Sensitivity to Sunlight: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Explore the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of sunlight allergies. Gain insights on managing sensitivity to sunlight and enjoy healthier skin.

What Causes Sensitivity to Sunlight?

Polymorphic Light Eruption

 

This allergic reaction to sunlight typically occurs in spring or early summer when one is first exposed to stronger sunlight after months of lower ultraviolet levels.

Solar Urticaria

 

A rare allergy causing hives and itching triggered by exposure to natural or artificial sources of ultraviolet and sometimes visible light.

Photosensitivity from Medications

 

Certain medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to skin rashes or sunburn-like effects, most commonly without a specific season.

Lupus Erythematosus

 

An autoimmune disorder that can cause heightened sensitivity to sunlight, potentially worsening symptoms year-round but often more noticeable in sunny seasons.

Porphyria

 

A group of disorders caused by an enzyme deficiency affecting heme production, leading to skin and neurological problems often exacerbated in the summer months.

Xeroderma Pigmentosum

 

A rare genetic disorder impeding DNA repair in skin cells exposed to ultraviolet light, resulting in extreme sensitivity primarily affecting individuals year-round but with increased risk during sunny seasons.

Suspect an allergy?

What Symptoms Accompany Sensitivity to Sunlight?

Photophobia

 

An increased sensitivity or intolerance to light, causing discomfort or pain in the eyes when exposed to sunlight.

Redness

 

The skin becomes red and irritated, often appearing inflamed after exposure to sunlight.

Itching

 

An uncomfortable sensation on the skin that provokes a desire to scratch after being in sunlight.

Burning Sensation

 

A feeling of heat or irritation on the skin, often perceived as painful, especially after sun exposure.

Rash

 

The development of small, red spots or raised bumps on the skin following exposure to sunlight.

Blisters

 

Fluid-filled sacs on the skin that may form after significant sun exposure, often following initial redness and irritation.

Recognize your symptoms?

Our team is here to help!

Dr. Neeta Ogden, MD

Curex is poised to revolutionize the way allergies are treated in America, expanding access to clinical care and treatments that can meaningfully improve patients quality of life.

Dr. Ravi Patel, VP Telemedicine

At Curex, our mission is to help people improve their health and quality of life by understanding their allergies and treating them at their source.We provide more than individualized prescription treatments; we provide individualized care.

Jill Hamburg, PA - C

Immunotherapy made simple.  We enable patients to receive personalized allergy care on their own time. No more waiting rooms.

Dr. Chet Tharpe, Medical Director

Curex has set the standard for the virtual allergy experience. From the comfort of their home, patients nationwide are able to receive a personalized treatment plan from an experienced clinician, aimed at treating the source of their allergies, not just the symptoms.

Kayla Mardaga, NP

Curex offers convenient at-home allergy testing options. Our goal is to determine if a patient would benefit from immunotherapy and then customize a treatment plan that can reduce both the symptoms and the reliance on allergy medications.

How to Relieve Sensitivity to Sunlight at home?

Relieving Sensitivity to Sunlight at Home

Sunlight sensitivity is primarily a symptom of photodermatoses, a type of skin disorder that develops due to the body's reaction with UV (Ultraviolet) radiation from sunlight. It can also indicate an allergy, including solar urticaria where the immune system reacts to sunlight. Here are a few ways to relieve the symptoms of sunlight allergy at home:

Stay Indoors During Peak Sunlight Hours
It's usually best to avoid peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 am - 4 pm, when the sun is at its highest and most intense. By adapting your outdoor activities to early morning or late afternoon, exposure to UV radiation can be significantly reduced.

Use Protective Clothing
When going outside in sunlight, consider wearing sun-protective clothing. Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Specialized clothing with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings are also available.

Apply a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
For protection on exposed skin, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to apply the sunscreen every two hours, and more often if you are swimming or sweating.

Consider Window Treatments
Invest in window treatments or films that can block harmful UV rays from entering your home, especially if you're prone to sunlight sensitivity even when indoors.

Curex Allergy Immunotherapy
Battling sun-sensitivity with an underlying allergy condition requires a more comprehensive approach. This is where Curex, the leading allergy immunotherapy provider, comes in.

