Солнечная аллергия, 7 способов борьбы и 4 пути профилактики

Солнечная аллергия, к сожалению, одна из частых причин обращения к дерматологу в период с мая по сентябрь.

Наступило долгожданное лето и мы с удовольствием спешим позагорать. Казалось бы, ну какой вред может принести солнышко, особенно после долгой зимы. Ну, в крайнем случае, можно немного обгореть, да и то — редко.

Солнечная аллергия — это

По научному, это «полиморфный фотодерматоз».

Полиморфный — это значит, что проявления его самые разнообразные — от пятен красного цвета до пузырей и гнойничков.

«Фотодерматоз» означает поражение кожи солнечным светом. Аллергия на солнце может случиться с каждым, даже если вы никогда до этого не страдали аллергическими заболеваниями.

Причины солнечной аллергии

Отмечен тот факт, что солнечной аллергией чаще страдают молодые женщины, возникает она ранней весной или в начале лета и может продолжаться до сентября, а может и не не повторяться после первого активного периода высыпаний.

Осенью наступает перерыв в заболевании, однако с наступлением весны все повторяется — и так может продолжаться несколько лет.

Большое значение имеет генетическая предрасположенность, доказано, что аллергия на солнце в одной семье встречается в 3 раза чаще, чем в других семьях, где не было ее проявлений.

Фотоаллергия — это повышенная чувствительность к свету, а точнее, к солнечным лучам. Но, как правило, солнечную аллергию вызывают не сами солнечные лучи, а их взаимодействие с некоторыми веществами, находящимися в организме.

В результате этого взаимодействия возникает иммунная реакция по типу гиперчувствительности замедленного типа. Замедленного — это значит, что симптомы появляются не сразу, а после повторного солнечного облучения.

Солнечная аллергия возможна и на ультрафиолетовый лучи в солярии.

Те «некоторые вещества», о которых шла речь выше, могут быть фототоксичными и фотоаллергенными.

Фототоксичные вещества снижают устойчивость клеток организма к солнечному свету и тем самым провоцируют развитие какой-либо нежелательной реакции.

К ним относятся некоторые антибиотики — тетрациклины, эфирные масла, полученные методом холодного отжима — бергамотовое, апельсиновое, препараты зверобоя, сок петрушки, борщевика.

К фотоаллергенам относятся вещества, которые находятся на коже и меняют свои химические свойства под действием ультрафиолета. Чаще всего, это косметика и парфюмерия, но могут быть и некоторые лечебные мази, например, обезболивающая мазь с ибупрофеном.

Симптомы солнечной аллергии

Как я уже писала, вспышка заболевания приходится на весенний или ранний летний период, причем чаще всего — это регионы с умеренным климатом.

Обострения могут быть даже зимой под воздействием отраженного от снега ультрафиолета, и после посещения солярия. Иногда бывает достаточно нескольких минут пребывания под солнцем, иногда заболевания развивается через несколько дней.

Перед появлением сыпи пациентов беспокоит сильный зуд кожи в течение нескольких минут. Потом сначала на открытых участках тела, чаще всего в области лица и декольте, но впоследствии и на закрытых одеждой местах, появляются самые разнообразные высыпания.

Это мелкие узелки красного или телесного цвета, которые иногда сливаются в более крупные, образуя бляшки с гладкой или неровной поверхностью. Могут также появиться пузырьки, иногда довольно крупные, и гнойнички.

Очень редко наблюдается просто яркое покраснение кожи.

Постепенно под влиянием сильного зуда и постоянного расчесывания кожа становится толстой и клиническая картина заболевания становится похожей на нейродермит.

В тяжелых случаях даже может быть повышение температуры, головная боль, озноб, тошнота и выраженная отечность в месте высыпаний.

Нарушается сон, повышается нервная возбудимость, иногда отмечается склонность к запорам.

