Getting used to the sun slowly
The sun is an indispensable source of energy and has a great influence on humans. It helps the body produce vitamin D, boosts metabolism and puts you in a good mood. Unfortunately, there are also dark sides to the sun. Sun allergy is one of the nasty side effects that you can face.
In short, sun allergy is a hypersensitivity to sunlight. Its official name is Polymorphic Light Eruption (PLME). A normal reaction to sunlight is that the skin slowly forms pigment, leaving behind a beautiful tan. But with PLME there is a hypersensitivity of the skin and when exposed to sunlight the skin can react strongly to this.
bumps
The skin can turn red within minutes and white blisters or bumps appear. But it can also take a few days before you get it. The bumps can be very itchy. Sun allergy is very annoying, but not serious. One suffers less than the other. Sometimes it occurs in combination with certain medications or skin creams. You don’t have to suffer from it every summer either.
UVA radiation
PLME is caused by too much exposure to UVA radiation. A small part of all the sun’s rays is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVB radiation is the kind of light that burns you. Applying sunscreen often does not help against sun allergies, these products only stop the UVB rays.
Sun allergy is most common in young women. Especially at the end of spring or the beginning of summer. Once it’s been hot for a while, it almost doesn’t happen anymore.
Prevent sun allergy
You can apply special sunscreen that also blocks UVA radiation. Avoid direct sunlight and wear protective clothing and a hat.
You can often prevent blisters by slowly building up sun exposure. The first day 15 minutes in the sun, the second half an hour, the third day 45 minutes and the fourth day an hour. When the skin is used to the sun, you can spend longer in the sun.
Always use sunscreen and try to avoid sunbathing between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., especially if you are staying in a southern country. For people who often suffer from PLME, habituation through special lamps can help.
Once you have blisters, you don’t need to do anything about it. It will pass. You can cool your skin with wet cloths. There are also medicines that provide relief from sun allergies. Please contact your doctor for this.
