Can someone have a sun allergy?
There are certain skin reactions to the sun that have nothing to do with sunscreen or other external factors, which we call an intrinsic type of photodermatosis. People with photodermatosis develop skin rashes following exposure to the sun. Polymorphous light eruption is the most common type of photodermatosis. It is most likely due to an abnormal immune system reaction to the sun. Polymorphous light eruption occurs in approximately 10 to 20 percent of otherwise healthy individuals, so it is a relatively common condition. Then there is another group of people who develop what they think is a sun allergy because of medications that they have ingested or agents that they have applied, including sunscreen. These people develop an irritant reaction, which is a rash or a tingling, itchy sensation on the skin. The chances of getting a true allergic reaction to sunscreen are actually very low. What are the symptoms? People usually develop reactions within a few hours of sun exposure. The typi
