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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Sun allergy symptoms depend on the particular type of sun allergy you have.
- Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) symptoms usually start within minutes to several hours after exposure to sunlight. A reaction usually starts with itchy skin and tiny bumps (papules) that appear whitish or yellowish on a red background. Flat bumps (plaques) may develop. Inflamed blood vessels can cause your skin to become red and swollen. PMLE, sometimes called sun poisoning, may affect the neckline, the backs of the arms, the face and the hands. Symptoms usually go away within a few days when the affected areas are protected from sunlight. For most people, PMLE occurs in the spring and early summer. It's the most common type of sun allergy.
- Actinic prurigo usually occurs in children and young adults. Symptoms can include red, raised patches of skin and itchy bumps that may extend onto skin that wasn't exposed to sunlight. Fluid filled bumps may form and crack open. Actinic prurigo often causes chapped and split lips (cheilitis), and can affect the cheeks, neck, ears, arms and hands. In some people, actinic prurigo leaves scars. Symptoms generally start in the summer months and improve by late autumn.
- Chronic actinic dermatitis can cause thick patches of dry, itchy and inflamed skin on the face, scalp, back and sides of the neck, upper chest, and backs of the arms and hands. Large affected areas may have "islands" of exposed skin that aren't affected. In some cases, symptoms occur on the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet. Symptoms of chronic actinic dermatitis are similar to symptoms caused by direct contact with an allergy-causing substance (contact dermatitis).
- Solar urticaria symptoms start within minutes of exposure to sunlight and can include hives, itching and blisters. Solar urticaria can affect both exposed areas and areas covered by clothes. It occurs most often in older adults. Symptoms usually improve within an hour after covering exposed skin.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have unusual, bothersome skin reactions after exposure to sunlight. For severe or persistent symptoms, you may need to see a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin disorders (dermatologist).
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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