Why Some People Suffer From Allergic Reactions to the Sun

Allergic Reactions to the Sun

Photodermatosis is a form of skin reaction to the sun that is not connected with sunscreens and other external factors. People who suffer from photodermatosis tend to develop skin rashes on exposure to the sun where polymorphous light eruption is the most common form of photodermatosis.

Polymorphous light eruption may be induced by the abnormal immune system reaction to the sun and occurs in about 10 to 20% of healthy individuals. This shows that these allergic reactions to sun are a relatively common condition.

There also is a group of people who think that they have a sun allergy because of medications they have ingested or because of applying sunscreen and other similar agents. These people tend to develop an irritating reaction in the body which may be a rash or a tingling and itchy sensation on the skin. However the probability of getting a real allergic reaction to sunscreen is comparatively low.

Allergic reactions to sun develop within a few hours of sun exposure where red bumps or blisters develop at the exposed area. These blisters prove to be itchy by developing into a rash that is similar to hives or insect bites. In some cases, there may not be any symptoms; and in some cases, if the reaction is not treated it may last for a few days or weeks and then go away on its own.

Allergic reactions to sun usually start in springtime during temperate climate. With the progress of the season, the person usually becomes less sensitive to the reaction. It is those in their 20s and 30s who are most likely to develop photosensitivity.

Sometimes there exists an association between lupus and thyroid problems with sun allergy; but otherwise, patients of sun allergy are perfectly healthy. It is usually the UVB light, and sometimes the UVA of sunlight that induces allergic reactions to the sun. Even oral medications like some antibiotics and some diuretics tend to make the skin sensitive to sunlight. On testing which medication and form of UV light is the cause for the sun allergy, doctors will be able to give the right treatment for the reaction.

The best treatment for allergic reactions to sun is of course, staying in the shade, using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. If a sunscreen is the cause of sun allergy, you have to try numerous sunscreens to find the perfect sunscreen that does not induce an allergy. You can also consider using sunscreen containing only titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as these ingredients don’t induce sun allergy.

Those suffering from polymorphous light eruptions every summer can opt for ultraviolet light treatment to desensitize the skin in the spring. The body system gets used to ultraviolet light after exposing the skin to ultraviolet light. You may need to take 15 treatments to reap the benefits of the treatment.


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An Overview of the Various Allergic Reactions

Various Allergic Reactions

Practically everyone experiences allergic reactions to something or the other. Allergies are not contagious or hereditary as allergies form according to the body constitution of a person. Some people are allergic to bee stings, some to latex, some to dust and some to flower pollens. Whichever allergy you may suffer from, it affects only you and does not pass on to anyone else.

When you suffer from allergic reactions, it is basically the response of the body to an ‘invader’ called the antigen. The antigen triggers the body immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from harmful agents like bacteria and toxins. And this trigger is called an allergic reaction. The trigger or allergen can be anything like some food, medications, plants, dust, insect venoms or bacteria.

Once the body is exposed to an antigen, a chain of reactions starts in the body. First the white blood cells produce antibodies specific to the antigen through ‘sensitization’. It is these antibodies that detect and destroy substance that induce disease and sickness. Usually the antibody involved in allergic reactions is called immunoglobulin E.

The antibody then produces and releases chemicals and hormones called ‘mediators’, where histamine is a famous mediator. These mediators affect the local tissue and organs while activating more white blood cells and this produces symptoms of the allergic reaction.

Sudden release of the mediator leads to sudden and severe allergic reactions. As different people suffer from different triggers that trigger allergies, you have to find out what you are allergic to. Sometimes, besides food, dust and bee stings, minor injuries, exercise, emotions and hot or cold temperatures can become your trigger for allergic reactions.



The allergic reaction may take place in a spot in the form of a small skin rash or itchy eyes, or over the body like a body rash. Sometimes you may develop a persistent cough, congestion or a running nose. Sometimes the allergic reactions may have more than one symptom too, and sometimes, it may be life threatening like in anaphylaxis. The extent of the allergy depends on the person, and is sometimes unpredictable.

Though allergies tend to run in a family, it is not necessary to be hereditary. So there is a chance of your suffering from an allergy even if no one else suffers from the allergy in your family. It has been found out that people having one trigger for allergic reactions usually have other triggers too. It is also those having some medical conditions that are more prone to allergic reactions. It’s best you visit your family doctor to find out what may trigger allergic reactions in your body.




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Allergic Reactions
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Allergy Relief That Works

Allergy Relief

Individuals all over the world suffering from allergy seek one important thing- allergy relief. Why shouldn’t they when allergy makes normal life unproductive? When people start experiencing symptoms like itchy red eyes, sneezing, coughing, itching and shortness of breath, their daily routine becomes a burden. Some employees become sick or go to work late because they are looking for allergy relief that would relieve them from the annoying symptoms immediately. In a study published at Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology last 2008; the research titled “Rhinitis and Impact on Work” revealed that loss in productivity among employees reached as much as 11 to 40%. For this reason, people badly need an allergy relief that can help them cope with an allergy attack.

One of the latest allergy reliefs that are offered by health clinics and hospitals are allergy shots popularly known as immunotherapy. The shot also contains tiny amount of allergens that can make the body build its immune system to that specific allergen. At a certain point that the body has built immunity to that allergy, then it does not overreact when an allergy attack happens. According to the Mayo clinic web site, the doctor gives the first few shots that has small amount of allergens. As the body begins to develop immunity, then the amount of allergens are increased in the succeeding shots. As a result, the body would lessen its reaction to allergens once the person is completely immune.

A typical allergy relief that people always seek out are antihistamines. Normally, antihistamines are over-the-counter medications that can rapidly relieve allergy. Antihistamines are considered as an effective allergy relief since it works as an agent that prevents the actions of histamines. When the actions of histamine are blocked, the body is relieved from allergy symptoms which prevents downtime. There are two levels of antihistamines: first generation and second-generation. The only disadvantage with antihistamines as an allergy relief are the usual side effects related with its use such as drowsiness and contraindications for people with heart disease according to familydoctor.org.

Currently, allergy relief products are available from almost any pharmacy. Nevertheless, seeing a doctor is the most essential part of treatment.


Browse Allergy
Allergic Reactions
Allergy Tips


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