Sun Allergy: Fact or Fiction?

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Spending time in the sun can lead to different health issues, from sunburns to skin malignancies. But is it possible to be allergic to the sun, as well?

In essence, yes, it’s possible to experience an allergic response to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. A sun allergy can trigger an irritating skin eruption, possibly showing up as small red swellings, flushed areas, sores, or wheals on portions of the skin exposed to sunshine, stated Dr. Debra Jaliman, a certified dermatologist practicing in New York, and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, in an interview with Live Science.

Nevertheless, the expression “sun allergy” functions as a general term encompassing several different immune reactions to UV light. Some sun sensitivities might be associated with an individual’s DNA, whereas others might arise as a consequence of particular chemicals present in drugs or beauty products, as indicated by Harvard Health.

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A rash like this one, displayed on fair skin here, may surface approximately two hours after exposure to the sun in individuals with “polymorphic light eruption.”

Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) represents one of the most typical forms of sun allergy. PMLE could potentially impact 1 in 10 people across the globe, yet it appears to be more widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, according to a meta-analysis from 2022 documented in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology. PMLE commonly presents as a skin eruption that arises within a couple of hours of being in the sun. This ailment generally has a greater effect on females than males, and its indications frequently commence in early adulthood. The root cause of PMLE remains unknown to scientists, as per the medical resource StatPearls.

In infrequent instances, PMLE can be inherited genetically. This specific variant of sun allergy, referred to as Actinic prurigo, notably afflicts Native American communities residing in the northern, southern and central regions of the U.S. The telltale signs of Actinic prurigo usually manifest at an earlier stage — and are more pronounced — than in conventional PMLE, according to Harvard Health.

Another prevalent manifestation of sun allergy is photoallergic eruption, a skin response caused by a connection between solar rays and chemicals that are either swallowed or put on the skin. This blistery rash might require one to two days to materialize and has the potential to expand to areas of the skin not directly in the sun, as stated by Harvard Health. Photoallergic eruption “can happen in individuals of all ethnic backgrounds, but those with fair complexions who exhibit greater sensitivity to sunlight have a higher predisposition to experience the symptoms,” shared Jaliman.

Often, photoallergic eruption stems from synthetic compounds present in topical beauty products, including artificial fragrances and benzophenones, a constituent incorporated into specific mineral-based sunblocks. However, naturally occurring elements, such as citrus fruit juice, could also trigger it, as she mentioned. A selection of prescription medications, including “some antibiotics, such as tetracycline and ciprofloxacin; sulfur-containing medications, such as hydrochlorothiazide [a diuretic]; and isotretinoin, a drug prescribed to address acne,” can also give rise to photoallergic eruption, Jaliman pointed out.

Individuals susceptible to solar urticaria could develop hives and elevated areas upon being exposed to the sun. This illustration depicts the appearance of hives on pale skin. RELATED STORIES

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Another variety of sun allergy is solar urticaria, although the vast majority of physicians classify this affliction as uncommon, according to Harvard Health. Those experiencing solar urticaria are inclined to exhibit urticaria and protuberances on their skin almost immediately after coming into contact with sunlight. The origin of this ailment remains uncertain, as mentioned by StatPearls.

Jaliman underscored that a sun allergy could potentially arise in anyone, regardless of whether they’ve ever had an unfavorable reaction to ultraviolet radiation. “For instance, one could take a particular antibiotic for an extended period, only to suddenly have a photoallergic reaction to it,” she explained. “Sadly, such allergic responses could manifest gradually.”

This composition is solely intended for imparting information and does not aim to proffer medical guidance.

Do you often ponder why certain individuals gain muscle mass more easily than others, or the reason freckles appear in sunlight? Direct your inquiries regarding the workings of the human body to [email protected], using the designation “Health Desk Q” in the subject field, and you might find your query addressed on our site!

Anna GoraHealth Writer

Anna Gora functions as a health writer at Live Science, having previously held positions spanning Coach, Fit&Well, T3, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. She is a certified fitness instructor, nutritionist and health consultant, equipped with almost 10 years of hands-on expertise. Anna possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, a Master’s degree in Nutrition, Physical Activity & Public Health from the University of Bristol, and assorted health mentoring accreditations. She holds a deep commitment to enabling individuals to adopt a robust lifestyle and promoting the merits of a plant-dominated dietary regimen.