{"id":14480,"date":"2020-07-27T18:05:45","date_gmt":"2020-07-27T22:05:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=14480"},"modified":"2020-09-03T17:35:41","modified_gmt":"2020-09-03T21:35:41","slug":"photosensitivity-sun-allergy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/photosensitivity-sun-allergy\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a sun allergy? Learn about photosensitivity"},"content":{"rendered":"

People often feel better and <\/span>happier<\/span><\/a> when the sun is shining. But, for people with photosensitivity, sunlight causes health problems. Photosensitivity, also called sun allergy or photodermatoses, is an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from light sources like sun exposure or tanning beds. There are several types of sun allergies. However, all types increase the risk of damage to your skin and your chance of developing skin cancer. The causes of photosensitivity include medical conditions, medications, and genetics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a sun allergy?<\/b><\/h2>\n

An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pet dander or pollen, causing inflammation and other symptoms. When you have a sun allergy, skin damage from UVA and UVB rays is recognized as a foreign substance. It triggers your immune system, resulting in itchy rashes, redness, and inflammation on sun-exposed skin. You are most likely to see a photosensitivity reaction on your neck, back of hands, outside of arms, and lower legs, according to <\/span>Harvard Health<\/span><\/a>. In severe cases, symptoms can spread to areas of the body not exposed to UV light. They might appear within minutes of being in the sun or several days later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Types of photosensitivity<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Skin condition<\/b><\/td>\nCause<\/b><\/td>\nCommon<\/b><\/td>\nAt-risk populations<\/b><\/td>\nAge of onset<\/b><\/td>\nSymptoms<\/b><\/td>\nIncubation period<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)\u2014AKA phototoxicity or sun poisoning<\/span><\/td>\nMost commonly drug-induced<\/span><\/td>\nMost common; affects 10%-15% of U.S. population<\/span><\/td>\nAffects more women than men<\/span><\/td>\nTeens to 20s<\/span><\/td>\nItchy rash, blisters, small red areas, flu-like symptoms, headache, fever, chills, nausea<\/span><\/td>\nWithin a minutes to hours after UV exposure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Photoallergy<\/span><\/td>\nDrug-induced<\/span><\/td>\nLess prevalent than phototoxic reactions<\/span><\/td>\nPeople who use certain topical medications, cosmetics, and fragrances<\/span><\/td>\nAll ages<\/span><\/td>\nBurning or itchy rash and blisters<\/span><\/td>\n24-72 hours after exposure to drug and light<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Actinic prurigo<\/span><\/td>\nGenetic<\/span><\/td>\nRare<\/span><\/td>\nAffects more American Indians than other races, affects more women than\u00a0 men<\/span><\/td>\nUsually before age 10<\/span><\/td>\nItchy, crusty bumps on face, neck, upper extremities, and buttocks<\/span><\/td>\nTypically occurs in spring and can last through winter<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Solar urticaria<\/span><\/td>\nUnknown<\/span><\/td>\nRare; only 7% of sun allergies<\/span><\/td>\nMost prevalent in women<\/span><\/td>\nMedian age of onset is 35<\/span><\/td>\nHives, burning, stinging. Skin can appear darker after the reaction.<\/span><\/td>\nAnywhere from a few hours to a few weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What causes photosensitivity?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several known causes for sun sensitivity, including drug-induced photosensitivity, a symptom of a medical condition, genetics, or it can be idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sun allergies often first appear in childhood, but it very much depends on the type and cause. \u201cSome people can become sun-sensitive and develop an allergy to sun exposure as teens or adults,\u201d explains <\/span>Vindhya Veerula<\/span><\/a>, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. \u201cThis could happen on its own or in conjunction with an autoimmune disorder. Lupus is a common cause of sun sensitivity. Sometimes exposure to certain plants or other chemicals activate with UV radiation and can cause sensitivity.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Photosensitive drugs list<\/span><\/h3>\n

Some medications that might cause sun sensitivity, including acne medications containing alpha-hydroxy acids, antibiotics (i.e. tetracycline and <\/span>doxycycline)<\/span>, allergy medicine, blood pressure meds such as hydrochlorothiazide, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and even some vitamins and supplements, including <\/span>St. John\u2019s wort<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>You can find a full list of sun-sensitizing medications here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When prescribed a new medication, it is vital to read the potential side effects, discuss preventative measures you can take to avoid adverse skin reactions, and understand when to contact a medical professional.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Diseases that cause sun sensitivity<\/span><\/h3>\n

Some medical conditions that cause photosensitivity, according to the <\/span>Skin Cancer Foundation<\/span><\/a>, include:<\/span><\/p>\n