It is an immune system reaction to sunlight which results in an itchy red rash. This disease most commonly affects the “V” of the neck, the outside surface of the arms and the lower legs and the back of the hands. In a number of cases it has been seen that skin reaction might produce hives or small blisters that might even spread to skin in clothed areas. This disease affects certain sensitive people and in some cases it might be triggered by a few brief moments of sun exposure. It is still unknown as to why some people develop a sun allergy and others don’t. It has been found out that some types of sun allergy are inherited.

The most common types of sun allergy are:

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)

It appears as an itchy rash on sun exposed areas.

Actinic prurigo

 It is an inherited form of PMLE and is found in people of American Indian background,

Solar urtivaria

It is a form of sun allergy which produces hives on sun exposed areas and is a rare condition affecting young women.

Photoallergic eruption

 It is triggered by the effect of sunlight on chemical applied on the skin.

Cause

It is caused due to changes occurring in sun exposed areas. It is still unclear as to why a body develops this reaction. The immune system of the body recognizes some components of the sun altered skin as foreign and the body activates immune defenses against them. It produces an allergic reaction which takes the form of tiny blisters, rash or some kind of skin eruption.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this disease include:

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)

It results in the production of an itchy or burning sensation within the first two hours after sun exposure.

Solar urticaria

It results in the appearance of hives on the uncovered skin within minutes of exposure to sunlight.

Photoallergic eruption

It results in the production of an itchy rash or tiny blisters.

Actinic prurigo

The symptoms of this condition are similar to PMLE but are concentrated on the face and normally around the lips.

Treatment

The treatments are disease type specific:

Polymorphous light eruption

In case of mild symptoms cool compresses must be applied to the affected area or the skin should be misted with sprays of cool water. One could also use nonprescription antihistamine and in case of severe symptoms prescription strength antihistamine or corticosteroid cream might be used.

Photoallergic eruption

In this case it is necessary to identify and eliminate medicines which are causing the allergic reaction. The symptoms can be treated with corticosteroid cream.

Actinic prurigo

It can be treated with thalidomide, anti malarial drugs, beta carotene and prescription strength corticosteroids.

Solar urticaria

In the case of mild hives, nonprescription antihistamine can be used for relieving itch or an anti itch cream containing cortisone can be used. In severe cases prescription strength antihistamine or corticosteroid cream might be suggested.

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