You may have seen the struggles of sun allergies in Blockbuster movies like “Midnight Sun”, but did you know that it is actually a reality for some? Sun allergies can be difficult for many to wrap their head around, because how can something so natural cause so much harm?
Typically speaking, sun allergies develop around the age of 35. This leaves a lot of people questioning how something that you have been exposed to your whole life can cause such severe and sudden discomfort.
Like any allergy, there is unfortunately no cure… There are, however, treatments and precautions recommended by Dr. Shehla Ebrahim that can lessen your reaction.
What causes a sun allergy (Solar Urticaria)?
Believe it or not, still to this day the cause of sun allergies has yet to be determined.
Also known as solar urticaria, researchers are still on the hunt for its true cause but were able to find out some useful information along the way. Sun allergy is a photosensitivity disorder which causes urticaria (itching, redness and swelling) on the skin in areas that are exposed to the sun. Though it is normally benign, some individuals experience severe reactions which lead to discomfort in their day-to-day lives.
The hypersensitivity typically shows up on exposed skin minutes after sun exposure and can be easily mistaken for a sunburn. To test for solar urticaria, physicians use photo testing for a diagnosis.
What are the signs of sun allergy (Solar Urticaria)?
At times mistaken for a sunburn, sun allergy does have its differentiating factors. Here’s a quick comparison of the two!
| Symptoms of a Sunburn | Symptoms of Solar Urticaria (Sun allergy) |
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Severe cases may lead to more severe reactions like:
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How is Sun Allergy (Solar Urticaria) Treated?
As previously mentioned, there is no cure for solar urticaria, though there are some treatments that may help!
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms, talk to your skin care physician about appropriate antihistamine doses, phototherapy, and combination treatments which may also include oral and topical medication.
In the meantime, we urge you to:
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Wear dark clothing
- Invest in a broad spectrum SPF
As always, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional to go over your options and create a plan that will work for you. To speak to a healthcare professional, CLICK HERE to connect with Vancouver, BC Skin Care Physician Dr. Shehla Ebrahim.