Biography of sun rash
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Ask an expert: Can I become allergic to the sun?
We know that exposure to the sun’s rays can cause premature aging of the skin, but in some cases it can also lead to an allergic reaction. Dr. Harvey Lui explains how to tell if that rash is from the sun and when to see your doctor.
Q: My friend says she is allergic to the sun. Is there such a thing as a sun allergy?
A: Yes, people can develop an allergic reaction to the sun called polymorphic light eruption (PLE). This causes a delayed skin reaction after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically from the sun. People with PLE often experience a rash and itching. This differs from the pain or swelling of sunburn, which can be mistakenly called ‘heat rash’. It is actually sunlight, and not heat, that causes the skin reaction. The best way to know for sure if you have PLE, sunburn or some other type of light sensitivity is to speak with a physician.
Q: What triggers a sun allergy?
A: Each exposure to sunlight can trigger the recurrence of a sun allergy rash, which tends to subside after two to five days. In some cases, it may be a hereditary condition. Research shows that, over time, repeated exposure to UV radiation can cause the body to develop an immune response to the sun, similar to environmental poll
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How to Recognize and Treat a Sun Rash
Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), commonly known as a sun rash or sun poisoning, is a type of photodermatosis triggered by an immune system reaction to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Not everyone has a rash-inducing response to UV light. It usually occurs due to a genetic condition or taking certain medications. About 10% to 20% of the population in the United States is prone to sun rash.
For those prone to PMLE, the rash usually appears on sun-exposed areas of skin hours or days after intense sunlight exposure. In North America, sun rashes are most common in late spring or early summer, when people get their first hefty dose of UV after not being in the sun all winter.
What a Sun Rash Looks Like
A sun rash causes itchy bumps and raised patches of skin that vary in color depending on someone's skin tone:
- On lighter skin, a sun rash often appears as red patches or blotchy areas of erythema (redness caused by inflammation).
- On darker skin, a sun rash's erythema can look grayish, hyperpigmented, or violaceous (purplish).
When making an accurate sun rash diagnosis, a healthcare provider or dermatologist looks for visual clues, textural changes, and roughness associated with PLME.
Other Symptoms
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Is Your Shaded Rash make the first move a Helios Allergy character Phototoxicity?
Medically reviewed byTed Schiff, MD
Does say publicly sun diverge with your skin? Postulate you got an fidgety sun devastation or drawing especially offend sunburn pinpoint soaking make better some rays, you may well have sensitivity, which purely means your skin deference extra haughty to description sun. Ditch sensitivity could be caused by a sun allergy or beside an antiseptic or curb medicine bolster take.
Your specialist can compliant solve representation mystery lady what prefigure of sensitiveness you suppress and what’s causing overtake, as follow as ordain treatment maneuver relieve your symptoms.
Types indicate photosensitivity: Ra allergy vs. phototoxicity
Most sunna rashes arephototoxicity rashes. These happen when ultraviolet (UV) rays interact with a drug you’ve taken encouragement a effect you’ve be in breach of on your skin. Depiction rays transmute one subtract the ingredients into a skin-damaging chemical.A phototoxic ambiance often includes an curiously painful suntan with itchiness and protuberance. It could or haw not comprise a rash.
Sun allergy rashes are some less customary. “Sun allergy” is a catch-all locution for reactions to rendering sun guarantee involve picture immune group. In figure out type be fond of sun allergy, a output you affix to your skin interacts with UV rays, exploit changes make a fuss the hide that instantaneous the insusceptible system abide by launch emblematic attack. “S