Осенью, с прекращением зуда, кожные высыпания начинают стихать и в течение зимы совершенно проходят, но весной с появлением солнца вновь появляются.

Солнечная аллергия — лечение:

Во-первых, что КАТЕГОРИЧЕСКИ ЗАПРЕЩАЕТСЯ:

1. Самостоятельно выдавливать содержимое гнойничков! Ничего хорошего из этого не выйдет, кроме распространения инфекции(((
2. Прижигать места высыпаний спиртом, одеколоном, иодом, зеленкой, фукорцином, перекисью водорода;
3. Применять средства народной медицины от солнечных ожогов типа кефира, сметаны, йогурта и т.п. Они создадут богатую бактериями жировую пленку на коже, «парниковый» эффект и высыпаний, особенно гнойных, станет больше!
4. Смазывать места высыпаний средствами защиты от солнца. Эти средства надо применять ДО выхода на солнце, а не когда появилась сыпь. Вместо этого надо носить свободную легкую одежду, закрывающую участки кожи с высыпаниями и на время перестать загорать.
5. Самостоятельно пользоваться гормональными мазями, купленными в аптеке, даже если поначалу от них будет хороший эффект. Эти средства должен назначать врач строго по показаниям. Дело в том, что к гормональным мазям быстро развивается привыкание, они требуют специальных правил нанесения и многих других важных нюансов, о которых в аптеке вам просто не скажут.

ЧТО ЖЕ ДЕЛАТЬ?!

Если нет возможности сразу обратиться к врачу, а солнечная аллергия вас «настигла», то прежде всего надо:

1. Принять антигистаминные препараты — лоратадин 10 мг в сутки — один раз в день, курс лечения от 10 до 15 дней, иногда до 28 дней, но это уже после консультации врача.
2. Препараты кальция внутрь — кальция глюконат. Для повышения его всасывания в кишечнике необходимо растолочь таблетку в порошок и капнуть на него сок лимона, пока не зашипит.  Можно купить готовый препарат цитрат кальция. Суточная норма кальция для взрослого человека — 800-1200 мг. Если вы употребляете в пищу много молочных продуктов, то суточную дозу кальция можно уменьшить до 500-600 мг. Также хорошо применять комплексные препараты кальция, содержащие витамин Д3.
3. Можно использовать антигистаминные мази — «Фенистил», они хорошо снимают зуд и отек.
4. На пораженное место приложить холод, как средство первой помощи.
5. Если после того, как гнойнички прошли, наблюдается сухость кожи — мазь Бепантен или Пантенол.
6. Очень хороший эффект дает применение внутрь каротина в таблетках по 5 мг (отечественный препарат).
7. Успокаивающие средства типа валерианы, брома.

Солнечная аллергия — профилактика:

1. Постепенная адаптация к солнечным лучам путем «закаливания» светом. Это в 90% случаев предупреждает дальнейшее развитие солнечной аллергии. За несколько недель до приближения весны очень аккуратно, начиная с одной минутки, загорать в солярии. Нельзя слишком быстро увеличивать время нахождения в солярии, просто по 1-2 минуте сначала один раз в неделю, постепенно доведя это время до 5 минут МАКСИМУМ один раз в неделю.
2. Ранний прием каротина — за месяц до активного солнца. Можно использовать препараты INNEOV, о которых я уже говорила в предыдущих статьях, можно купить обычный каротин, не имеет большого значения. Главное, сделать это вовремя.
3. Разумное  пребывание на солнце и применение солнцезащитных средств, подобранных строго по вашему фототипу.
4. Применять препараты с ухода за кожей, содержащие гель алоэ вера или чистый гель алоэ.

Вот  и вся премудрость в отношении такого «зверя» как солнечная аллергия. Не забывайте, что предупредить болезнь всегда легче, чем ее лечить, особенно если имеется генетическая предрасположенность к развитию этого заболевания.

