Sun allergy (polymorphous light eruption)

Overview

Skin often gets used to the sun over summer.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Itchy rash after sun
• Rash or flares after sun exposure
• Itching

Less common

• Blisters

Look up a symptom: Itching · Rash · Rash or flares after sun exposure

When to get medical care

Causes

Reaction to sunlight.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women
• Fair skin

Diagnosis

Diagnosis by pattern.

Treatment

Protect skin.

Self-care

• Use sunscreen
• Wear long sleeves
• Increase sun time slowly

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Sunscreen
• Cover up in spring

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an allergist (allergy and asthma doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Education and online support for asthma, allergies, and eczema.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Fades.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could this be from a medicine?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Sun allergy (polymorphous light eruption)