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Jul 27, 2023 · Symptoms of a Sun Rash. Sun rashes can present after exposure to the sun. The rash will heal if the skin is covered and not exposed to additional sunlight. It is most often experienced in females age 20 through 40. The symptoms of a sun rash vary and can include: Red, raised bumps or patches. Large blisters.
- Overview
- What is a sun rash?
- What are the symptoms of a sun rash?
- What causes a sun rash?
- When should you contact a doctor?
- Treatment and home remedies
- Prevention
- What’s the outlook for a sun rash?
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Feb 15, 2023 · The sun can stimulate numerous types of rashes, 2021 research says. These include: immune-mediated conditions, such as: ... The skin bumps or lesions usually heal without any scarring. The ...
Symptoms of polymorphic light eruption. An itchy or burning rash appears within hours, or up to 2 to 3 days after exposure to sunlight. It lasts for up to 2 weeks, healing without scarring. The rash usually appears on the parts of the skin exposed to sunlight, typically the head, neck, chest and arms. The face is not always affected.
Jul 17, 2024 · Sun rash is an itchy, red rash which occurs on your skin after sunlight exposure. You can treat sun rash at home using a cold compress. First, soak a clean washcloth in cool water, milk, or aloe vera juice. Hold the cold compress to your skin for 30 to 60 minutes to provide relief from irritation and itching.
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Can Sun rashes heal?
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Can a sun rash be prevented?
Apr 10, 2024 · Sun rashes can develop minutes to hours after sun exposure, but they might appear up to 1-4 days later. Rashes typically resolve within 14 days, especially if you avoid sunlight exposure, but they ...
The symptoms of a sun rash can vary depending on the type and severity of the reaction, but common signs include: Red, itchy rash: This is the most common symptom, often appearing on areas of the skin that were exposed to the sun. Blisters or hives: In some cases, small blisters or hives may form on the skin.
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