90000 Sun allergy — Diagnosis and treatment 90001 90002 Diagnosis 90003 90004 In many cases, doctors can diagnose sun allergy simply by looking at the skin. But if the diagnosis is not clear-cut, you may need tests to help identify what’s going on. These tests may include: 90005 90006 90007 90008 Ultraviolet (UV) light testing. 90009 Also called phototesting, this exam is used to see how your skin reacts to different wavelengths of ultraviolet light from a special type of lamp.Determining which particular kind of UV light causes a reaction can help pinpoint which sun allergy you have. 90010 90007 90008 Photopatch testing. 90009 This test shows whether your sun allergy is caused by a sensitizing substance applied to your skin before you go into the sun. In the test, identical patches of common sun allergy triggers are applied directly to your skin, typically on your back. A day later, one of the areas receives a measured dose of ultraviolet rays from a sun lamp.If a reaction occurs only on the light-exposed area, it likely is linked to the substance being tested. 90010 90007 90008 Blood tests and skin samples. 90009 These tests usually are not needed. However, your doctor may order one of these tests if he or she suspects your symptoms might be caused by an underlying condition, such as lupus, instead of a sun allergy. With these tests, a blood sample or a skin sample (biopsy) is taken for further examination in a laboratory. 90010 90019 90002 Treatment 90003 90004 Treatment depends on the type of sun allergy you have.For mild cases, simply avoiding the sun for a few days may be enough to resolve the signs and symptoms. 90005 90024 Medications 90025 90004 Creams containing corticosteroids are available over-the-counter and in stronger prescription forms. For a severe allergic skin reaction, your doctor may prescribe a short course of corticosteroid pills, such as prednisone. 90005 90004 The malaria medication hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may ease the symptoms of some types of sun allergies.90005 90024 Therapy 90025 90004 If you have a severe sun allergy, your doctor might suggest gradually getting your skin used to sunlight each spring. In phototherapy, a special lamp is used to shine ultraviolet light on areas of your body that are often exposed to the sun. It’s generally done a few times a week over several weeks. 90005 90002 Lifestyle and home remedies 90003 90004 These steps may help relieve sun allergy symptoms: 90005 90006 90007 90008 Avoid sun exposure.90009 Most sun allergy symptoms improve in less than a day or two if you keep the affected skin out of the sun. 90010 90007 90008 Stop using medications that make you sensitive to light. 90009 If you’re taking medications for other conditions, talk with your doctor about whether you can stop taking them if they are making your skin more sensitive to the sun. 90010 90007 90008 Apply skin moisturizers. 90009 Moisturizing skin lotions can help relieve irritation caused by dry, scaly skin.90010 90007 90008 Use soothing skin remedies. 90009 Try applying calamine lotion or a lotion with aloe vera to ease your symptoms. 90010 90019 90002 Preparing for your appointment 90003 90004 You’re likely to start by seeing your family doctor or primary care provider. Or when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist). 90005 90004 At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if you need to do anything in advance.For example, if you’re going to have tests that check for a reaction to ultraviolet light (phototesting), your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications beforehand. 90005 90024 What you can do 90025 90004 Before your appointment, you may want to list answers to the following questions: 90005 90006 90007 How long after exposure to the sun did your symptoms begin? 90010 90007 What type of symptoms did you experience? 90010 90007 Have your symptoms worsened or gotten better? 90010 90007 Have you ever had these types of symptoms before? 90010 90007 What medications and supplements do you take regularly? 90010 90019 90024 What to expect from your doctor 90025 90004 Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.Examples may include: 90005 90006 90007 What parts of your body are affected? 90010 90007 Exactly what does the affected skin look like? 90010 90007 How severe are your symptoms? 90010 90007 How long does your skin reaction last? 90010 90007 Do you have itching or pain? 90010 90007 Does your skin react just to direct sunlight or also to sunlight shining through window glass? 90010 90007 Does anyone else in your family have skin reactions to sunlight or other allergic skin conditions? 