Allergic reactions to the sun are specific: solar urticaria, photoallergic dermatitis, and phototoxic dermatitis. All of them are due to hypersensitivity of the body, which usually develops when the sun is combined with a number of topical or systemic agents.
Description
Allergic reactions to the sun are specific: solar urticaria, photoallergic dermatitis, and phototoxic dermatitis. All of them are due to hypersensitivity of the body, which usually develops when the sun is combined with a number of topical or systemic agents. Topical are called those that are applied (spread) to the skin, and systemic those that are taken orally.
Their symptoms differ from person to person. The most common are erythema (reddening) with or without edema or rash, itching, skin pigmentation, blisters of various sizes, liquid flow, or skin “cracking”.
Phototoxic dermatitis
It is a reaction that is caused by the contact of a substance, either topical or systemic (e.g. drugs, pigments, essential oils), with sunlight. It is caused directly, i.e. with the patient’s first exposure to the sun.
Photoallergic dermatitis
It requires previous exposure, which caused the person’s sensitization, and as a result of being exposed to the sun many times, a reaction develops.
Solar urticaria
A rare allergic reaction only to the sun (without any photosensitizing agents), which manifests through wheals (lesions like little swellings) on parts of the body exposed to the sun (usually the hands, although they can also appear elsewhere).
What we should know
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Use protective clothes (trousers, long-sleeve shirt, hat, sunglasses) during exposure outdoors.
• Frequent application of the right sunscreen to the skin.
• In case of using any drugs, it is recommended to contact a Dermatologist, in order to avoid causing any skin reaction to the sun.
Treatment
• Removal of the responsible agent (upon consultation with the attending physician)
• Medication (e.g. cortisone, antihistamines)
• Avoid the sun
