Sun allergy

What in common parlance is called sun allergy, is strictly speaking not an allergy at all, but the summary for various diseases that result in a reaction of the skin to UV light. The radiation impairs the skin's natural protective function, which is supposed to prevent sunlight from causing damage. This causes the body to overreact, resulting in sometimes painful changes to the skin.

Common forms of sun allergy include:

• Polymorphous light dermatosis (PLD): Polymorphous light dermatosis is present in about 90 percent of all sun allergy cases. It develops when the skin is again exposed to intense sunlight after a long period of abstinence, for example over the winter months. The reddening of the skin can still appear days after the first extensive sunbathing. In Germany alone, between 10 and 20 percent of the population suffer from this form.
• Mallorca acne: Mallorca acne is a special form of polymorphic light dermatosis. It is common among vacationers because it is caused by certain creams and sunscreens containing fat. Particularly affected are women between 20 and 40 years.
• Photoallergic reaction: Here, the UV radiation after one to two days leads to inflammation of the skin, which can even become chronic.
• Photototoxic reaction: By taking medication, the skin becomes more sensitive to light, and it can come to a phototoxic reaction in the sun.

The causes of a sun allergy are not yet fully understood. However, there are assumptions about what could be the triggers of the skin changes:. Suspected are free radicals, allergens from creams and cosmetic products, a genetic predisposition and medications, such as antibiotics. The so-called Majorca acne is usually triggered by sunscreens and sweat that contain a lot of fat and emulsifiers. The fat clogs the hair follicles, which leads to inflammation, which is noticeable through pimples and redness.

A sun allergy can occur quite suddenly and recur every year as soon as the first rays of the sun hit the skin in early summer. If the skin is exposed to the sun's rays, sun allergy symptoms such as

• itchy rash
• redness of the skin
• burning of the skin
• formation of small blisters or wheals

Mostly, the skin changes occur on the areas that have been directly irradiated by the sun, such as the face, décolleté and arms. However, they can also occur all over the body on skin areas that have not received direct UV light. If you suffer from severe discomfort or additional symptoms such as headaches or circulation problems, it is best to consult a doctor.

As nice as it is to lie in the sun in summer, a sun allergy can be unpleasant. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare the skin for the vacation or sunbathing and to prevent the skin damage:

• Phototherapy: Through a so-called phototherapy, the skin is slowly accustomed to sunlight.
• Insulation: An adequate sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (at least SPF 30) is urgently necessary when spending time in the sun. Even small children can suffer from a sun allergy if their skin is not protected from the UV rays. Suitable are oil-free preparations that also provide protection against UV-A rays.
• No perfume: Refrain from cosmetic products with perfume. They can lead to irritation of the skin by the sunlight and cause allergies.
• UV-proof clothing: Those who are very sensitive to sunlight, protect themselves best with UV-proof clothing that does not let rays through. Also useful is a sun hat with a wide brim, which shields the face and décolleté from the sun.
• Quark: To relieve the symptoms, cooling quark packs have proven very effective. Quark is a simple home remedy that you can always buy in the supermarket, if no pharmacy is nearby on vacation.
• Aloe Vera: Cooling aloe vera gel or an after-sun lotion for sensitive skin soothe the stressed skin areas and relieve the itching.
• Calcium: The mineral calcium is always happy to be associated with the relief of a sun allergy. However, the effect is not clearly proven. Nevertheless, the early intake of calcium can positively influence the course of the allergy according to experience. However, therapy should always be done only after consultation with a doctor.

If the sun allergy has already fully erupted, you should avoid the sun for a few days. This is of course very annoying on a beach vacation, but urgently necessary so that the skin can recover. During the day, it is better to stay indoors or retreat to the shade. Cover the affected areas with clothing or a cloth, so that the UV rays can not cause additional damage.

If the rash is getting worse, spreads over a large area or causes additional discomfort, you should definitely see a doctor for clarification. He can make an allergy test and if an allergy is present, a treatment with medicines such as Antihistaminika  or cortisone-similar active substances carry out.

As soon as the skin begins to itch and blisters form, the advice is to avoid the sun. Because then the symptoms disappear within a few days by themselves again. A pronounced Mallorca acne, however, can even last a few weeks. A sun allergy cannot be completely cured. It can occur again and again. It is all the more advisable to take preventive measures and slowly accustom the skin to the sun with the first rays of sunshine in spring.