In this article, we discuss the cause, symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent sun rashes. Keep reading! Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “A sun rash usually appears as tiny red bumps or raised patches of skin, and they may be itching or burning.” Though the exact cause of sun rash is unknown, sensitivity to UV radiation could be responsible for it (1). It may elicit an immune reaction and kick your body into defense mode, leading to rash formation. People that are at risk of having an allergic reaction to sunlight are (1):
Light-skinned people. Women aged between 20 and 40. People at high altitudes. People with a family history of sun rash.
Learn about the symptoms of sun rash in the next section.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sun Rash?
Sun rash can occur several hours or days after sun exposure. The most common symptoms include:
Itchy red patches. Small bumps or blisters in a cluster. Raised or rough patches of skin.
In some rare cases, you may experience fever or tiredness. Sun rash can occur anywhere on the body, but it usually appears on the neck, chest, forearms, backs of hands, lower legs, and feet. Do you want to treat your sun rash at home? Find out the treatment options in the next section.
How To Treat Sun Rash?
Usually, sun allergy rashes go away after a few days. According to Dr. Haley, “Common treatments for sun rash may include applying a cold compress, using hydrocortisone cream, or taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as cetirizine”
1. Over-The-Counter Products
To get rid of itching and rash quickly, try the following over-the-counter products:
Anti-itch steroid cream Oral antihistamines Pain-relieving medications Emollients or moisturizers (once the rash starts to heal)
2. Home Remedies
Some of the home remedies you can use to treat sun rash are:
Apply a cold compress on the affected area for 5-10 minutes. Then, remove it and reapply it after 5-10 minutes. Repeat the process to soothe the skin. Take a shower with cool water to relieve the itching. Apply aloe vera gel to reduce inflammation. It also has a protective effect against radiation skin damage and, thus, may help you heal quickly (2).
If itching persists, you may consult a doctor who can prescribe stronger medications to relieve the symptoms. For example, anti-allergy medications or corticosteroids may help heal your sun rash allergy. Your doctor may also perform phototherapy to reduce the occurrence of these chronic rashes. Though you can treat sun rash fairly easily, they can recur. So, it is important to learn how to keep your skin protected. Read on to learn the ways to prevent sun allergy rash.
Daily Routine To Keep Your Skin Protected
Incorporating the following routine in your daily life may help you prevent sun rash:
Use sunscreens containing physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as they protect your skin from UV radiation ( 3). Apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ half an hour before you go out. Reapply it every two hours or sooner if you are sweating too much. Try to include foods rich in calcium, selenium, zinc, and beta carotene in your diet to protect your skin from UV damage (4). Wear long-sleeved dresses or shirts or clothes with a UPF Avoid the sun between 10 am and 2 pm as much as possible as UV radiation is the strongest at this time. Strictly avoid using tanning beds.
Sometimes, sun rash can mimic symptoms of other ailments and confuse you. For better clarity, continue reading to learn about the different types of sun-induced ailments.
How Is Sun Rash Different From Sunburn And Heat Rash?
While sun exposure is the cause of both sunburn and sun rash, they are not the same. Sunburn is a radiation burn caused by overexposure to UV light, which results in reddish skin. You may also develop swelling, blisters, fever, chill, or weakness in case of a severe sunburn. Usually, a sunburn heals in a few days. However, the likelihood of developing skin cancer increases with an increase in sunburn incidents (5). Unlike sunburn and sun rash, heat rash does not occur due to the sun alone. Instead, it occurs due to the sweat glands getting blocked, which causes skin inflammation and rashes. As a result, you may get small blisters or deep lumps that are itchy. These rashes appear on the armpits, elbow creases, or the groin area. In most cases, the rash heals after the skin cools down (6). However, you may need to consult a doctor if the area becomes infected or is too itchy. If your sun rash does not reduce or recurs despite taking all the precautions, it is time to see a doctor.
When Should You See A Doctor?
Consult a doctor if the itching on your sun rash does not reduce. A doctor can also help you rule out other infections, like contact dermatitis. Expert diagnosis will let you know what kind of sun-induced rash it is. If you do not have a history of sun rash and suddenly get one, seek immediate medical attention. Also, observe your rash and treat it immediately if it is painful or spreading. You should also be careful if you experience nausea or fever. Does Benadryl help with sun rash? Yes. Benadryl is an antihistamine which may help reduce the redness, itching, and other symptoms of sun rash. Consult your doctor for further information. What lotion is good for sun rash? You can use gentle moisturizers or creams containing hydrocortisone for relief.
