Many people dont realize that you’re able to be allergic to the sun.
Here, learn common symptoms of sun allergy, plus how to treat it.
If you continually develop itchy bumps following sun exposure, its quite possible you have a sun allergy.
Keep reading to learn more.
How do you know if you are allergic to the sun?
Most often, this allergy falls within one of two categories.
board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist atIdriss Dermatologyin NYC
Thats not to say that younger people cant develop a sun allergy, though.
Solar urticaria is a relatively rare rash people can develop due to UV rays, he says.
These are essentially itchy hives that are transient and disappear within one to two hours.
What does a sun allergy look like?
In severe cases, the bumps can progress to vesicles (small fluid-filled bumps) to blisters.
Whats the best way to prevent a sun rash?
you might even find SPF lip balm to avoidsun poisoning on your lips.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
These physically block the sun from reaching your skin, he explains.
board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist atIdriss Dermatologyin NYC
How do you treat a sun allergy?
Antihistamines will help with the itching but they wont necessarily make the bumps go away quicker, he explains.
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone can also help if you limit use to only a few days.
Can I suddenly be allergic to the sun?
Most often, sun allergies present themself early in life, says Dr. Kim.
So its not your skin reacting, its the medication thats reacting to UV rays.
Luckily, its typically pretty easy to spot the difference between a sun allergy and a photosensitive reaction.
The Takeaway
Sun allergies existwho wouldve thought?
The good news is that sun allergies arent dire, so they dont require avoiding sunlight altogether.
And on that note, know that you dont have to nix ingredients from your routine altogether.
Instead, use them at night time if you know youll be spending the next day in the sun.
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