Is It Possible to Have a Sun Allergy?

If you’ve ever gotten blotchy hives and rashes across your body after spending some time outdoors, you may wonder what’s caused your reaction. While it could very well be a typical allergen such as pollen or ragweed, it’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to something bigger — the sun itself.

Am I Allergic to Sunlight?

Solar urticaria, or sun allergy, is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that cause an itchy, red reaction on the skin after exposure to the sun. The most common form of this allergy is polymorphic light eruption — or sun poisoning.

Symptoms of solar urticaria include:

• Redness.
• Itching or pain.
• Bumps that may turn into raised patches.
• Scaling, crusting, or bleeding.
• Blisters or hives.

Itchy, reddish welts will typically appear within minutes of sun exposure and can last for a short time or up to hours.

Hereditary and Environmental Factors

Beyond sun poisoning, it’s possible for some patients to have a hereditary sun allergy. Additionally, patients may experience sun allergy that’s triggered by outdoor factors such as plants or even medications they’re taking.

Those with an increased risk of solar urticaria include individuals who:

• Have dermatitis.
• Regularly use chemicals that may trigger the condition when exposed to sunlight.
• Use antibiotics or other medications that may trigger the condition.

Relief for Your Allergies is Possible at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia

Our board-certified specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia can help you find immediate and long-lasting relief for your allergy symptoms throughout allergy shot and drop treatments. We’ll work to find an individualized plan that works for you.

Call now for same-day relief: (770) 459-0620