Sun bumps on chest: Sun allergy – Symptoms and causes

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Poisoning, Allergy, Treatment, Causes, Pictures, and More

Sun Rash: Poisoning, Allergy, Treatment, Causes, Pictures, and More

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Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. O. — By Jaime Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA — Updated on December 10, 2021

A sun rash can occur due to a genetic condition or the use of a certain medication. The rash may appear as small blisters and cause an itching or burning feeling, among other symptoms.

Sun rash is a type of photodermatosis, where exposure to sunlight causes a reaction on your skin. One common sun rash is called polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), sometimes also called a sun poisoning rash.

PMLE is a red, itchy rash that appears because of exposure to sunlight.

Many people incorrectly refer to PMLE as a sun allergy. In fact, as mentioned, PMLE is a type of photodermatosis. This refers to a sun-related skin disorder. It is one of the most common forms, occurring in around 10 to 20 percent of people.

Other kinds of sun rash can:

have hereditary causes
relate to the use of certain medications
have links to exposure to compounds in certain plants

We explain how to spot sun rash, what causes it, and how to manage symptoms once they develop.

Sun rash typically appears several hours or days after sun exposure. It can develop anywhere on the body that’s exposed to sunlight. Some kinds of sun rash occur on skin that’s usually covered in the fall and winter, such as your chest or arms.

Characteristics of the rash can vary between people depending on skin type, but they can include:

groups of small bumps or blisters
itchy red patches
areas of the skin that feel like they’re burning
raised or rough patches of skin

If a person also has a severe sunburn, they might also feel a fever or headache.

Some people who get sun rash live with a rare photodermatosis called solar urticaria (sun allergy hives). Folks with solar urticaria may feel the following symptoms alongside sun rash:

faintness
breathlessness
headache
other allergy symptoms

These symptoms will usually happen within a few minutes of sun exposure for people with solar urticaria.

Doctors have yet to work out exactly what causes sun rash.

UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like sunlamps might cause reactions in some people with a sensitivity to this type of light. The resulting immune reaction triggers the rash.

Some risk factors for certain kinds of sun rash can include:

being assigned female at birth
having light skin
living in Northern regions, such as Scandinavia, Central Europe, and the United States
having a family history of sun rash
living in high altitude areas

If you experience a rash after being out in the sun, it’s important to speak with a doctor, such as a dermatologist (if you have access to one). They can rule out other conditions like contact dermatitis or lupus.

Your doctor can also examine the area to see what kind of sun-induced rash it might be. If you’ve never had a sun rash before and suddenly get one, call your doctor.

You should get immediate medical attention if your rash becomes widespread and painful or if you also have a fever. Sometimes, sun rashes can mimic other, more serious ailments, so it’s best to have a medical professional examine you.

Healthcare professionals do not always recommend treatment for sun rash. Most of the time, it can resolve without treatment in a few days. However, this depends on the specific rash and if there’s severe sun poisoning.

The following remedies can help you manage your comfort while the rash is visible:

Apply anti-itching creams. If your rash itches, an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch corticosteroid cream like hydrocortisone can be helpful. OTC oral antihistamines can also help.
Try cold compresses or a cool bath. These can also provide itch relief.
Avoid scratching at any blisters. If you have any blisters or if the rash is painful, don’t scratch or pop the blisters. This can lead to infection. You can cover the blisters with gauze to help protect them and take an OTC pain-relieving medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Use gentle moisturizers. As your skin starts to heal, you can use gentle moisturizers to relieve itching from dry or irritated skin.

These remedies aren’t effective for everyone. If the treatments don’t have the desired effect, you might need to reach out to a doctor. They can prescribe you a stronger anti-itch cream or oral medication to relieve symptoms.

For people who regularly take medication for another condition, a doctor can let you know if your sun rash is a side effect of the medication.

If your sun rash is due to an allergy, your doctor might prescribe allergy medication or corticosteroids to help address any symptoms you might be having. Sometimes, a physician will prescribe the antimalarial medication hydroxychloroquine, since it’s been shown to address symptoms of certain types of photodermatoses.

There are precautions you can take to minimize your risk of sun rash happening again:

Wear sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about a half hour before going out into the sun, and reapply every 2 hours (sooner if you go swimming or are sweating a lot).
Protect your skin with long-sleeve shirts and a wide-brim hat. You might also want to think about wearing specially made clothes that contain sun protective factors.
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. For extra protection, stay out of the sun until after 4 p.m.
Depending on the type of sun rash, it may be beneficial to gradually expose yourself to more light in the spring. This might help reduce the likelihood of developing a rash. Work with your doctor to be on the safe side.

Sun rash often goes away on its own, but it can recur with exposure to sunlight.