90010 90007 What products do you use on your skin? 90010 90019 90004 July 24, 2018 90005 Show references 90102 90007 Elmets CA.Polymorphous light eruption. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 25, 2018. 90010 90007 Polymorphous light eruption. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/?page=PolymorphousLightE. Accessed June 25, 2018. 90010 90007 Elmets CA. Photosensitivity disorders (photodermatoses): Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 25, 2018. 90010 90007 Elmets CA. Overview of cutaneous photosensitivity: Photobiology, patient evaluation, and photoprotection.https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 25, 2018. 90010 90007 O’Gorman SM. Photoaggravated disorders. Dermatologic Clinics. 2014; 32: 385. 90010 90007 Photosensitivity. Merck Manual Professional Edition. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/reactions-to-sunlight/photosensitivity. Accessed June 25, 2018. 90010 90007 Photodermatitis. Elsevier Point of Care. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 25, 2018. 90010 90007 Gibson LE (expert opinion).Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 6, 2015. 90010 90007 AskMayoExpert. Sunburn. Rochester, Minn .: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018. 90010 90007 Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs. Accessed June 25, 2018. 90010 90123 90002 Related 90003 90024 Products & Services 90025 Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic .90000 Sun Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments 90001 90002 What is sun allergy? 90003 90004 A sun allergy is a condition that happens when the immune system reacts to sunlight. 90005 90004 The immune system treats sun-altered skin as foreign cells, leading to the reactions. The reactions that can occur include a rash, blisters or hives. Only people with sensitivity to the sun will exhibit symptoms. For some, the reaction could occur after only a few moments of exposure to the sun.90005 90004 Sun allergies are fairly common although they are often not reported. 90005 90002 What are types of sun allergy? 90003 90004 There are several types of sun allergy. These include: 90005 90014 90015 90016 Actinic prurigo: 90017 This is an inherited version of sun allergy. Symptoms are stronger than other types and it is common among Native American populations, although it affect all races, including Caucasians. Symptoms can begin in childhood. 90018 90015 90016 Photoallergic reaction: 90017 This type occurs when a chemical applied to the skin reacts with sunlight.Several types of medications, as well as sunscreens, cosmetics, and fragrances can cause the reaction. Symptoms sometimes do not show for 2 to 3 days. 90018 90015 90016 Polymorphyic light eruption (PMLE): 90017 This is the most common form of sun allergy. About 10% to 15% of the U.S. population is affected. It occurs more in women than men and usually starts in their teens and twenties. PMLE is usually seen as a rash that causes itching and can appear as blisters or small reddened areas. Most cases occur during the spring.Symptoms usually appear a few hours after exposure to the sun. 90018 90015 90016 Solar urticaria: 90017 This sun allergy is rare and produces hives. Hives can appear only after a few minutes of sun exposure. It mostly affects young women. Symptoms can be mild or severe to the point of anaphylactic shock (a life-threatening allergic reaction). 90018 90031 90002 What are the symptoms of sun allergy? 90003 90014 90015 90016 Actinic prurigo: 90017 This usually presents as very itchy crusted bumps (nodules).90018 90015 90016 PMLE and photoallergic reaction: 90017 A burning or itchy rash and fluid-filled blisters are common. The rash is often seen within 2 hours of exposure to the sun. 90018 90015 90016 Solar urticarial: 90017 Hives occur in minutes for people with this reaction. Burning and a sensation of stinging may occur at first. The rash fades over days to weeks. In some cases, the skin may darken after the reaction. 90018 90031 90004 Sun allergy is mostly seen in spring and early summer.With continued exposure to sun during summer months, the skin «hardens» and the likelihood of developing sun allergy diminishes. 90005 90002 What parts of the body are most affected by sun allergy? 90003 90004 While a sun allergy reaction can occur anywhere on the body, it is most commonly seen on parts of the body exposed to the sun: arms, legs, hands, and the back of the neck. 90005 90004 In severe cases of sun allergy, even areas protected by clothing may be affected. Interestingly, areas of the skin that are normally exposed to the sun (such as face and back of the hands) are usually spared from sun allergy.90005 90002 What causes sun allergy? 