Curex offers personalized allergy immunotherapies that involve gradually increasing amounts of allergens given to the patient to develop tolerance or immunity. Central to Curex's approach is the idea that treating the cause of allergies will lead to more significant, long-lasting relief than merely addressing the symptoms. By directly targeting the immune system, their treatments provide a more definitive solution to various allergies, possibly including sunlight sensitivity due to allergic reactions.

Importantly, before undertaking any treatment regime, consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your specific condition. With the right strategies and medical advice, relieving sensitivity to sunlight can become a manageable task at home.

Ready to get your long-term relief?

Take a Quiz
How to Treat Allergy-Related Sensitivity to Sunlight?

Understanding Sunlight Sensitivity

Sunlight sensitivity, scientifically known as Photosensitivity, is an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other light sources. It is often a symptom of certain allergies or medical conditions. This can cause skin rashes, sunburn, and other complications when your skin is exposed to sunlight.

Preventing Sunlight Sensitivity

Preventing sensitivity to sunlight can involve several strategies which are often related to limiting your exposure to the sun, and taking care of your skin.

  1. Use Sunscreen: Regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your skin, which can provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It's recommended to use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30.

  2. Stay Covered: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats to shield your skin from the sun. Consider using clothing with sun-protective fabric designed to block UV rays.

  3. Avoid Peak Hours: The sun's rays are typically strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If possible, try to avoid outdoor activities during this period.

  1. Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

  2. Stay Hydrated: Keeping the body well-hydrated can help maintain the skin's health and resilience against sunlight.

Allergy Immunotherapy - A Solution by Curex

If your sensitivity to sunlight is due to an allergy, immunotherapy might be a helpful solution. Curex, which is a leading allergy immunotherapy provider, offers effective means to treat the root cause of allergies. Instead of just treating symptoms, immunotherapy educates your immune system to stop reacting to harmless substances, such as sunlight.

Immunotherapy involves exposing you to small doses of the allergen, in this case, sunlight, with the dose gradually increased over time. This process allows your immune system to build tolerance, reducing the inflammatory response that leads to symptoms.

Discuss with your doctor or a Curex professional about the possibility of starting allergy immunotherapy if you suffer from a severe sensitivity to sunlight due to an allergy. It's crucial to have a proper diagnosis before starting a treatment plan, which should be tailored to your specific needs and health condition.

Remember, you don't have to live with the discomfort and inconvenience of a sunlight sensitivity allergy. With proper prevention strategies and treatments from providers such as Curex, it is possible to manage and even overcome this condition.

We love helping people!

Allie, Nevada

five stars

"I have two cats I can finally cuddle!"

Cat and dog allergies

Zachary, Texas

five stars

“I can breathe through my nose for the first time in like 20 years!"

dust allergy
mold allergy

Dust and mold allergies

Erika, New York

five stars

“I've noticed less sneezing and shortness of breath.”

tree allergy
grass allergy

Tree and grass allergies

Richard, Texas

five stars


I love the convenience!

tree allergy

Tree and cat allergies

 curex user showing allergy treatment kita patient showing allergy treatment boxa male patient showing allergy drops vial
50,000+ users have overcome their allergies
Am I eligible?

Diagnose Allergy with Curex

At-Home Automatic Test Kit

Receive a painless automatic blood collector at-home. Takes less than 5 minutes. Ship it back when done

In-Lab Test

Take your test at a local lab location. (often available same day)
nurse coming for in-home visit

Concierge At-Home Test

A medical professional comes to your home or office for a quick blood draw.(schedule 5-7 days in advance)
Curex packaging
How to Recognize a Medical Emergency in Case of Sensitivity to Sunlight?

Sensitivity to sunlight, also known as photosensitivity, can sometimes be a symptom of an allergy. Knowing how to recognize a medical emergency in case of this condition can be crucial.

Symptoms of a Medical Emergency

People with a sensitivity to sunlight might experience a variety of symptoms based on the severity of their condition. Mild reactions can include redness, itching, or minor rash. However, signs of a severe reaction may include:

  • Severe and painful sunburn after only a short time in the sun
  • Blisters or hives
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid pulse
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the face, especially around the eyes and mouth

These severe symptoms may indicate a medical emergency. If you or someone else experiences these, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Curex - Allergy Immunotherapy Provider

When it comes to allergies, Curex is a leading provider in allergy immunotherapy. Recognizing that allergies are unique to each person, their personalized approach caters to individual needs, ensuring the most effective treatment possible. They offer a broad range of services – from testing and diagnosis to targeted immunotherapy – all tailored to suit each patient's specific condition.