Sun rash typically goes away within a few days, depending on the underlying cause. If your rash recurs despite taking precautions or doesn’t seem to be improving with treatment, call your doctor.

Last medically reviewed on December 10, 2021

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Harris BW, et al. (2021). Solar urticaria.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441986/
Lehmann P, et al. (2011). Photodermatoses: Diagnosis and treatment.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3063367/
Oakley AM, et al. (2021). Polymorphic light eruption.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430886/
Sun poisoning dangers: Symptoms, treatment and prevention. (2014).
share.upmc.com/2014/06/dangers-sun-poisoning/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Dec 10, 2021

Written By

Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA

Edited By

Adam Felman

Medically Reviewed By

Stacy Sampson, D.O.

Copy Edited By

Chris Doka

Oct 24, 2018

Written By

Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA

Medically Reviewed By

Stacy Sampson, D.O.

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By Jaime Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA — Updated on December 10, 2021

Poisoning, Allergy, Treatment, Causes, Pictures, and More

Sun Rash: Poisoning, Allergy, Treatment, Causes, Pictures, and More

Health Conditions
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  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
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  - Hypertension
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  - STDs
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- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
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Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. O. — By Jaime Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA — Updated on December 10, 2021

A sun rash can occur due to a genetic condition or the use of a certain medication. The rash may appear as small blisters and cause an itching or burning feeling, among other symptoms.

PMLE is a red, itchy rash that appears because of exposure to sunlight.

Other kinds of sun rash can:

have hereditary causes
relate to the use of certain medications
have links to exposure to compounds in certain plants

We explain how to spot sun rash, what causes it, and how to manage symptoms once they develop.

Characteristics of the rash can vary between people depending on skin type, but they can include:

groups of small bumps or blisters
itchy red patches
areas of the skin that feel like they’re burning
raised or rough patches of skin

If a person also has a severe sunburn, they might also feel a fever or headache.

Some people who get sun rash live with a rare photodermatosis called solar urticaria (sun allergy hives). Folks with solar urticaria may feel the following symptoms alongside sun rash:

faintness
breathlessness
headache
other allergy symptoms

These symptoms will usually happen within a few minutes of sun exposure for people with solar urticaria.

Doctors have yet to work out exactly what causes sun rash.

UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like sunlamps might cause reactions in some people with a sensitivity to this type of light. The resulting immune reaction triggers the rash.

Some risk factors for certain kinds of sun rash can include:

being assigned female at birth
having light skin
living in Northern regions, such as Scandinavia, Central Europe, and the United States
having a family history of sun rash
living in high altitude areas

Your doctor can also examine the area to see what kind of sun-induced rash it might be. If you’ve never had a sun rash before and suddenly get one, call your doctor.

The following remedies can help you manage your comfort while the rash is visible:

Apply anti-itching creams. If your rash itches, an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch corticosteroid cream like hydrocortisone can be helpful. OTC oral antihistamines can also help.
Try cold compresses or a cool bath. These can also provide itch relief.
Avoid scratching at any blisters. If you have any blisters or if the rash is painful, don’t scratch or pop the blisters. This can lead to infection. You can cover the blisters with gauze to help protect them and take an OTC pain-relieving medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Use gentle moisturizers. As your skin starts to heal, you can use gentle moisturizers to relieve itching from dry or irritated skin.

For people who regularly take medication for another condition, a doctor can let you know if your sun rash is a side effect of the medication.

There are precautions you can take to minimize your risk of sun rash happening again:

Wear sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about a half hour before going out into the sun, and reapply every 2 hours (sooner if you go swimming or are sweating a lot).
Protect your skin with long-sleeve shirts and a wide-brim hat. You might also want to think about wearing specially made clothes that contain sun protective factors.
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. For extra protection, stay out of the sun until after 4 p.m.
Depending on the type of sun rash, it may be beneficial to gradually expose yourself to more light in the spring. This might help reduce the likelihood of developing a rash. Work with your doctor to be on the safe side.

Sun rash often goes away on its own, but it can recur with exposure to sunlight.

Sun rash typically goes away within a few days, depending on the underlying cause. If your rash recurs despite taking precautions or doesn’t seem to be improving with treatment, call your doctor.

Last medically reviewed on December 10, 2021

How we reviewed this article:

Harris BW, et al. (2021). Solar urticaria.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441986/
Lehmann P, et al. (2011). Photodermatoses: Diagnosis and treatment.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3063367/
Oakley AM, et al. (2021). Polymorphic light eruption.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430886/
Sun poisoning dangers: Symptoms, treatment and prevention. (2014).
share.upmc.com/2014/06/dangers-sun-poisoning/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Dec 10, 2021

Written By

Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA

Edited By

Adam Felman

Medically Reviewed By

Stacy Sampson, D.O.

