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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have a sun allergy or an increased sensitivity to the sun, you can help prevent a reaction by taking these steps:
- Limit your time in the sun. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is brightest.
- Avoid sudden exposure to lots of sunlight. Many people have sun allergy symptoms when they are exposed to more sunlight in the spring or summer. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend outdoors so that your skin cells have time to adapt to sunlight.
- Wear sunglasses and protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats can help protect your skin from sun exposure. Avoid fabrics that are thin or have a loose weave — UV rays can pass through them. You may want to consider wearing clothes specifically designed to block UV rays, which can be found at sporting goods stores.
- Apply sunscreen frequently. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
References
- Gambichler T, et al. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Immunologically mediated photodermatoses diagnosis and treatment. 2009;10:169.
- Millard T, et al. Photosensitivity disorders cause, effect and management. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2002;3:239.
- Ofori AO, et al. Overview of cutaneous photosensitivity: Photobiology, patient evaluation, and photoprotection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 23, 2010.
- Ferguson J. Diagnosis and treatment of the common idiopathic photodermatoses. Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 2003;44:90.
- Ofori AO, et al. Photosensitive disorders (photodermatoses): Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 23, 2010.
- Lenane P, et al. Sunscreens and the photodermatoses. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2001;12:53.
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