There are many people in the world today that suffer with some type of sun allergy. These people find they have to avoid being outside or even near windows without shades. Even on cloudy days, they can need to be careful. The good news is there are many things you can do to learn how to cope.

What is a sun allergy?

It’s the changes that happen to the skin when you are exposed to the sun. Also called polymorphous light eruption, it’ll cause your skin to itch and get tiny red bumps and possibly even small blisters or a rash. It occurs because the suns UV rays can actually alter or change the condition of your skin. This is generally found in people of a young age. It can be found in many children and even young adults. It’s possible that some individuals will not show symptoms until they get older. There are hereditary types of sun allergies called actinic purigo, solar urinary and Photo allergic eruption.

Learning to live with it

There are preventative measures you can use to protect your skin when outdoors. The following are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Sun block: This is perhaps the most important thing you can do to protect your skin. Use it even on a cloudy day. This includes putting sunscreen on your face as well as your lips.
• Hats: Wearing them will protect your face, head and back of the neck.
• Sunglasses: Protection for the sensitive areas around your eyes.
• Long sleeve shirts and pants: Although it may be hot on a summer day, your arms and legs will be protected this way.

Treatment solutions

While there isn’t a cure there are several treatments that can be used to help the symptoms. Some of these are as follows:

• Creams: Your doctor will be able to recommend the best one for your situation
• Damp compress: This works best on an area with mild exposure
• Over-the-counter medications: While these won’t cure your problem, many of them should be able to help the symptoms like the itching. Your doctor will be able to recommend perception strength drugs if you need them.

It is important to remember that certain medications will increase your sensitivity to the sun so be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new medication to see if there are certain precautions that you need to take when going outdoors.

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