Copy Edited By

Chris Doka

Oct 24, 2018

Written By

Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA

Medically Reviewed By

Stacy Sampson, D.O.

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By Jaime Herndon, MS, MPH, MFA — Updated on December 10, 2021

Sun allergy: treatment and symptoms of photodermatitis

On the one hand, the sun’s rays warm people with their warmth, helping to strengthen the immune system, and on the other hand, many people experience an allergic reaction as a result of exposure to the sun. Statistics record an increase in the number of cases of an allergic reaction to the sun. According to statistics, 20% of people in the world suffer from this disease. Moreover, such an allergy does not always take a chronic form. Accordingly, if the treatment is prescribed correctly, the allergy can go away forever.

Allergy to sunbathing is understood as photodermatitis or photodermatosis, since the allergic component itself is not present in the sun’s rays. By themselves, the sun’s rays do not belong to allergens, but at the same time, under their influence, substances that cause allergies can accumulate in the human body.

Photodermatitis is caused by increased sensitization of the skin when exposed to sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet rays causes a photochemical reaction that changes the structure of substances that are in or on the skin. These altered compounds then increase skin sensitivity.

In accordance with the provoking factor, photodermatitis is divided into endogenous and exogenous:

– endogenous photodermatitis is caused by metabolic disorders (metabolism) and immune pathologies;

– exogenous photodermatitis is associated with substances that enter the skin and change under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Most often, the following categories of people are at risk of getting photodermatitis:

people with fair and thin skin;
children;
pregnant women;
people whose close relatives suffer from photodermatitis;
patients suffering from atopic or other types of dermatitis;
people who abuse solariums and tanning beds;
people who take a number of drugs;
People who have recently had peeling or tattooing;
People who actively use cosmetics or perfumes.

Symptoms of photodermatitis

Conventionally, the symptoms of photodermatitis are divided into local and general. Local manifestations of allergy to the sun are expressed in redness of skin areas that have come under the sun; swelling of the affected areas of the skin; burning sensation; the appearance of itching of varying intensity; blisters filled with fluid or pus peeling of the affected skin. Common symptoms of photodermatitis include fever; general malaise; dizziness.

Allergy to the sun is not always accompanied by general symptoms. Signs of photodermatitis can take many forms, which are related to the degree of sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, skin type, general health, duration and intensity of exposure to the allergen. People with special sensitivity in the event of photodermatitis may faint; they have a sharp drop in blood pressure; bronchospasm appears.

Photodermatitis treatment

External treatment involves applying an ointment with elements of lanolin, zinc, methyluracil to the affected areas of the skin. If we consider folk remedies, then the choice should be made in favor of cabbage leaves, thin circles of cucumber or potato, which cool the skin and relieve itching. When a person has severe skin lesions, the doctor prescribes treatment with the use of hormonal ointments.

Inside, drugs are taken that can normalize liver function, can improve metabolism and regenerate (restore) the skin. Basically, these drugs are represented by antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamins E and C, nicotinic acid. You can relieve skin inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – indomethacin, aspirin. In case of severe itching, antihistamines are prescribed that do not cause allergies to the sun. The duration of treatment ranges from several days to several weeks.

With repeated photodermatitis, there is a risk of developing eczema. Accordingly, if photodermatitis occurs for the second time, it is necessary to minimize further exposure to the sun and stop sunbathing.

Many people who have had an allergic reaction to the sun often have the misconception that they should not sunbathe. This is wrong. If you follow certain safety precautions when sunbathing, you can not be afraid of sunburn. And children often and completely painlessly “outgrow” an allergy to the sun.

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. YOU NEED TO CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST

The materials posted on this page are for informational purposes and are intended for educational purposes. Site visitors should not use them as medical advice. Determining the diagnosis and choosing a treatment method remains the exclusive prerogative of your doctor!

why rashes appear on the face in summer and how to prevent them

Sun acne usually appears in late spring, early summer or during travel when the skin is exposed to sudden sun after a long break. Most of all, this form of rashes affects women 20-40 years old and people whose skin is prone to oily.

For many years it was customary to think that the sun is like a panacea for acne: it dries them up and heals the skin. This opinion was formed due to the incompleteness of the picture of everything that happens under the top layer of the skin. The first time really – the sun ennobles the face, cleans up pimples and evens out the tone with a tan. This happens because light rays have bactericidal properties and dry comedones. Infrared radiation warms up stagnant spots, and they become invisible. Vitamin D and the happiness hormone serotonin are produced. At first glance, the sun really does have one benefit: the face becomes cleaner, the mood is better.

