What is the first treatment tried for sun allergy?

Polymorphic light eruption is an itchy rash that appears after exposure to sunlight in people whose skin reacts abnormally to light. The rash can contain small bumps, patches, or blisters, and it may not look identical each time. A clinician may confirm the pattern and rule out medicine-related photosensitivity or another light-sensitive condition.

Avoiding direct sun, covering exposed skin, and using suitable sunscreen reduce further exposure while the skin settles. A topical corticosteroid can calm inflammation during a flare when prescribed for your skin and body area. Narrowband UVB phototherapy may be considered under specialist supervision to help the skin become less reactive before predictable sun exposure.

Record when the rash started, which areas were exposed, and any new medicines or skin products. Use shade and protective clothing, especially around midday, and reapply sunscreen as directed. Do not use a steroid cream on the face, folds, or broken skin unless a clinician has given specific instructions. If flares recur, ask whether narrowband UVB phototherapy is appropriate and how to plan it safely.

Seek medical advice if the rash is widespread, blistering, painful, infected-looking, or accompanied by facial swelling, breathing trouble, fever, joint symptoms, or eye involvement. Arrange review when a rash follows a new medicine or occurs without clear light exposure. Urgent care is appropriate for breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips and tongue.

Ask whether the eruption fits polymorphic light eruption, whether your medicines increase light sensitivity, and which topical corticosteroid instructions apply to the affected area. You can also ask about protective clothing, sunscreen ingredients, and whether specialist narrowband UVB treatment could prevent predictable flares.