Sunburn or sun allergy?

Summer at last! For many people, it's vacation time - whether on the beach, in the mountains or on a city trip: if we've enjoyed our first sunbath or spent a long time outdoors, the risk of sunburn is high. But what happens if red spots and blisters suddenly form on the skin?

In Switzerland, around a fifth of the population is affected by sun allergy (polymorphic light dermatosis). The symptoms become noticeable after several hours or days, whereas with sunburn they appear after just three to five hours. Sunburn is mainly caused by UVB rays and leads to extensive reddening of the skin, which burns and tightens. The allergic reaction, on the other hand, is usually triggered by UVA rays that penetrate deeper into the skin. This can result in blotchy redness, blisters and nodules, which are often accompanied by severe itching.

Affected: What now?

An allergy cannot be cured, but its occurrence can be successfully reduced with sun protection products, for example. Products with the highest possible sun protection factor (30 to 50) that contain a UVA and UVB filter are best. In addition, the skin should be accustomed to strong sunlight as slowly as possible. One method of doing this is full-body exposure: This does not mean going to a solarium, but so-called phototherapy with the lowest possible UV exposure, carried out by a specialist. Although this treatment can help to prevent polymorphic light dermatosis, an increased sensitivity to the sun usually remains.

Acute symptoms
If your skin shows an allergic reaction, you should avoid further UV radiation as much as possible. The symptoms will then usually subside without further treatment. Antihistamines can help to relieve the itching. The affected areas can also be treated with creams. It is best to seek advice from a pharmacy.