Sun Allergy Symptoms: Causes, Types & Relief

An allergic reaction to the sun, called photosensitivity, can occur after a few hours of exposure or even within minutes in extreme cases. The most common types of sun allergies are called solar urticaria, polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), hereditary polymorphous light eruption (hereditary PMLE) and photoallergic eruption.

Body Rash

• After about two hours in the sun, those with PMLE will develop a rash on any area that isn't covered by clothing.

Sunstroke Symptoms

• PMLE can also mimic heat stoke through symptoms such as chills, nausea and/or a headache.

Hives

• People who suffer from solar urticaria will break out in hives after being in the sun very briefly.

Facial Rash

• Hereditary PMLE can cause a facial rash. The lip area can be particularly affected.

Blisters

• Blisters that develop one or two days after sun exposure are a sign of a photoallergic eruption.

Bleeding Under the Skin

• An extreme case of PMLE can cause blood to appear under the skin.