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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffRisk factors for having an allergic reaction to sunlight depend on your particular condition. These include:
- Race. Anyone can have a sun allergy, but certain sun allergies are most common in people of certain racial backgrounds. For example, the most common type of sun allergy (polymorphic light eruption) occurs mostly in Caucasians. Actinic prurigo is most common in Native Americans.
- Sex and age. Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) is most common in girls and in women under age 30. However, a certain type of PMLE known as juvenile spring eruption occurs in boys and young men. Chronic actinic dermatitis most often affects older men who've spent a lot of time in the sun.
- Exposure to certain substances. Some skin allergy symptoms are triggered when your skin is exposed to a certain substance and then to sunlight. Some common substances responsible for this type of reaction include fragrances, disinfectants and even certain sunscreens.
- Taking certain medications. A number of medications can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight — including tetracycline antibiotics, nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ketoprofen) and sulfa-based drugs. Reactions to oral medications are less common than reactions to medications you apply to your skin.
- Having another skin condition. Having atopic dermatitis or another type of dermatitis increases your risk of having a sun allergy.
- Having relatives with a sun allergy. You're more likely to have a sun allergy if you have a blood relative — such as a sibling or parent — with a sun allergy.
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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