Sun allergy: 6 mistakes that aggravate your skin reactions 

Who hasn't dreamed of basking in the sun as soon as the warm weather arrives? Yet nearly one in five people develop a « allergy » in the sun, with delayed rashes, itching, or burning. Understanding these reactions and knowing how to prevent them allows you to enjoy sensible sun exposure without spending your vacation scratching or hiding your patches.

1. Photosensitivity: definition 

Photosensitivity occurs when the skin reacts excessively to ultraviolet rays (UVA or UVB). Light acts as a «trigger» here: either it directly causes inflammation, or it transforms a substance present in the skin (medication, natural molecule) into an irritant.

2. The four faces of sun allergy

• Benign summer lucite : small, very itchy bumps, especially in young adults, recurring every spring and affecting up to 20% of the population in temperate zones.
• Polymorphic lucite : highly variable lesions (patches, blisters, papules) that can affect the face, the back of the hands, and even covered areas; they persist as long as exposure continues.
• Chemical photosensitization : reaction caused by a medication, perfume, or essential oil activated by UV rays; we distinguish between phototoxicity (amplified sunburn) and the photoallergy (delayed eczema).
• Solar urticaria : edematous plaques that appear within minutes of sun exposure and disappear within 24 hours; accounts for approximately 0.4% of all cases of urticaria.

3. Triggering factors 

• Light skin types or family history of photodermatoses.
• Sudden exposure: first full day at the beach after months indoors.
• Photosensitizing drugs (certain anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, retinoids, diuretics, contraceptives, antidiabetic drugs, etc.).
• Cosmetics containing furocoumarins (citrus fruits, bergamot) or older chemical filters.
• Autoimmune diseases or immunodeficiencies.

4. Symptoms that should raise alarm

• Intense red papules clustering in patches on the chest, arms, or legs.
• Thick plaques with clear edges, burning or stinging sensation.
• Blisters or bubbles after a few hours of exposure.
• Swelling and intense itching within minutes of sun exposure (solar urticaria).
• Repeated occurrence in the same place every year.

5. What to do in case of a flare-up?

1. Stop exposure immediately and seek shade.
2. Apply cold compresses ten minutes, several times a day.
3. Use a topical corticosteroid moderate strength for three to five days to reduce inflammation (as prescribed).
4. Take an oral antihistamine in case of severe itching or hives.
5. Moisturize generously the area with an unscented emollient morning and evening.
6. Consult a dermatologist if the lesions spread, become infected, or recur.

6. Six prevention strategies

1. Protect your sun capital : broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapplied every two hours and after swimming.
2. Dress smart : UPF 40 fabric, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
3. Split exposure The first few days: ten minutes, then fifteen, then twenty, in order to gradually build up tolerance.
4. Avoid the 12 p.m.–4 p.m. window when the UV index exceeds 6.
5. Revise your prescription : report any rash after a new treatment to your doctor; a substitute molecule often exists.
6. In cases of severe sunburn : Consider induction phototherapy (UVB TL-01) under specialist supervision to acclimatize the skin before summer.

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