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What does a sun rash look like?
What is a sun rash?
When does sun rash appear?
Jul 27, 2023 · Sun rashes can present in several ways. The most common form is the papular sun rash. This looks like small, red, smooth-topped bumps situated close together, all in the same area. These bumps can then form raised red patches called plaques. These typically appear on the arms, legs, and chest.
- 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.
Mar 15, 2022 · Polymorphous light eruption is a rash that affects parts of the body that are exposed to more sunlight as daylight hours get longer, such as the front of the neck and chest. Polymorphous means that the rash can have many forms, such as tiny bumps, raised areas or blisters.
Aug 20, 2022 · How skin with sun allergy looks varies widely depending on the color of your skin and what's causing the symptoms. Signs and symptoms may include: Itchiness (pruritus)
Jul 29, 2022 · Symptoms. Symptoms of common sun rashes include: a rash that appears where the skin was exposed to the sun. raised patches or bumps that itch or burn and are found in...
Jun 27, 2023 · The resulting symptoms of a sun allergy reaction look like a widespread red rash. It’s also extremely itchy. The rash can develop small bumps that look like hives. Sun allergies occur...
Aug 31, 2022 · Sun rash is a term for skin conditions resulting from sun exposure. The rashes can appear on exposed skin as itchy, burning, and inflamed bumps. They may also look like hives, discoloration, or redness. Numerous internal and external factors can cause sun rashes.
