What is a sun allergy?

Allergies are never fun to live with. They can be uncomfortable or painful, and they frequently prevent you from savouring some of life's most simple joys. But what if you are sensitive towards something you can't avoid, like the sun? A sun allergy, often known as sun rash, as well as sun poisoning, represents one of the certain disorders that involve an allergic response to sunlight exposure. Some types of solar allergies are caused by the susceptibility of the immune system to sunlight on the skin. Some are passed down through the generations as a hereditary aspect.

There is also a type of sun intolerance that occurs only when substances or chemicals on the skin, such as those found in cosmetics and perfumes, are present. Many of the sunlight allergy symptoms are moderate, however, more serious reactions have been observed, thus proper knowledge, prevention and treatment are significant to eradicate complications. According to a case study in 2003, two-thirds of patients in 87 cases reported benefits from avoiding the sun, using black outfits, and taking antihistamines. The same study concluded that 36% of patients continued to benefit from these treatments fifteen years after their diagnosis. 

Sun allergies are much more widespread than many people believe, owing to underreporting by those who suffer from them. A sun allergy, while seldom life-threatening, can be unpleasant, ugly, and cause significant suffering. If you or a loved one has a sun allergy, see a health physician for advice and treatment. Up to 20% of people worldwide may suffer from sunlight allergies. Only 10 to 15 percent of Americans, as estimated by the Cleveland Clinic, are impacted by this kind of allergy.

Types & Symptoms

Sun allergies vary widely depending upon the cause of the issue. Different skin reactions to the sun are possible, leading to a range of symptoms based on the underlying cause. Identifying whether the sensitivity is linked to sun exposure alone or combined with other external triggers can be helpful. In some cases, a Premium Intolerance Test can help identify broader sensitivities—including reactions to personal care products or certain foods—that may exacerbate sunlight responses.

Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE):

The most widespread type of sun allergy is polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), which affects women more frequently than men. Typically, it begins in a person's teens or twenties. PMLE often presents as itchy rashes but may also appear as blisters or tiny reddish spots. The face, neck, shoulders, arms, and legs are commonly affected—especially when they’ve had little recent sun exposure. The term "polymorphous" reflects the fact that symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.

Please note that UVA radiation can still cause a light eruption even in glass-enclosed environments, such as cars or indoor spaces near windows. In these cases, it might be helpful to assess whether environmental allergens are contributing to sensitivity. A Environmental Intolerance Test can provide useful insights by detecting reactions to airborne elements like pollen, moulds, or chemical agents that may worsen flare-ups under sun exposure.

Symptoms:

Typically, the signs and symptoms show up hours or even days following sun exposure:

• Skin that itches and burns
• Blisters, papules, and reddish areas
  

Photoallergic eruption:

In this type of sun allergy, exposure to sunlight triggers a skin reaction to a chemical present on the skin—often found in sunscreens, fragrances, cosmetics, or ingredients in topical medications. It can also result from oral treatments, especially certain prescription drugs. Some medications can make the skin hypersensitive to sunlight, even when applied or taken days earlier.

Common culprits include antibiotics such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and sulphonamides; NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); and diuretics used to manage cholesterol or heart failure. A product that’s perfectly safe to use in winter might trigger unexpected issues under the stronger UV rays of spring and summer. These reactions can also leave lasting effects on the skin, such as white or brown discolouration in previously affected areas. To help manage irritation and itching caused by such eruptions, soothing solutions like E45 Itch Relief Cream can be useful for calming inflamed skin. For those seeking a cooling effect during flare-ups, Eurax Cooling Itch Relief Gel provides fast-acting relief, especially when discomfort becomes persistent or intense.

Symptoms:

Based on the active ingredient, there may be rapid reactivity or postponed symptoms that only go away steadily, even if sunlight exposure is minimized, for instance in the scenario of polymorphous light eruption:

• Itching Pain Burning
• Small or big blisters, or redness

Solar urticaria: 

Skin exposed to the sun develops hives—large, itchy, red lumps—within minutes. This rare condition, known as solar urticaria, is an unusual form of sun allergy. Most people affected are young women, and while the condition is uncommon, it can sometimes trigger anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening allergic response. During such episodes, the body's tissues release histamine, leading to symptoms that range from moderate skin irritation to severe systemic reactions.

Unlike some other solar allergies, solar urticaria symptoms typically begin within minutes of exposure to light and often resolve within a few hours. These may include itchy, burning skin, reddening in sun-exposed areas, and in more severe cases, dizziness, nausea, and a drop in blood pressure. Given how individual these responses can be, those who suspect underlying sensitivities may benefit from a broader look into potential triggers using Welzo’s Intolerance Tests collection, which can help identify both food and environmental factors contributing to chronic skin reactions.

