What are the symptoms?

People usually develop reactions within a few hours of sun exposure. Symptoms depend on the type of sun allergy. Most sun allergy sufferers get an itchy red rash. The skin reaction usually lasts for a few days, or up to two weeks. Then it would go away by itself.

What are the different types of sun allergy?

There are four main types of sun allergy:

• Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) - the most common type of sun allergy; tiny bumps on itchy red skin in spring and early summer
• Solar urticaria - hives, itching and blisters in older adults
• Actinic prurigo - red and itchy patches and bumps in children in summer
• Chronic actinic dermatitis - thick patches of dry, itchy and inflamed skin

What medications might increase risk of sun allergy?

Certain medications can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
The sun may irritate your skin if you are taking NSAIDs, statins, some diuretics, antibiotics and hypoglycemics. Skin can also react to sunscreens.

How can people avoid allergic reactions to the sun?

To avoid the rashes, limit your time in the sun.
If you have to go out in the sun, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
It is better to use a sunscreen that contains one of the following ingredients: dioxybenzone, ecamsule, avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide. The best sunscreens for sun allergy have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or above, with a broad spectrum of protection against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.
Avoid the sun during peak hours (between 10am and 3pm). Wear sunglasses, a hat and protective clothing with long sleeves and long trousers.

How can I treat sun rash with homeopathic medicines?

All types of allergic reactions can be successfully treated with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy is a safe and inexpensive treatment for sun allergy. Homeopathic medicines have no side effects. It is better to start a preventive treatment a few weeks before going on vacation or before summer`s onset.

Some commonly used homeopathic medicines for sun allergy include:

• Apis mellifica 15CH - Burning and itchy pink swollen patches, improved by cold compresses.

• Belladonna 9CH - Hot bright red rash; sun allergy can be accompanied by fever.

• Hypericum 15CH - Herbal and homeopathic preparations of St.John`s wort have a completely different action when it comes to sun allergy. Herbal preparations make the skin more vulnerable to sunlight while daily doses of homeopathic dilutions of St.John`s wort have the opposite action - they can desensitize the skin. The skin becomes accustomed to UV light and symptoms caused by sun exposure are reduced.

• Muriaticum acidum 9CH - Red papules and vesicles with violent itching

• Natrum mur 30CH - Sun allergy is worse at the sea side; various chronic skin disorders - urticaria, eczema, acne, herpes; skin and respiratory allergies.

• Pulsatilla 30CH - Thin mottled skin, sensitive to sunlight and cold - prone to sunburn and sun allergy in summer and to frostbites in winter; slow digestion with intolerance to fatty foods; ENT and urogenital disorders with yellow-greenish discharge.

• Sulphur 30CH - Severe sun allergy with violent burning and itching worse by bathing and heat; skin and body orifices turn red easily, prone to various skin disorders and multiple allergy; heat intolerance.