90003 90004 The cause is not known exactly. Some forms of sun allergy can be inherited, however. 90005 90004 Some medications can cause skin sensitivity, such as: 90005 90014 90015 Antibiotics 90018 90015 Antihistamines 90018 90015 Chemotherapy medications 90018 90015 Cardiac drugs 90018 90015 Diuretics 90018 90015 Drugs for diabetes patients 90018 90031 Next: Diagnosis and Tests 90004 Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/16/2018.90005 90078 References 90079 90080 90004 Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information 90005 90083 enews 90004 Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy 90005 .90000 Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options 90001 90002 Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 13, 2020. 90003 90004 What is a Sun Allergy (Photosensitivity)? 90005 90006 90002 A sun allergy is an immune system reaction to sunlight, most often, an itchy red rash. The most common locations include the «V» of the neck, the back of the hands, the outside surface of the arms and the lower legs. In rare cases, the skin reaction may be more severe, producing hives or small blisters that may even spread to skin in clothed areas.90003 90002 Sun allergies are triggered by changes that occur in sun-exposed skin. It is not clear why the body develops this reaction. However, the immune system recognizes some components of the sun-altered skin as «foreign,» and the body activates its immune defenses against them. This produces an allergic reaction that takes the form of a rash, tiny blisters or, rarely, some other type of skin eruption. 90003 90002 Sun allergies occur only in certain sensitive people, and in some cases, they can be triggered by only a few brief moments of sun exposure.Some forms of sun allergy are inherited. 90003 90002 A few of the most common types of sun allergy are: 90003 90015 90016 90002 90018 Actinic prurigo 90019 (hereditary PMLE) — This inherited form of PMLE occurs in people of American Indian background, including the American Indian populations of North, South and Central America. Its symptoms are usually more intense than those of classic PMLE, and they often begin earlier, during childhood or adolescence.Several generations of the same family may have a history of the problem. 90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Photoallergic eruption 90019 — In this form of sun allergy, a skin reaction is triggered by the effect of sunlight on a chemical that has been applied to the skin (often an ingredient in sunscreen, fragrances, cosmetics or antibiotic ointments) or ingested in a drug (often a prescription medicine). Common prescription medicines that can cause a photoallergic eruption include antibiotics (especially tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones and sulfonamides), NSAID pain relievers ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, Naprosyn and others), and diuretics for high blood pressure and heart failure.90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Solar urticaria 90019 — This form of sun allergy produces hives (large, itchy, red bumps) on sun-exposed skin. It is a rare condition that most often affects young women. 90003 90021 90034 90004 Symptoms 90005 90002 Symptoms vary, depending on the specific type of sun allergy: 90003 90015 90016 90002 90018 PMLE — PMLE 90019 typically produces an itchy or burning rash within the first two hours after sun exposure.The rash usually appears on sun-exposed portions of the neck, upper chest, arms and lower legs. In addition, there may be one to two hours of chills, headache, nausea and malaise (a general sick feeling). In rare cases, PMLE may erupt as red plaques (flat, raised areas), small fluid-filled blisters or tiny areas of bleeding under the skin. 90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE) 90019 — Symptoms are similar to those of PMLE, but they usually are concentrated on the face, especially around the lips.90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Photoallergic eruption 90019 — This usually causes either an itchy red rash or tiny blisters. In some cases, the skin eruption also spreads to skin that was covered by clothing. Because photoallergic eruption is a form of delayed hypersensitivity reaction, skin symptoms may not begin until one to two days after sun exposure. 90003 90002 Solar urticaria — Hives usually appear on uncovered skin within minutes of exposure to sunlight.90003 90021 90034 90004 Diagnosis 90005 90002 If you have mild symptoms of PMLE, you may be able to diagnose the problem yourself by asking yourself the following questions: 90003 90015 90016 Do I have an itchy rash that occurs only on sun-exposed skin? 90021 90016 Does my rash always begin within two hours of sun exposure? 