Sun Protection for Allergy Prone Skin
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Common Sun Allergies
The incidence of sun-related skin reactions and sun allergies has increased greatly in recent years. Skin symptoms appear in about 20% of the population, induced either by exposure to UV radiation alone or in combination with certain ingredients of skincare products.
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Poylmorphous Light Eruption (PLE)
The most commonly diagnosed sun allergy, polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is triggered by oxidative stress to cells mainly caused by UV-induced free radicals. In 80% of the people affected, UVA radiation alone triggers the appearance of PLE, in 12% UVB radiation and in 8% both UVA & UVB radiation. A high incidence among family members may indicate a genetic predisposition. Symptoms of PLE include itchy bumps, blisters or pustules, and also bullous, haemorrhagic erythemas.
Acne Aestivalis
Acne aestivalis appears when UV radiation is combined with certain ingredients found in skincare products and sunscreens. This causes irriation and inflammation of the sebaceous follicle. Since both PLE and Acne Aestivalis have similar symptoms (like itching) and occur in the same areas of the body, it is very difficult to differentiate between the two.
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PLE |
Acne Aestivalis |
| Aetiology |
- Not fully know, possibly a genetic predisposition
- Disordered immune response to UVA-induced oxidative stress
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- Certain cosmetic ingredients combined with UV exposure
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| Incidence |
- 10-20% of entire population, 90% of those affected are women
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- Low, but increasing
- Almost exclusively women
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| Latency Period |
- A few hours to days after sun exposure
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- A few hours to days after sun exposure
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| Clinical Symptoms |
- Vary by individual
- Itchy bumps, tiny blisters and also larger, localized, slightly raised rash
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- Extremely itchy, reddened, lightly inflamed bumps
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| First Manifestation |
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| Predisposed Areas |
- Areas with long-term sun exposure, but also sometimes on covered parts of the body; upper extremities and chest
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- Upper extremities and chest area. Sometimes also on the shoulders and almost never on the face.
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| Special Characteristics |
- Appears in the spring and summer after the first intensive exposure to the sun
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- Tends to appear on oily-moist skin (history of acne)
- Appear almost exclusively while on vacation, during sun exposure at unfamiliar latitudes or altitudes
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1. PLE
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2. Acne Aestivalis  |
3. Sunburn
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