Immunotherapy is a treatment option that offers long-term relief from allergies. Curex provides both subcutaneous (injection) and sublingual (under the tongue) immunotherapy. With allergy shots or oral drops, the body's immune system is trained to become less sensitive to the allergen, reducing the severity of the allergic reaction. Potential benefits of immunotherapy include decreased use of allergy medications, improved quality of life, and prevented development of asthma and new allergies.

Getting Help

If sunlight sensitivity is suspected to be related to an allergy, the first step should be to have the condition diagnosed. Once your allergy is properly diagnosed, you can explore options like immunotherapy with reputable providers like Curex.

In the case of a medical emergency related to sunlight sensitivity, seek immediate medical attention.

Allergy FAQ

What allergens are most commonly associated with sensitivity to sunlight?

 

Allergens Associated with Sunlight Sensitivity

 

  • Photosensitivity can be triggered by certain allergens that lead to solar urticaria or photoallergic reactions.
  •  

  • Pollen - Some people might experience heightened sensitivity to sunlight when allergic to specific pollen types.
  •  

  • Medications - Ingredients in some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antibiotics, can contribute to sunlight sensitivity through allergic reactions.
  •  

  • Preservatives and Fragrances - In skincare products, these substances can cause photosensitivity if the individual is allergic.

 

How can sun exposure vary the symptoms of an allergy?

 

Effect of Sun Exposure on Allergy Symptoms

 

  • Sun exposure can exacerbate some allergies by activating or releasing certain compounds in the skin that trigger an immune response.
  •  

  • Photosensitivity, or increased sensitivity to sunlight, can cause rashes, itchiness, or aggravate existing skin conditions linked to allergies.
  •  

  • The intensity of symptoms can depend on the duration and intensity of sun exposure.

 

What biological mechanisms cause sunlight sensitivity in allergies?

 

Biological Mechanisms of Sunlight Sensitivity in Allergies

 

  • **Immune Response Activation:** In individuals with allergies, sunlight can intensify the immune response by causing skin cells to release histamines and other chemicals, leading to irritation and heightened sensitivity.
  •  

  • **Photodermatitis:** A condition where sunlight causes allergic reactions due to an abnormal immune response. Some allergens may be activated by UV light, triggering the skin.
  •  

  • **Genetic Predisposition:** Certain genetic factors can predispose individuals to sunlight sensitivity, making allergy symptoms more severe when exposed to sunlight.

 

Have questions left?

Take our quiz and get a personalized consultation!

PREVENTION+
Prevents allergies long term
At-home treatment saves time
Treatment taken daily under the tongue
Evaluation & allergy test at home
Talk or text with your clinician, as needed
$49/month (copays may apply)
ALLERGY SHOTS
Prevents allergies long term
Commute to clinic every week
Treatment injected weekly by syringe
Evaluation and testing in the clinic
Clinical visits require scheduling
Surprise insurance bills and high copays

We Treat Food, Indoor & Outdoor Allergies

tree allergy
Tree Pollens
maple leaf icon
Weed Pollens
Cat Allergies
Dog Allergies
insect icon
Dust Mites
mold allergy
Molds
Food Allergies

Avoid the Shots, Just Try Curex!

At Home

Apply treatment at home without going to the doctor's office.

Affordable

Only $59/month + copay for consultations.

No Shots

Take treatment under-the-tongue daily.  No needles or allergy shots.

Safety

Millions of people are treated safely around the world.

All Natural

All natural clinical-grade allergen extracts. No harmful chemicals.

Long-Term Relief

Train your immune system for lasting results. No more allergies.

Get Started in 3 Simple Steps

female approaching another female
1

Take quiz and sign up for an at-home or in-lab allergy test

Consult with Curex clinician online

Curex user having an online consultation with a clinician.
2
man opening Curex box
3

Get your allergy treatment delivered

FAQs

Is Curex legitimate?
Does Curex accept insurance?
What conditions do you treat?
Does Curex treat food allergies?
Can my child use Curex?
What is your cancellation policy?
What are the ingredients?
How does allergy testing work?
Where can I find information about the costs and details of allergy immunotherapy?
November 7, 2024