Its all fun in the sun until someone breaks out in an uncomfortable rash.
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The rash is terribly itchy and the bumps can look crusty, they note.
Did you start using a new facial serum?
Spritz on a new fragrance or apply a new body lotion before a beach day?
Your red rash might be from whats called a photoallergic reaction.
Another potential offender in photoallergic skin reactions?
The temperature is comfortable.
The sun is shining down on you in all its life-giving glory and youre soaking it up.
PMLE is common, affecting up to 15% of people, perCleveland Clinic.
That said, it will likely reoccur at the start of each spring.
PMLE can last a lifetime, however, you may outgrow it over many years, Dr. Rogge explains.
Experts arent sure why, exactly, it may become less severe over time, though.
If you get hives when you go out in the sun, you may have solar urticaria.
What are sun allergy symptoms?
In this case, your skin will appear patchy, and may have subtle pink or fluid-filled bumps.
If you have a lighter skin tone, this rash will likely appear red.
What does sun rash look like with solar urticaria?
Youll typically see crusted bumps, according toCleveland Clinic.
Whats the difference between a sun allergy and sun poisoning?
Asun poisoningrash is often put in the sun allergy category, but these are two different conditions.
Sun poisoning happens after really severe cases of sunburn.
The damage also triggers increased blood flow to the skin, which can make you feel lightheaded.
Therefore, it can occur in covered-up skin and it can happen even if you havent gone outside.
How do you get rid of a sun allergy?
In the meantime, there are a few treatment options that can help you find relief.
For solar urticaria or PMLE, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve itchiness, advises Dr. Hale.
Some examples are loratadine, also known as Claritin, and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
These meds quell the histamine response in hives from solar urticaria, but also the reaction in PMLE.
These are available as over-the-counter creams and stronger versions via prescription from your doctor.
you could apply topical steroids to your legs, arms, or the backs of your hands.