Symptoms:

• Skin that is itchy and burning
• Reddening in zones exposed to ultraviolet light
• In more severely affected areas of the skin, nausea, a drop in blood pressure, and dizziness may occur.

Actinic prurigo

This type of solar allergy is inherited from parents. This usually begins at an early age, and the symptoms are more severe than with other forms.

Actinic prurigo is indeed a hereditary sun allergy. Actinic prurigo symptoms are more severe and intense than other forms. These symptoms first appear in childhood. Its symptoms are frequently more severe than those of conventional PMLE, and they usually appear sooner, in childhood or adolescence. The condition may run through the many descendants of the same family.

Symptoms:

• Itchy rashes
• Crusty bumps

Diagnosis of Sun Allergy

Frequently, sun allergies can only be determined by examining the skin. Doctors may also need information about the patient's family background in addition to certain other allergy tests to make a proper diagnosis and determine what caused the allergic reaction. The following tests could be done for diagnosis:

• Photo patch Testing: It determines whether the skin is sensitive to elements in sunlight. Typical sun allergy triggers are applied to the skin, particularly the back, by a medical professional. To see if a reaction takes place in the area exposed to light, a sun lamp emits measurable dosages of UV radiation after a day. If so, the ingredient is what is causing the sun allergy.
• UV light testing: With the use of this test, doctors can identify the precise allergens by seeing how the skin responds to various UV light wavelengths.
• Blood & skin sampling: Only when a doctor detects underlying diseases like lupus that could be causing sun sensitivities, such as lupus, are blood testing and skin samples necessary.

Treatment

Regardless of the condition, stay away from the sun and avoid it for the moment immediately. If you have had a moderate sun allergy, symptoms like itchiness, skin irritation, or breakouts will typically go completely out of their own in a few days without leaving any marks or doing any long-term harm to your skin.

Cortisone-containing anti-inflammatory ointments, creams, and lotions can offer relief for more severe symptoms. Antihistamines help relieve itching. These are used to treat sun urticaria in particular.

Some of the homemade remedies offer a soothing and restorative effect.

• Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera can be used to calm the skin and reduce itching in the affected area. The best aloe vera products are a chilled gel or juice straight from the leaf. If you're opting for store-bought options, look for fragrance-free, ready-to-use products that are gentle on sensitive skin. Aloe Vera Sun Lotion SPF15 is a great option, combining soothing aloe with sun protection to help prevent further irritation from UV exposure. Aloe vera has also been shown to be effective in healing both first- and second-degree burns, according to a study of four clinical trials involving 371 patients.

• Therapeutic clay:

Mineral-rich clay heals sun-damaged skin, acts as an anti-inflammatory and includes minerals. Simply create a spreadable paste by combining the healing clay using cold water, then massage to the affected regions. Dry completely before rinsing with water.

• Apple cider

Apple cider vinegar is a common household cure that works quite well to stop the itching brought on by sun allergy. There is no need to rinse off the tincture because the vinegar's acrid scent will go away very quickly.

Prevention

• Allow your skin to gradually adjust to the sun.

Our skin overreacts because we spend the entire year sitting in an office and then burn for hours in the sun. You have quite a greater shot of appreciating your vacation without developing a sun allergy if you gradually allow your skin to adjust to additional UV exposure throughout the holiday while wearing good sunscreen.

• Protect yourself.

Put on clothing to keep your skin covered. A sun hat is essential. To reduce exposure and boost sun protection, put on UPF-protective clothes, eyeglasses, broad headwear, and/or modest long sleeves.

• Apply sunscreen.

Always reapply sunscreen frequently throughout the day, especially after sweating or swimming. A minimum SPF of 30 to 50 is recommended for effective protection. For convenient on-the-go application, the Sunly Sunscreen Stick Tropical SPF 30 offers targeted coverage with a mess-free format. Ideally, sunscreens should also include antioxidants to provide additional cellular defence, enhancing their overall protective effects against sun damage.

• Avoid using cosmetics and fragrances while tanning

In the sun, perfumes, body sprays, and scented body lotions can cause significant skin irritation, itchiness, and sun allergies. In the summer, it is preferable to use unscented products.

Conclusion

When controlled and treated effectively, sun allergies—whether inherited or not—help an individual maintain a normal lifestyle. If you are worried about allergies why not try out our allergy testing kit to get a clearer answer. To learn more about Allergies, read our comprehensive guide that covers: Allergies:, Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment options. If you are looking for treatments for hay fever or general allergens, then visit our extensive page with allergy and hayfever medication and tablets.