As the first warm sunshine rays arrive, they all call us out – a walk, a spontaneous picnic, or just at this happy time to close your eyes and enjoy the sun. But what happens when this peaceful moment turns into itching, red rash?
You could deal with a allergya skin reaction that is more common than you think. In fact, it is estimated that until 20% of people In the United States they are experiencing it – especially at the beginning of spring and summer. And although they are usually not serious, they can be uncomfortable.
We talked to Alessandro de Luca, a medical affairs specialist on ISDIN, to better understand this phenomenon and how to manage it. Today, we are diving What really is the sun’s allergy, who is most likely to take it and how to prevent it– without missing from the sun.
Let’s start.
What is the allergy to the sun?
As soon as we sit with Alessandro, he wants to clarify one thing: “The sun’s allergy is actually an umbrella term for some different conditions, but when people say allergy or sun, they usually refer to a common reaction called a polymorphic eruption of light or ple.”
So what’s the difference? “Ple appears as a rash in the areas exposed to sunlight – often in the first time you are in the sun, like early spring or summer.
Alessandro also brings out another situation called solar urticaria. “This is the chronic photosensitivity to sunlight that causes hives. It can affect any skin tone and appear anywhere in the body. They are much less common than the please, but because they are two different things, both could appear at the same time.”
To summarize things, the term allergy It’s wide. And the most common type of sun reaction is actually a specific situation called a polymorphic light burst – we will focus on this article.
What is the Sun Magazine (Polymorphic Light Break)?
Ple is a rash caused by sunlight in people who are sensitive to sunlight. These itchy, red, inflammatory bumps or patches often appear on the chest, arm, lower legs or legs a few hours to days after your first sunny excursion of the season.
“Most often, it occurs in spring or the first hot days of the year when your skin did not have time to adapt,” says Alessandro. It’s not exactly the sunny reception you hoped … but the good news? It usually goes away from itself within a week or two And it leaves no permanent signs.
What does the sun rash look like?
People usually observe small red hits or itching patches, burn or sting. What is interesting? It often affects the areas covered during the winter, such as your chest, hands or width of your hands.
“Many people do not realize that it is a reaction of the sun because it does not appear or feel like a typical sunburn,” Alessandro explains.

What causes an allergy to the sun?
Since the word Sun allergy covers many things, there are various causes. Some people have a kind of allergy to the sun that has gone through genetics. Others have specific actuators – such as some medicines or even come in contact with plants. And many of the causes behind the reactions of the Sun are still being studied.
The common rash or the Sun Rash or the please are considered to be caused by your body’s immune response to the sunlight after a time that is mainly spent indoors. Think about it like your body, he says, “Whoa. This is very sun!” After exercise.
Who is more likely to experience an allergy to the sun?
Sun allergies can affect anyoneregardless of age, sex or skin tone. But there is a pattern.
Ple makes about 70% of all skin reactions from the sun. Tends to affect Young women with lighter skin tones living in places with high seasonal shifts – where in winter and summer they feel the worlds. Alessandro processes: “This type of reaction often begins in your adolescence or 20, especially in women and once it appears, it can return every year.”
“Interesting,” adds, “is that your skin may be” trained “. As sun exposure increases during the season, the reaction usually becomes milder – or it can stop completely.”

What increases your chances?
Some factors can make you more prone to the rash of the sun:
- Having tone of skin that burns easily
- Living in areas with Great winters or low sunlight
- A family history of the reactions of the sun
- And yes … femaleAccording to clinical studies
How can you help treat an allergy to the sun?
First things first, your dermatologist are involved. ‘Remember that allergy It is an umbrella term and your dermatologist will be able to better diagnose the press and advise treatment, “Alessandro advises.
When it comes to a please or magazine rash of the sun, it is best to gradually get your first rays to help minimize symptoms. “One of the most common mistakes goes back to full sun exposure after months without it,” Alessandro shares. “Just as your body must relax in exercise after a break, your skin needs time to adjust.”
These two habits can make a big difference:
- Start with short periods of exposure to the sunduring the lowest period hours (before 11am or after 5pm). This helps your skin gradually adapt to sunlight without excessive reaction.
- Use sunscreen every dayEven on cloudy days or when you are only outdoors soon. Choose a mine with all mines SPF 50+ wide range protection. Remember to apply at least every two hours again.

Only the frequently questions
Is it serious allergy to the sun?
Most of the time, the Sun Rash (or ple) magazine cleans in itself in a few days. But that doesn’t mean you have to ignore it. Always Consult your dermatologist If you notice something unusual or if it happens every year.
Here is when you have to look for immediate medical care:
- Your rash is spreading quickly or already widespread
- Your rash is painful
- You also have a fever
Is an autoimmune disease allergy?
It depends, since there are many types of sun allergies. In the case of Ple, the most common form of sun allergy, yes – is considered a Mild autoimmune reply. Immunocytes to people With the please it reacts to UV rays, activating a response to defense on the skin.
Now you know a little more about your skin and the most common allergy of the sun: Polymorphic light burst. And remember, the good news is that they are usually temporary and manageable at home.
With the right protection, a little patience and abundance of care, you can continue to enjoy the sun without stress. Take your time-You have all summer!
Reports:
1 FRCPC, S. AA M. (NY). Polymorphic bright explosion: historical, pathophysiology, etiology.
2 Gruber-Wackernagel, A., Schug, T., Graier, vol. Long -term course of polymorphic light explosion: Registry analysis. Frontiers in Medicine, 8.
3 Harris, BW (2022, September 27). Solar urticaria. Statpearls – NCBI Library.
4 Oakley, Am (2022, August 8). Polymorphic light burst. Statpearls – NCBI Library.