How to Diagnose a Sun Allergy

A sun allergy, also known more commonly as photosensitivity, is when a person develops an allergic reaction when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Photosensitive patients can develop severe reactions from sunlight that require medical attention or have milder cases that simply need to be monitored.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Examine your skin for symptoms of a sun allergy. If you are photosensitive, you probably break out in a rash in areas where your skin is not protected with sunblock or clothing. Itching and redness also often occur.

2. Consider your medications. Photosensitivity has been linked to people who use several popular medications, including certain birth control pills and diuretics.

3. Speak to a doctor about the possibility of a sun allergy. If you suspect you have a sun allergy, you need to set up an appointment to discuss your possible diagnosis and treatment options.

4. Undergo any testing that your doctor may want to perform to confirm the diagnosis. This may include a series of phototests. Artificial light is shone on the skin and the doctor monitors to see if a reaction occurs.

5. Ask about a photopatch test. Patches are attached to your skin that you need to remove after several days. After the patch is removed, a light is placed on the area and then observed two days later for a reaction.

Tips & Warnings

• A sun allergy may be difficult to recognize at first. Most people assume that their skin is reacting to something besides the sun.
• It is important to contact your doctor if you are experiencing photosensitivity symptoms. It can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as lupus.

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