After the peak of improvement comes the decline. The reverse process begins, and the activity of sebocytes increases by 120-140% after four days of active exposure to the sun. As a result, the rashes return in increased numbers. Ultraviolet can be useful, but its portions must be dosed. On the beach or in the solarium, radiation hits the skin in such an amount that it is no longer being treated. Although smart skin in the summer itself tries to protect itself from ultraviolet attack and thickens the stratum corneum. But this only complicates the process of producing sebum on the surface and leads to clogged pores.

What else

Increased UV radiation reduces skin immunity. In summer, the skin sweats, and dust, dirt, urban smog and harmful impurities that are rich in urban air easily adhere to a damp surface. Wet skin is more vulnerable and easily damaged by friction. You can rub your forehead or put on a sweater with a narrow neck, and micro-wounds are already forming on the surface, into which microbes penetrate like an open gate.
Melanocytes (specialized skin cells) produce melanin in excess, which causes the appearance of age spots.
In summer, the acid-base environment (pH level) changes towards alkalization. Such an environment is favorable for the life of bacteria and the appearance of inflammation.
The sun changes the chemical composition of sebum, it becomes more dense and often forms plugs in the glands.

How to prevent “summer” rashes?

So that summer does not become stressful for the skin after a long break, you should appear in the sun gradually. The skin will get used to the UV rays and the reaction will not be as acute.

You need to wash your face in the heat not only in the morning and evening (this is a mandatory minimum), but also during the day. For intermediate washing, it is enough to wipe the face with a cotton pad moistened with tonic or thermal water. The latter are different in saturation with microelements – depending on the source from which it was obtained. In summer, thermal water with selenium works especially well. It is a natural antioxidant that protects the skin from the effects of free radicals and soothes after sun exposure. Selenium is contained in the thermal springs of France, and the packaging usually indicates where the water comes from.

Spray thermal water while in the shade and do not leave to dry on the skin. Water droplets turn into small magnifiers and in the sun can cause a burn. After one or two minutes after application, blot your face with a tissue. Minerals during this time will have time to saturate the skin, and if you leave the water to evaporate on its own, then the desired hydration will end with an unpleasant feeling of tightness.

For morning and evening cleansing, dermatologist Dr. Robinson recommends products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. For gentle cleansing of the skin, an exfoliating gel is suitable, but without microgranules.

GARNIER Cleansing Gel Clear skin, anti-blackheads

EVA ESTHETIC Cleansing Gel for combination and oily skin

Salicylic gel cleanser IMMUNO propeller for sensitive skin

If you use scrubs in washing, then for the summer you should refuse them. Hydroxy acids (AHA / BHA) cope with cleansing and acne, but in the sunny period they are also dangerous and can provoke pigmentation. Therefore, if you cannot do without acids, then cleanse your skin only before going to bed, do not plan trips to the beach the next day and be sure to use a cream with SPF protection.

For skin prone to oiliness and breakouts, dermatologists recommend an oil-free sunscreen base. Any cosmetic products should be oil-free so that pores do not clog and unabsorbed fat does not provoke acne exacerbations. But still, there are oils that oily skin will make friends with: with polyunsaturated fatty acids, that is, non-ocmedogenic. They liquefy sebum and clog pores less. These include: argan, mineral, tomato, shea, blackcurrant, rosehip and others. There is a special table of comedogenicity, according to which it is convenient to check oils. They wrote about it here.

If you have oily skin, pay attention to masks with tomato extract. After such a mask, the skin is not sticky and is not oversaturated with active substances.

WEIS Facial Mask with Tomato Extract

If you have to stay in the sun or on the beach for a long time, then it is advisable to renew the cream. It is important to apply it on clean skin, otherwise all the dust and dirt from the previous coating will go straight into the pores.

It is important to drink a lot in summer, and not only to prevent dehydration: frequent drinking also helps to get rid of acne. Thorough cleansing and maintaining water balance are the basis of clear and healthy skin when it is sunny and stuffy outside.

To benefit from the sun, cosmetologist from St. Petersburg Alla Nikolaeva advises sunbathing during safe hours: from 7 to 12 in the morning and from 18 to 21 in the evening.

And the last tip, which is relevant at any time of the year – less stress. Diseases appear from it, worse than acne, but they also pop up. Take care of yourself and your health, and then the summer will truly delight.

Sun bumps on chest: Sun allergy – Symptoms and causes

Poisoning, Allergy, Treatment, Causes, Pictures, and More

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Poisoning, Allergy, Treatment, Causes, Pictures, and More

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Sun allergy: treatment and symptoms of photodermatitis

Symptoms of photodermatitis

Photodermatitis treatment

why rashes appear on the face in summer and how to prevent them

What else

How to prevent “summer” rashes?

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