Itching, reddened skin and blisters after sunbathing? We tell you which sun allergy symptoms can occur and what you can do about them.
Summer at last! As soon as the sun appears, we unpack the sunbeds to get rid of the noble pallor. Simply dreamlike.
But after a short time the skin begins to itch and burn. Red spots and even small blisters form.
These are typical sun allergy symptoms. We have found out for you how a sun allergy manifests itself and what you can do against it.
Table of contents
What is a sun allergy
The term sun allergy covers a number of very different diseases. Sunlight and the UV component of light always play an essential role.
The body can no longer protect itself sufficiently from the sun and itchy skin, blisters or reddening of the skin occur.
In most cases, however, it is not a true allergy.
Four forms of sun allergy are distinguished. Polymorphous light dermatosis, Majorca acne, photoallergic reaction and light urticaria.
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The more your skin has become accustomed to the sun, the lower the sun protection factor can be.
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What sun allergy symptoms may occur
The symptoms of a sun allergy are different. Depending on the type and severity. Sometimes the symptoms appear somewhat delayed.
Polymorphous light dermatosis
The majority is affected by polymorphous light dermatosis. Mainly fair-skinned, young women. It is noticeable on parts of the body that are not accustomed to the sun.
The décolleté, shoulders, neck and the extensor sides of the arms and legs are usually affected.
The sun allergy occurs mainly in spring or early summer. In the course of the warm season, the skin reaction decreases.
The symptoms vary greatly and often show up with a delay. Sometimes only hours or days after sunbathing.
The sun allergy symptoms can be:
- itchy and burning skin
- Redness of the skin
- Bubbles or nodules
- swollen areas
The sun allergy affects everyone differently. For one person the redness is predominant, for another the skin reacts with blisters. Normally, however, the symptoms disappear again quickly.
Quick action in case of sunstroke!
Mallorca acne
A special form of polymorphous light dermatosis is Mallorca acne. Here, sunscreen and sweat clog the hair follicles. These become inflamed.
Red pimples or acne-like nodules develop. Summer acne occurs mainly in people who are prone to acne or oily skin.
Photoallergic reaction
In this form, it is not the sun that triggers the sun allergy symptoms, but your skin care products. More precisely, the additives in them. This means creams, ointments and cosmetics.
With too much sun exposure, the additives turn into allergens and cause itching.
Only a dermatologist can clarify what exactly you are allergic to.
Do you already know these ingenious home remedies for sunburn?
Light urticaria
This disease is very rare. But should be taken seriously.
If you suffer from this condition, the skin reacts abnormally to sunlight.
Itchy wheals form. Similar to after touching a stinging nettle. They disappear again after a few minutes to hours. In this sun allergy, larger skin areas are affected. Often, symptoms such as nausea or dizziness also occur.
If you experience these sun allergy symptoms, see a dermatologist.
What you can do for sun allergy symptoms
You've got it? Your skin itches, burns or you get blisters? Then you should quickly do something about it, so as not to further irritate the skin.
The simplest home remedies help against sun allergy symptoms. You probably have them at home. At least they are easy to get.
Cool the skin with curd compress
Curd compresses help not only with sun allergy. But also for sunburn, bruises and swelling.
The curd cools and soothes the skin. It relieves inflammation and itching.
Simply apply the curd generously to a cloth and place it on your skin. When it starts to dry, you can rinse it off again.
If you don't have curd at home, you can also use yogurt or cooling compresses.
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Aloe vera for skin problems
Aloe vera is one of the best home remedies for problems with the skin.
The aloe vera helps soothe the skin and relieve itching. You can apply the gel directly to the affected skin area.
The gel works even better if you cool it beforehand.
If you don't have an aloe vera plant at home, then you should definitely get one now. You can order them from Amazon.
Calendula ointment against sun allergy
If something helps against sun allergy symptoms, then calendula ointment. It accelerates the healing of irritated skin.
It is best to cool the affected area first and then apply the cream.
Tip: You can order marigold ointment online.
Lavender oil for itchy skin
The skin itches and tightens? Then you should Lavender oil* onto the skin. However, choose a high-quality oil for this.
Attention: Never apply essential oil undiluted to the skin. It will only irritate it even more. Mix it with a base oil before application.
Tip: You can get lavender oil at Amazon.
Vitamin E soothes relieves inflammation
For sun allergy symptoms you can help not only from the outside but also from the inside.
Vitamin E relieves inflammation. You can take it in the form of drops. But there are also foods that contain plenty of vitamin E. Avocados, nuts and vegetable oils are particularly rich in it.
Healing clay for sun allergy symptoms
Healing earth* is particularly gentle on the skin. It relieves pain and reduces the rash.
Mix Healing earth* Mix the paste with cold water to form a spreadable paste. Apply it to the itchy or burning areas.
Let the Healing earth* Leave on until it has dried. You can then rinse it off again with water.
Tip: You can order healing clay online at Amazon.
Apple cider vinegar for red spots from the sun
You have red spots, burning or itching after sunbathing. Then apple cider vinegar can help you.
However, you may use the vinegar only in case of mild sun allergy.
Stir 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into 1/4 liter of lukewarm water and dab the skin with it.
Baking soda for sun allergy
Baking powder* quickly relieves itching. However, you must never apply the powder undiluted to the skin! It should be highly diluted.
Add 2 heaped tablespoons Baking powder* in cool bath water and lie in the water for 15 minutes
Cucumbers soothe the skin
The vegetables provide the skin with plenty of moisture. You can put them on the skin in thin slices or mash the cucumbers and apply the pulp on the affected areas.
You can do the same with potato. It works especially well if you cool the cucumber or potato beforehand.
You should definitely know this! The 21 biggest myths about sun protection!
Oatmeal for sun allergy symptoms
Oatmeal also helps with sun allergy. They have a cooling effect.
For this, mix a handful of oatmeal with ice-cold water. Let it soak in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Cover the skin with the soaked oatmeal.
You have tried everything but your skin still burns, itches or hurts after 2 days? Then you should go to a dermatologist.
He can prescribe you an ointment with cortisone. This quickly calms the skin. However, you should use such creams only in exceptional cases.
How you can prevent sun allergy
To avoid suffering the symptoms of sun allergy in the first place, here are some tips on how you can prevent it.
The best protection is provided by clothing and a suitable sunscreen. You should also not spend too much time in the sun.
By the way, calcium also helps against sun allergy. It helps you prevent an allergic reaction.
The best way to get calcium is through your diet. Milk in particular contains a lot of it.
Your body can only store calcium if you have enough vitamin D in you. The best way to stock up on it is in the sun.
However, calcium cannot cure your sun allergy.
Our conclusion
Sun allergy symptoms include itching and blisters. If you experience these reactions, you should do something about it quickly. Home remedies such as aloe vera, cucumbers or Healing earth* Soothe the skin. After one or two days, the symptoms should have disappeared. If this is not the case, see a dermatologist.
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