- With Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist
James T. Li, M.D.
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James T. Li, M.D.
James T. Li, M.D.
"People with allergy or asthma can lead full and healthy lives." — Dr. James Li
Dr. Li is chair of the Division of Allergic Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine and a board-certified asthma and allergy specialist. He hopes his expertise and the information on the site educates health care consumers in an area of rapid change both in medications and diagnoses.
"There are a lot of misperceptions about allergy and asthma," says Dr. Li, a New York City native who has been with Mayo since 1985 and works with a group of subspecialists in allergy, asthma and immunology. "I believe it's important to provide truthful, accurate information about allergy and asthma to the public. The more people know, the better they can take care of these conditions."
Dr. Li is a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He is a past director of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He is a fellow in the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and is a director of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology honored him with the Distinguished Service Award and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology with its Special Recognition Award.
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Question
Sun allergy: Can I be allergic to sunshine?
Is it possible to have a sun allergy? If my skin is exposed to the sun even for a few minutes, I break out in hives.
Answer
from James T. Li, M.D.
Yes, it's possible to have a sun allergy — though this is very rare. In sensitive people, direct sun exposure can trigger an immune system response that activates inflammatory cells or proteins in the skin. The result may be an itchy, red rash or hives (solar urticaria). This reaction usually fades within 24 hours after sun exposure.
More commonly, however, certain medications, chemicals or conditions cause increased sensitivity of the skin to sun exposure (photosensitivity). For example, you may experience a red rash on exposure to sunlight if an ingredient in your sunscreen or perfume causes photosensitivity. This reaction causes an increased sensitivity to sunlight, but is not technically an allergic reaction.
If you have sun allergy or an increased sensitivity to the sun, you can reduce your risk of a reaction by:
- Limiting your time in the sun
- Wearing sunglasses and protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, when you're outside
If you have solar urticaria, your doctor may also recommend the use of antihistamines to prevent or reduce a reaction. Using sunscreen may offer some protection. Also, sunscreens don't block out ultraviolet rays completely, so you may still experience a skin reaction.
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