A sun allergy is a reaction of the immune system. It is triggered by the sensitivity due to the sunlight. This is also referred to as photo sensitivity. This condition develops if the skin reacts abnormally to the sunlight. Scientists are unable to understand the exact cause for this sun allergy. Some researchers say that it can also be inherited. Often researches say that the immune system considers sun-altered skin like a foreign substance and produces histamines against it, resulting in allergic reactions. Below lines give information on the sun allergy symptoms:
Sun Allergy Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of sun allergy are based on the particular type of allergic reaction to sun.
PMLE (Polymorphic Light Eruption):
Usually symptoms of this condition develop in minutes to hours after exposing the skin to sun. This allergic reaction begins with an itchy skin rash and small bumps which appear like yellowish or whitish bumps on a red background. You may also observe flat bumps. Inflamed blood vessels make the skin swollen and reddened. This polymorphic light eruption is also known as sun poisoning. Sun poisoning afflicts the hands, back of the arms, face and also the neckline. These symptoms may diminish in a few days if the afflicted areas are protected from sunlight. PMLE develops in spring and summer seasons in most of the people. This is the most common sun allergy.
Actinic Prurigo:
Generally this occurs in young adults and children. Itchy bumps, red and raised skin patches are the symptoms of this condition. These bumps may extend on to the skin which was not exposed to sun. Fluid filled bumps can also form and open up. Actinic prurigo triggers split and chapped lips and may also afflict the hands, arms, ears, neck and cheeks. Sometimes, this allergic reaction may leave scars. Usually the symptoms of actinic prurigo develop in the summer season and improve by the late autumn.
Chronic actinic dermatitis:
This may trigger thick patches of itchy, inflamed and dry skin on the backs of hands and arms, upper chest, neck, scalp and face. Large afflicted areas can have islands of the exposed skin which are not afflicted. Sometimes, symptoms may develop on the bottom of the feet and on the palms. Chronic actinic dermatitis symptoms are similar to the symptoms of contact dermatitis.
Solar urticaria:
The symptoms of this condition develop in minutes of exposing the skin to the sunlight. These may also include blisters, itching and hives. This condition may afflict both the areas covered by clothes and also exposed areas. This condition often occurs in elderly people. Symptoms generally improve in 1 hour after covering the exposed skin.
These are some Sun Allergy Symptoms. Consult the doctor of the symptoms are bothersome. You must seek medical attention if the symptoms are severe or persistent.