Sun allergy: causes and which doctor to see
Sun allergy is itchy red bumps and patches forming within hours on skin exposed to sunlight. The most common type is polymorphic light eruption, which usually appears with the first sun exposure in spring. Some medicines and perfumed products can also cause similar reactions when combined with sun.
Which doctor should I see for sun allergy?
For sun allergy you can first see: Dermatology. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of sun allergy?
- Itchy bumps on sun-exposed areas (neck, chest, arms)
- Redness and burning
- Blistering (in some types)
- Complaints that lessen as summer goes on
What causes sun allergy?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Polymorphic light eruption
- 2Solar urticaria
- 3Light sensitivity caused by some antibiotics, diuretics and painkillers
- 4Contact with perfume and some plant extracts (phytophotodermatitis)
- 5Immune diseases such as lupus
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- With the rash, is there swelling of the face and lips or shortness of breath
- Along with sun sensitivity, is there joint pain and butterfly-shaped redness on the face
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Get out of the sun and apply a cool compress.
- Use a broad-spectrum, high-protection sunscreen.
- Wear thin, long-sleeved, tightly woven clothes.
- In spring, go out in the sun gradually for short periods.
See a doctor if
- It comes back every summer and limits your life
- It started after a new medicine
- There is joint pain and tiredness
How long does it last and how is it treated?
The rash usually clears within a few days of keeping out of the sun. In some people, a dermatologist can get the skin used to the sun with controlled light therapy in spring.
Who gets sun allergy?
- Young and middle-aged women
- Fair-skinned people
- People taking medicines that cause sun sensitivity
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made from the history and examination; light tests and blood tests for lupus are done if needed.
Can it be prevented?
- Regular sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding the midday hours.
Find a dermatologist in your city
Dermatologists in Turkish cities who can help with sun allergy.
People also describe it as
- “I get bumps on my arms when I go in the sun”
- “I have a sun allergy”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for sun allergy?
For sun allergy you can first see: Dermatology. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of sun allergy?
Common symptoms: itchy bumps on sun-exposed areas (neck, chest, arms); redness and burning; blistering (in some types); complaints that lessen as summer goes on. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What causes sun allergy?
The most common causes: polymorphic light eruption; solar urticaria; light sensitivity caused by some antibiotics, diuretics and painkillers; contact with perfume and some plant extracts (phytophotodermatitis); immune diseases such as lupus. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does sun allergy last and how is it treated?
The rash usually clears within a few days of keeping out of the sun. In some people, a dermatologist can get the skin used to the sun with controlled light therapy in spring.
Who gets sun allergy?
It is more common in: young and middle-aged women; fair-skinned people; people taking medicines that cause sun sensitivity.
How is sun allergy diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made from the history and examination; light tests and blood tests for lupus are done if needed.
Can sun allergy be prevented?
Regular sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding the midday hours.
Is sun allergy contagious?
No, it is not contagious.
Does sun allergy go away?
Flare-ups clear in a few days with sun protection; the tendency can last for years.
I got a rash on the first days of my beach holiday in Turkey — is it sun allergy?
An itchy rash on sun-exposed skin in the first days of strong sun is typical of polymorphic light eruption. Keep out of the sun, use high-protection sunscreen and cover up; see a doctor or pharmacist if it is severe or blistering.
When is sun allergy an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “With the rash, is there swelling of the face and lips or shortness of breath?” “Along with sun sensitivity, is there joint pain and butterfly-shaped redness on the face?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for sun allergy?
See a doctor: it comes back every summer and limits your life; it started after a new medicine; there is joint pain and tiredness.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.