Sun allergy: causes, symptoms and what helps
Sun allergy is a condition that causes itching, redness or small blisters after sun exposure. In most cases, though, it’s not a true allergy but a skin reaction to UV radiation. Discover the different forms it can take and what helps.
Frequently asked questions about sun allergy
The term “sun allergy” refers to various skin reactions that can occur after sun exposure, the most common being polymorphic light eruption and Mallorca acne. The skin often reacts to UVA and UVB rays when it’s not yet accustomed to the sun after winter or a longer break. In most cases, however, it’s not a true allergy.
Typical symptoms include itching, burning, redness and small blisters, bumps or acne. These usually appear on areas of the body exposed to the sun and can develop within hours or several days after exposure, depending on the type.
It’s important to let the skin adjust to the sun gradually and to avoid intense midday sun. Protective clothing and high-SPF sunscreen are also essential. If you’re prone to Mallorca acne, opt for products that are free from oils, fragrances and emulsifiers.
Affected areas should be protected from further sun exposure and cooled. Symptoms usually subside within a few days. After consulting a medical professional, antihistamines or cortisone-based treatments may also be taken.
Heat rash can cause symptoms similar to sun allergy but isn't triggered by UV radiation. It occurs when sweat ducts become blocked or inflamed and appears as itchy blisters or small bumps.
Heat allergy refers to hives triggered by heat. It’s therefore not caused by sun exposure but by an increase in body temperature. Besides hot weather, this can also be due to exercise, hot showers, fever or emotional stress. Typical symptoms are small, intensely itchy swellings.
Itching, redness or blisters
The sun doesn’t just provide warmth – it also enables our bodies to produce vital vitamin D. However, if still unaccustomed to the sun, the skin can react to the UV-A and UV-B rays with itching, redness or blisters. This is when we commonly talk of a sun allergy, but in most cases the condition is actually "polymorphic light eruption" or "acne mallorca".
Not an allergy per se
According to aha! Allergy Centre Switzerland, the so-called sun allergy is not actually an allergy at all. This is because the immune system doesn’t play a significant role in the physical reaction. From a technical standpoint, the term “allergy” is therefore misleading in this context.
What kinds of sun allergy are there?
The term “sun allergy” is used to describe a range of skin irritations. However, these aren’t always forms of the same reaction. In some cases, they’re separate medical conditions with similar symptoms that are mistaken for sun allergy.
Most common form: polymorphic light eruption
The most common disease is polymorphic light eruption. Typical of this form of sun allergy is a skin reaction resulting from sunbathing for the first time after the winter months or after a longer break from the sun, when the skin is not yet accustomed to the UV rays. It can take several hours or even days before the skin reacts to the increased sun exposure, but then the areas of the skin affected by the sun start to itch and a burning sensation develops. The skin turns reds and blisters form.
Mallorca acne
A particular form of sun allergy is Mallorca acne (Acne aestivalis). It’s often caused by the combination of sunlight and cosmetics or sunscreen containing oily substances. Painful, itchy spots form, which look like acne.
Heat rash and prickly heat
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, can also occur in hot weather, but has nothing to do with the sun itself: When temperatures are high and the body sweats heavily, sweat ducts can become blocked or inflamed. This leads to small, itchy or tingling blisters and bumps. The best thing is to cool the skin and wear light, airy clothing.
Heat allergy and sun allergy: What's the difference?
The term “heat allergy” isn’t medically precise, but it usually refers to hives that appear in response to heat. These typically present as small, intensely itchy swellings on the skin. Heat allergy is often mistaken for sun allergy. Unlike sun allergy, though, the trigger isn’t UV radiation but a high body temperature, sweat or direct heat contact. It can be brought on by exercise, hot showers, fever or emotional stress.
The right treatment
The skin irritations will disappear within a few days – but only if the skin isn't exposed to strong UV radiation again. It's also important to cool the itching and reddened areas. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice on the use of vinegar compresses, antihistamines and cortisone treatments in providing additional relief. If inflammation occurs, it’s advisable to consult a specialist.
Sun allergy prevention
The following tips will help prevent the onset of a sun allergy:
- Accustom the skin to sunlight slowly. Avoid long sunbathing sessions and the midday sun between 11am and 3pm.
- Use a sunscreen product with a high sun protection factor. To avoid acne mallorca, use a product free of grease, fragrance and emulsifiers.
- Wear suitable clothing. Clothing provides only limited protection against UV-A and UV-B rays, but the darker the clothing and the denser the fabric, the better.
- We have a false sense of security in the shade. Our environment reflects sunlight even in places appearing to be in the shade – up to 70% of radiation intensity is reflected by sand, water, snow or buildings. Glass windows also don’t protect the skin from UV rays.
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