What Can You Do Against Sun Allergies?

Jun 7, 2024

What Can You Do Against Sun Allergies?

During the first few days in the sea or in the pool in a sunny country, it strikes: itching! Pimples everywhere—on the arms, décolleté, and lower legs. The skin is red, itchy, and irritated. Do you know this? There are many causes of skin reactions to the sun. However, there is a good chance that you are suffering from a type of sun allergy, also known as polymorphic light eruption (PMLE). Your fair skin, which has been hidden under layers of clothing all winter and is suddenly exposed to the sun, may be reacting to this sudden change.

It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of the European population is affected in summer. Sun reaction usually occurs around the age of 30 and affects women four times more often than men. It affected me when I was in my early 20s.

The Many Faces of Sun Allergy

A sun allergy can develop suddenly and unfortunately cannot be completely treated. It depends on the type—for some, it appears as blisters, for others, red pimples. Some people suffer from red, swollen skin, while others experience intense itching. The rash usually appears 30 minutes to a few hours after exposure to sunlight and can cause severe discomfort. Some people even experience nausea, a runny nose, or other allergic reactions.

The most common form of sun allergy is idiopathic polymorphic light eruption (PMLE)—a term that essentially means “an inflammation of the skin caused by sunlight, but with an unknown cause.”

• Idiopathic – of unknown origin

• Polymorphous – appearing with various symptoms

• Light eruption (Lichtdermatose) – an inflammatory skin reaction triggered by sunlight

This explains why many people never find out exactly why their skin reacts to the sun. Some also refer to this condition as light rash or sun-induced dermatitis.

Other forms include:

• Mallorca Acne – A sun reaction that occurs in spring after prolonged sun absence, causing small, firm nodules or blisters under the skin.

• Solar Urticaria (Lichturtikaria) – A form of hives triggered by the sun, leading to itchy welts on parts of the body exposed to sunlight.

• Photoallergic Light Dermatitis – A skin condition caused by a reaction to certain substances (e.g., cosmetics, medications) in combination with exposure to sunlight. This type of allergic disease can be difficult to identify, as allergens vary widely.

How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Allergy

1. Increase Exposure Slowly

If your skin reacts to the sun, it’s essential to gradually increase sun exposure at the beginning of the season. Many people with polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) experience the most severe reactions in early spring, when the skin is unaccustomed to UV radiation. Over time, a mild tan can help reduce symptoms. Studies have also shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with sun allergy (8, 9, 10).

2. Use the Right Sunscreen

To prevent sun reactions, always apply sunscreen with high SPF and strong UVA protection, as UVA rays are the main trigger for polymorphic light eruption (PMLE). Look for sunscreens labeled with the UVA seal and avoid U.S. sunscreens that often lack proper UVA protection.

Avoid:

• Fragrances – They can be phototoxic and may worsen sun-induced reactions.

• Certain UV filters (e.g., octocrylene, cinnamates) – These can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Use:

• Broad-spectrum UV filters —these are well tolerated and non-irritating.

• Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and panthenol—they help reduce inflammation and support skin repair.

Supporting Skin Health for Better Protection

A strong skin barrier is your best defense against skin reactions. Keep your skin well-hydrated with anti-inflammatory skincare and avoid harsh soaps or irritating cosmetics. There is also increasing evidence that the skin microbiome plays a role in sun reaction—certain bacteria may trigger inflammation when exposed to UV light (5,6,7). In other words, under the influence of sunlight, certain bacteria on your skin can produce substances that trigger problems. Whether it is effective to take probiotics or apply them to the skin, for example, has not yet been clearly established. However, it is advisable to treat the good bacteria on your skin well. This means not using aggressive soaps and only using antibiotics when really necessary. Supporting good bacteria with gentle, microbiome-friendly skincare could be beneficial.

Additionally, low vitamin D levels (8,9,10) have been linked to polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) and other sun-induced skin conditions. Many people benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement year-round. This can be achieved with a healthy diet, good moisturizing care, but also by using a cream with sufficient anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants. There is growing evidence that such ingredients can also limit the risk of sun allergy (1,2,3,4).

What to Do If a Sun Reaction Occurs?

If you experience severe skin reactions, it’s best to have antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream on hand when traveling. In extreme cases, you and your doctor may decide to use oral hydrocortisone as a preventative measure.

A Surprising Benefit of Sun Allergy

There’s also some good news: People with sun allergies often have a more active immune system, which may lower their risk of developing skin cancer.

Other Summer Skin Issues

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about other skin conditions that can ruin your vacation—including skin reactions caused by cosmetic ingredients or medications that mimic sun allergies.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out at support@nayaglow.com!

Other complaints in summer

In the coming summer weeks, I will be writing about a number of skin problems that can thoroughly spoil your vacation. Next time I'll tell you more about a skin rash that is very similar to sun allergy, but caused by the ingredients in cosmetics or medication.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us on support@nayaglow.com