and long sleeves to reduce exposure.
• Stop using drugs that make your skin sensitive to light.
• Apply skin moisturizer, especially to areas of skin affected by allergies.
• Use sunglasses with UV protection.
• Avoid using lotions made from fruit and cosmetics.

If you have further questions, consult your doctor to find the right solution for you.