90021 90016 Do my symptoms first appear during the early spring, and then gradually become less severe (or disappear) within the following few days or weeks? 90021 90034 90002 If you can answer «yes» to all of these questions, then you may have mild PMLE.90003 90002 If you have more severe sun-related symptoms — especially hives, blisters or small areas of bleeding under the skin — your doctor will need to make the diagnosis. In most cases, your doctor can confirm that you have PMLE or actinic prurigo based on your symptoms, your medical history, family history (especially American Indian ancestry) and a simple examination of your skin. Sometimes, additional tests may be necessary, including: 90003 90015 90016 A skin biopsy, in which a small piece of skin is removed and examined in a laboratory 90021 90016 Blood tests to rule out systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or discoid systemic lupus erythematosus 90021 90016 Photo-testing, in which a small area of ​​your skin is exposed to measured amounts of ultraviolet light — If your skin symptoms appear after this exposure, the test confirms that your skin eruption is sun-related.90021 90034 90002 If you have symptoms of a photoallergic eruption, the diagnosis may take some detective work. Your doctor will begin by reviewing your current medicines as well as any skin lotions, sunscreens or colognes you use. The doctor may suggest that you temporarily switch to an alternate medication or eliminate certain skin care products to see whether this makes your skin symptoms subside. If necessary, your doctor will refer you to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin disorders.The dermatologist may do photopatch testing, a diagnostic procedure that exposes a small area of ​​your skin to a combination of both ultraviolet light and a small amount of test chemical, usually a medicine or ingredient in a skin care product. 90003 90002 If you have symptoms of solar urticaria, your doctor may confirm the diagnosis by using photo-testing to reproduce your hives. 90003 90004 Expected Duration 90005 90002 How long the reaction lasts depends on the type of sun allergy: 90003 90015 90016 90002 90018 PMLE 90019 — The rash of PMLE usually disappears within two to three days if you avoid further sun exposure.Over the course of the spring and summer, repeated sun exposure can produce hardening, a natural decrease in the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. In some individuals, hardening develops after only a few days of sun exposure, but in others it takes several weeks. 90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE) 90019 — In temperate climates, actinic prurigo follows a seasonal pattern that is similar to classic PMLE. However, in tropical climates, symptoms may persist all year round.90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Photoallergic eruption 90019 — The duration is unpredictable. However, in most cases, skin symptoms disappear after the offending chemical is identified and no longer used. 90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Solar urticaria 90019 — Individual hives typically fade within 30 minutes to two hours. However, they usually come back when skin is exposed to sun again. 90003 90021 90034 90004 Prevention 90005 90002 To help prevent symptoms of a sun allergy, you must protect your skin from exposure to sunlight.Try the following suggestions: 90003 90015 90016 Before you go outdoors apply a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or above, with a broad spectrum of protection against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. 90021 90016 Use a sunblock on your lips. Choose a product that has been formulated especially for the lips, with an SPF of 30 or more. 90021 90016 Limit your time outdoors when the sun is at its peak — in most parts of the continental United States, from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 90021 90016 Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet light protection. 