What is sun allergy?

A sun allergy is the reaction of immune system to sunlight which causes an itchy red rash. These rashes most commonly found on the neck, the back-side of the hands, arms and the lower legs. In some cases, this skin reaction may be worse and produce small blisters or hives which can spread to other clothed areas.

Not all people are allergy to sunlight, it occurs only in certain thin-skinned people. The exact cause for sun allergy is not known but there are evidences which show some kinds of sun allergy are hereditary or inherited.

Some of the common types of sun allergy are: 

Photoallergic eruption: In this type, the skin reaction is activated by the effect of chemical elements present in the sunlight.

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE): This type of sun allergy is the second common skin problem detected by the dermatologists after sun-burn. PMLE normally looks as an fidgety rash on exposed skin.

Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE): This type of sun allergy is inherited form of PMLE. It occurs in certain people like American Indian background.

Solar urticaria: It produces large, red, itchy bumps or hives on sun-exposed area of the skin. This type of sun allergy is rare condition which mostly occurs in young women.