Signs & Symptoms of Sun Allergy

A skin reaction after sun exposure is not all that uncommon, although it is usually due to certain chemicals such as sunscreen or acne medication making the skin more sensitive to sunlight. The Mayo Clinic reports that a true sun allergy is rare. In this condition, the immune system overreacts to sun exposure, activating inflammatory cells in the skin. Aetna insurance's InteliHealth website states there are several different kinds of sun allergies, and the signs and symptoms can vary.

Skin Rash

• The most common symptom of a sun allergy is an itchy, red rash. The rash may also cause pain or a burning sensation. In severe cases the rash may produce blisters or bleeding. This rash most often occurs on the neck, upper chest, the backs of the hands and the outside surfaces of the arms and legs. With actinic prurigo, a hereditary form of sun allergy that mainly affects Native Americans, the rash is more common on the face and lips. The rash may occur immediately after sun exposure or it may appear several hours, or even a day, later.

Hives

• A rare form of sun allergy called solar urticaria can produce hives. The hives, which are large, itchy, red bumps, appear on areas of sun-exposed skin within minutes. The Dermatological Society of New Zealand says this condition can be caused by artificial ultraviolet light from tanning booths, as well as sun exposure.

Feeling Ill

• Polymorphous light eruption, which is the most common form of sun allergy, according to InteliHealth, can produce flu-like symptoms in addition to a rash. These can manifest as nausea, chills, headache and malaise. These symptoms usually only last for an hour or two.