With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedy for Sun Allergy
Sun allergy also known as photosensitivity, is the body's immune system overreaction to sun rays. People having dark to light skin tones can develop this allergy. The exact cause for this reaction is not clear. Researchers believe that it may be because the light radiated from the sun causes changes in some parts of the skin. This sun-altered skin is like an alarm to the immune system which identifies it as a foreign substance. This then triggers it to launch an attack by producing antibodies and as a result the allergic reaction occurs in the skin.
At some instance, chemical products applied on the skin may cause an allergic reaction when exposed to the sun.
Difference Between Sun Allergy and Sunburn
Sun allergy is different from sunburn; it is the immune system reacting to sun rays, whereas sunburn means the exposure to exceeding amount of ultraviolet or sun rays that causes the melanin-body's pigment to protect the skin.
Types of Sun Allergy
Some of the common type of sun allergy is given below:
- PMLE or polymorphous light eruption is an inherited kind of sun allergy and is a hereditary condition.
- Photoallergic eruption is an allergy that reacts to the chemical applied to the skin.
- Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE) is an allergic skin rash which occurs due to minimum exposure to sunlight.
- Solar urticaria (hives)is a kind of allergy in which the patients develop hives after being exposed to sun.
Sun Allergy Test
This may include one of the following tests that cause skin reaction on the account of being exposed to the sunrays.
- Photopatch test: This type of test is done by the doctors if they suspect any kind of sun allergy
- UV light testing is used to check how the skin reacts to the different wavelengths of light generated from a special type of lamp.
- Skin samples and blood test is another kind of test the doctor can ask for, if the symptoms of the allergy occur.
Sun Allergy Symptoms
The symptoms of sun allergy can vary from a minor rash to severe case of skin problem depending on the type of sun allergy.
- In case of PMLE, within the first two hours of exposure to the sun it produces a burning sensation along with an itchy rash. The rash appears on the neck, arms, upper chest, lower legs and other areas exposed to the sun rays. Followed by this, there may be one or two hours of chill, nausea, malaise. This may also cause red plagues which are usually flat with raised areas. Small fluid of blisters and also some tiny areas may bleed under the skin.
- The symptoms of actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE) is similar to the first type of sun allergy, the only difference is that it is concentrated on the face and around the lips.
- In Photoallergic eruption the symptoms are itchy rashes with tiny blisters. This may also spread to the skin covered by clothing. It begins only after one to two days of exposure to sunlight.
- In solar urticaria, within minutes of exposure to sunlight hives appear on the uncovered skin.
Home remedy for sun allergy is a better way of treating and taking care of the skin. Some of the simple home remedies for sun allergy that you can try easily are given below:
Home remedy for sun allergy using baking soda and oatmeal bath
- In lukewarm water, add a cup of baking soda or grind oatmeal to provide an instant relief.
Home remedy for sun allergy using milk
- Milk is known for soothing the rash and itching of the skin.
- Coconut milk and yogurt drink helps in healing the rash quickly. Blending of the two in equal amounts is also a good remedy and can be taken immediately.
Home remedy for sun allergy using vegetables and essential oil
- Slicing cucumber and placing it on the infected skin will not only provide a cooling sensation but also sooth the pain and irritation.
- Raw potato can also be used in the same manner as it provides relief to the burning sensation.
- Pure lavender oil can also reduce the itching. This can also be added to the Aloe Vera gel for soothing and cooling the infection.
- Another natural home remedy for sun allergy is mixing one part of St. John's Wort liquid herbal in nine parts of water. This diluted solution should then be applied to the skin. This helps in reducing the sensitivity of the nerves.
Home remedy for sun allergy that leads to blisters
- Clean the area of blisters with alcohol and using sterile needle, pierce the blister slowly. After draining it use anti biotic cream and cover the area. For a small blister you can use an adhesive bandage or a gauze pad for a larger one.
- Another home remedy for sun allergy, causing hives is using a paste prepared from 2 cups of oatmeal and 3 tablespoon of cornstarch. Apply it on the infected area for 15-30 minutes.
Avoiding sun exposure by using an umbrella, sunglasses and covering the body with protective clothing and using a sunscreen lotion will always help in protecting the skin from the harmful radiation. This is the safest and a preventive measure for home remedy for sun allergy.
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