What is a Sun Rash?
Sun rash, more properly known as photodermatitis, is an allergic reaction to light which causes the skin to develop a rash. The rash is typically reddened, thickened, and blistered, and it can be extremely itchy. Although a sun rash looks very similar to a sunburn, the root cause is different, and frequent sun rashes can be a cause for concern, as they may indicate the presence of a medical problem which has increased the body’s sensitivity to light. You may also hear a sun rash referred to as “sun poisoning.” Fair-skinned people are at increased risk of developing photodermatitis, but people of all skin colors can experience it. It can be caused by some medications, such as birth control pills, along with exposure to chemicals, certain foods, and some medical conditions, like lupus. People develop a sun rash because their skin has become extremely sensitized to light, and as a result it may take only a few minutes of exposure for a rash to develop. If the rash happens repeatedly, it c