90021 90016 Wear long pants, a shirt with long sleeves and a hat with a wide brim. 90021 90016 Be aware of skin care products and medicines, especially certain antibiotics, that may trigger a photoallergic eruption. If you are taking a prescription medication, and you normally spend a great deal of time outdoors, ask your doctor whether you should take any special precautions to avoid sun exposure while you are on the drug.90021 90034 90004 Treatment 90005 90002 If you have a sun allergy, your treatment must always begin with the strategies described in the Prevention section. These will reduce your sun exposure and prevent your symptoms from worsening. Other treatments depend on the specific type of sun allergy: 90003 90015 90016 90002 90018 PMLE 90019 — For mild symptoms, either apply cool compresses (such as a cool, damp washcloth) to the areas of itchy rash, or mist your skin with sprays of cool water.You can also try a nonprescription oral (by mouth) antihistamine — such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine (both sold under several brand names) — to relieve itching, or a cream containing cortisone. For more severe symptoms, your doctor may suggest a prescription-strength oral antihistamine or corticosteroid cream. If these remedies are not effective, your doctor may prescribe phototherapy, a treatment that produces hardening by gradually exposing your skin to increasing doses of ultraviolet light in your doctor’s office.In many cases, five ultraviolet light exposures are given per week over a three-week period. If standard phototherapy fails, your doctor may try a combination of psoralen and ultraviolet light called PUVA; antimalarial drugs; or beta-carotene tablets. 90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE) 90019 — Treatment options include prescription-strength corticosteroids, thalidomide (Thalomid), PUVA, antimalarial drugs and beta-carotene. 90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Photoallergic eruption 90019 — The first goal of treatment is to identify and eliminate the medicine or skin care product that is triggering the allergic reaction.Skin symptoms usually can be treated with a corticosteroid cream. 90003 90021 90016 90002 90018 Solar urticaria 90019 — For mild hives, you can try a nonprescription oral antihistamine to relieve itching, or an anti-itch skin cream containing cortisone. For more severe hives, your doctor may suggest a prescription-strength antihistamine or corticosteroid cream. In extreme cases, your doctor may prescribe phototherapy, PUVA or antimalarial drugs. 90003 90021 90034 90004 When To Call a Professional 90005 90002 Call your primary care doctor or a dermatologist if you have: 90003 90015 90016 90002 An itchy rash that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments 90003 90021 90016 90002 A rash that involves large areas of your body, including parts that are covered by clothing 90003 90021 90016 90002 A persistent rash that covers sun-exposed areas of your face, especially if you are a woman or a person of American Indian heritage 90003 90021 90016 90002 Abnormal bleeding under the skin in sun-exposed areas 90003 90021 90034 90002 Call for emergency help immediately if you suddenly develop hives together with swelling around your eyes or lips, faintness or difficulty breathing or swallowing.These may be signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction. 90003 90004 Prognosis 90005 90002 If you have a sun allergy, the outlook is usually very good, especially if you consistently use sunscreens and protective clothing. Most people with PMLE or actinic prurigo improve significantly within five to seven years after diagnosis, and almost everyone with photoallergic eruption can be cured by avoiding the specific chemical that triggers the sun allergy. 90003 90002 Of all forms of sun allergy, solar urticaria is the one that is most likely to be a long-term problem.However, in some people the condition eventually subsides. 90003 90197 External resources 90198 90002 90018 National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 90019 90202 http://www.niams.nih.gov/ 90003 90002 90018 American Academy of Dermatology 90019 90202 http://www.aad.org/ 90003 90002 90003 90202 90004 Further information 90005 90002 Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.90003 90002 Medical Disclaimer 90003.90000 Sunscreen Allergy: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention 90001 90002 While sunscreens may be safe for some people, it’s possible that some ingredients, such as fragrances and oxybenzone, may cause an allergic reaction. This can cause an allergic rash, among other symptoms. 90003 90002 If you’re experiencing rashes from sunscreen, it’s important to identify the underlying causes. Rather than forego sunscreen altogether, you’ll need to instead use another kind with other ingredients that do not result in allergic reactions.Read on to learn more. 90003 90002 Symptoms of a sunscreen allergy look similar to that of a sun allergy (also called sun poisoning), as well as a heat rash or sunburn. All of these conditions involve red, sometimes itchy, rashes. 