Sun Allergy

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There are many of us who just love a sunny day and would seize the chance to have a picnic or go to the beach. Yet there are others who have to avoid the sun like a plaque. Reason? Sun allergy .

It is not clear why some of these people would get a sun allergy. There is evidence to show that a sun allergy can be inherited.

Sun allergy symptoms appear as a rash or hives on the exposed skin. A sun allergy happens when your immune system detects a part of sun-altered skin as a threat your body and responds by triggering the allergic cascade. You can itch all over and your body becomes inflammed. In severe form, the rashes appear as vesicles or fluid filled and bublle like under your skin. There are usually two forms of sun allergies that can happen to the body. They are polymorphous light eruption and solar urticaria.

Some skin disorders are diagnosed as also a sun allergy. It is probably caused by a combination of factors. First, by a food allergy or having applied something to your skin and thereafter, going out to the sun. True sun and heat allergy is extremely rare. Sensitivity to the sun or otherwise known as sensitivity to sunlight is more common.

Your risk to getting a sun allergy increases if you have diseases such as porphyria or take certain medications such as birth control pills, Phenothiazines, Tetracycline, Diuretics. Harsh soaps and perfumes also worsens skin irritation. Sunscreens with p-aminobenzoic acids (PABA) also increases an allergic response.

If you suffer from a sun allergy, you will have to avoid direct sunlight. Wear a hat if you need togo out or stay in the sheltors. Do not use creams that are known to irritate skin.

You feel extremely ill in sunlight. In severe cases, a sunlight allergy can also result in an anaphylactic shock. An anaphylactic shock is potentially life threatening. You would need emergency medical care should you get an anaphylactic shock.