What should you know about sunburn allergy treatment?

Sunburn usually affects exposed skin after enough ultraviolet exposure and may feel hot and tender. A light-triggered reaction can cause itching, bumps, redness, blisters, or eczema-like patches, sometimes with a distribution that is unusual for simple burning. Cosmetics, plants, and medicines can also make skin more sensitive to light. A clinician may ask when symptoms began, what touched the skin, and what medicines or supplements you use.

Avoid further sun while the reaction is active and cover exposed areas with clothing. Cool the skin gently, use a bland emollient on intact skin, and avoid new fragranced products. Do not scratch or break blisters. A clinician may recommend a topical corticosteroid for selected inflammatory reactions, but the correct strength and duration depend on the body site and diagnosis. Review possible triggers before restarting a suspected medicine or product.

Seek prompt assessment for widespread blistering, facial or eye swelling, severe pain, fever, breathing difficulty, or a rapidly worsening rash. Arrange a dermatology review when the reaction returns with small amounts of light, lasts beyond the expected healing period, or leaves persistent colour change. Urgent help is needed for swelling of the lips or throat, faintness, or wheezing.

Ask whether the pattern fits sunburn, a photosensitivity reaction, or contact dermatitis; whether a medicine or product could be involved; and how to protect your skin during evaluation.