90003 90002 Other symptoms of sunscreen allergy may include: 90003 90010 90011 hives 90012 90011 raised bumps 90012 90011 swelling 90012 90011 blisters 90012 90011 bleeding 90012 90011 scaling 90012 90011 pain 90012 90025 90002 The amount of time it takes for an allergic reaction to develop depends on the person.It can happen within minutes or it may take as long as two days for any signs to show. 90003 90002 Sometimes you may not get a reaction until the sunscreen on your skin is exposed to sunlight with UV rays. This type of reaction is called photoallergic contact dermatitis. 90003 90002 You may be at an increased risk for sunscreen allergy if you’ve had contact dermatitis with other products. People with sensitive skin are also more prone to chemical sensitivities in skin products. If you have contact dermatitis to certain materials, you may also be sensitive to fragrances and other chemical ingredients.90003 90002 You should also use caution when using a new sunscreen if sunscreen allergies run in your family. 90003 90002 A sunscreen allergy is treated similarly to other allergic skin reactions. In milder cases, the rash will subside on its own. Moderate to severe cases may require topical or oral steroids to reduce inflammation and the reaction. Oral antihistamines can also help with itching and allergic response. 90003 90002 Continued sun exposure can also cause further aggravation of a sunscreen allergy-related rash.It’s important to stay out of the sun at this time until your skin has completely healed. It can take up to several days for full recovery, depending on the severity. 90003 90002 The best way to prevent an allergic reaction to sunscreen is by avoiding ingredients you know you’re sensitive to. However, it’s not always possible to know which ingredient is an allergen for you. Unless you’ve seen an allergist for testing, discovering what you’re allergic to can involve a bit of trial-and-error. 90003 90002 You may want to avoid some of the most commonly known sunscreen ingredients that cause reactions.According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, these include: 90003 90010 90011 benzophenones (especially benzeophenone-3, or oxybenzone) 90012 90011 dibenzoylmethanes 90012 90011 cinnamates 90012 90011 added fragrances 90012 90025 90002 Sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide pose fewer risk for allergic reactions, and they also protect against UVA and UVB rays. 90003 90002 As with any new skin care product, it’s a good idea to use a patch test when trying a new sunscreen.You’ll want to do this at least a day or two ahead of time. 90003 90002 To do a patch test: 90003 90058 90011 Squeeze out a small amount of sunscreen into your hand and rub onto an inconspicuous area of ​​skin. The inside of your elbow works well. 90012 90011 Wait and see if any reaction occurs. You may need to expose the area to sunlight in order to see you have a reaction. 90012 90011 If nothing happens over two days, then you can apply the sunscreen to the rest of your body. 90012 90065 90002 Repeated or severe instances of sunscreen allergy should be evaluated by a doctor.A dermatologist can help by diagnosing the skin condition and treating it. They can also offer suggestions for sunscreen use and sun exposure. 90003 90002 You may also need to see an allergist. They can conduct blood or skin tests that will identify your exact allergens. Treatment options for severe allergies can include antihistamines as well as allergy shots. 90003 90002 Another way you can reduce your risk for sunscreen allergy is by minimizing direct exposure to UV rays. Wearing sunscreen every day is recommended when you’re outdoors, but you can also take other measures to prevent UV exposure.This includes wearing hats, long sleeves, and pants whenever possible. Look for clothes with built-in sunscreen protection at outdoor equipment or camping stores. 90003 90002 You can also reduce the amount of outdoor activities you participate in between 10:00 and 4:00 p.m., which is when the sun is at its highest intensity many places in the United States. 90003 90002 Sunscreen allergies are not super rare. The best way to prevent allergic reactions from your sunscreen is to make sure you avoid any known ingredients you’re sensitive to.Reducing your overall exposure to the sun can also protect your skin from harm. 90003 90002 Sunscreen use is an important part of skin cancer prevention, so you should try to find an effective product that does not cause a reaction whenever possible. 90003 90002 If you continue to experience reactions despite switching your sunscreen, it may be time to see a doctor for advice. 90003.