Solar Dermatitis

Sun rash or solar dermatitis occurs most often in the spring and summer and is more prevalent among those with pale skin and red hair. For them, exposure to sunlight results in a rash which may recur throughout the summer.

A sun rash is seen as small, reddish blisters or small or large spots in areas that have been exposed to sunlight. Some areas, for example, the face, can be spared. This rash usually appears after minutes' or hours' exposure to the sun and can be extremely itchy.

It is commonly seen in children and young women and tends to be recurrent. Those who suffer from it get relief only during the winter. The condition usually disappears as they get older and reach their 40s or 50s.

There is one preventive treatment that can be offered.The only remedy is to use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF). The SPF indicates how effectively the cream protects you from harmful light. People who suffer from sun rash or sun spots should start with a cream with an SPF of 15 to 25 and higher (eg Uvistat Ultrablock).You may be able to use a cream with a lower SPF after one or two weeks when the skin has had time to get used to sunlight.

Photoallergic dermatitis or drug-induced photosensitivity dermatitis can be caused by the action of sunlight on skin exposed to certain chemicals. Some substances such as perfume or soap can make the skin extra sensitive to the sun.Photoallergic dermatitis can be prevented by avoiding contact with the substances that cause it. Drug-induced photosensitivity occurs when an individual develops a rash on exposure to the sun while taking a certain drug. Medicines that may cause this include: thiazides (diuretics), tetracyclines (antibiotics), NSAIDS (painkillers), etc. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to provide advice about medicines that are likely to cause this reaction.

Based on a text by Dr Per Grinsted