Solar urticaria is a rare allergy where skin breaks out in itchy, reddish spots or welts in only minutes of exposure to natural sunlight or an artificial source which emits ultraviolet radiation. Solar urticaria may appear at different times or it may be chronic. There have been around 650 cases in the whole world.
Causes
The cause of solar urticaria is not clear yet, but it may be due to an immune reaction. The immune system may mistakenly identify sun-affected cells as foreign cells. That triggers a histamine reaction, leading to redness, inflammation, and itching. This is called an anti-antibody reaction. There is an increased risk of solar urticaria if the person has dermatitis, regularly uses perfumes and disinfectants, use antibiotics that may trigger the condition, or a family history of the condition. It can occur in both males and females. The average age for when it appears is 35 years, but it can also affect infants. Additionally, it is more common in lighter skinned people.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of solar urticaria are rashes and hives that occur after a short period, in less than 30 minutes of sun exposure. Other symptoms may include:
- Pain or itching
- Blisters
- Redness
- Scaling, crusting, or bleeding
- Fatigue, nausea, changes in heart rate
Treatment
Treatment for solar urticaria depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, oral antihistamines are recommended to calm down hives. If the reaction is more severe, other medications include corticosteroids or hydroxychloroquine. Phototherapy is also recommended. This is a treatment which prepares someone’s skin for the sun by regularly exposing them to ultraviolet radiation from a sunlamp. This desensitizes the person, but it may not last for a long time. It works like allergy shots, where someone gets tiny doses of allergens to desensitize over time. One study from 2003 showed that two-thirds of the patients benefited from staying out of the sun, wearing dark clothes, and taking antihistamines. Keeping skin from direct sun exposure may reduce the frequency of reactions. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can protect the face as well.
Frequently asked questions
Does solar urticaria ever go away completely?
Researchers estimate that 15% of people with this allergy have a recovery after 5 years after diagnosis. The recovery rate increases to 25% after 10 years of having it.
How does someone go outside with solar urticaria?
To safely go outside it is important to limit sun exposure especially during peak hours, wear wide-brimmed hats, and wear protective clothing. It is also important to stay hydrated and be mindful of products that may increase the likelihood of getting more hives.
Does the person still get affected at night by the moonlight?
No, a person with solar urticaria is only affected by light with UVA as well as visible light.
Solar urticaria is a rare allergy to sun which makes many people’s lives harder. However, with spontaneous treatment, a person can recover.
Related Stories:
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/solar-urticaria
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441986/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17681-sun-allergy
https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/solar-urticaria
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-solar-urticaria
Take Action:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/family-man-allergic-to-the-sun-urges-for-your-help
