Photosensitivity

What is photosensitivity?

Photosensitivity is your skin reacting negatively to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The most common reaction is an itchy, painful and swollen rash. This forms on areas of your skin that have sun exposure. In some cases, these patches will be so well defined that they follow the outline of sleeves, pant legs or your hair.

Photosensitivity isn’t the same as a sunburn. While everyone should limit sun exposure and use sunscreen, photosensitivity reactions may happen within minutes of UV exposure.

If you have symptoms after very little sun exposure or feel like you get reactions that are more severe than usual from a limited amount of time outdoors, talk to a healthcare provider. Treatment options are available.

Signs and symptoms of photosensitivity

You may experience a patch of skin with the following characteristics:

• Bumps (skin eruptions or multiple bumps in a group)
• Itchy skin
• Raised or swollen skin
• Scaling or flaking
• Skin discoloration (red, purple, brown or darker than your natural skin tone)

If you have sun exposure on a large area of your skin, you might have the following symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Wheezing

Contact a healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Types of photosensitivity

There are two types:

• Phototoxic reactions. Phototoxic reactions are chemical reactions between something in your body or on your skin and UV light. These reactions cause discoloration and inflammation on areas of skin with sun exposure within a few minutes or hours. 
• Photoallergic reactions. Photoallergic reactions are allergic reactions caused by light. Photoallergic reactions usually cause bumps or hives, even on parts of your skin that weren’t exposed to the sun. They take longer to appear, sometimes up to three days after exposure.

What causes photosensitivity?

Common causes of photosensitivity include:

• Autoimmune conditions (like lupus erythematosus)
• Genetic conditions (like porphyria)
• Medications (some antianxiety, antidepressant, antibiotic, antifungal, antipsychotic, chemotherapy, diuretic, acne, heart and pain relief medications)
• Other skin conditions (like dermatitis)
• Skin care products (certain antibacterials, coal tar, fragrances or products that contain acids)

No matter what’s causing your photosensitivity, make sure to talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any changes to your skin.

How is photosensitivity treated?

Treatment varies based on the cause, but it may include:

• Avoiding/removing triggers. If your symptoms are a side effect of a medicine or skin care product, stopping or reducing its use may help photosensitive reactions go away. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before stopping any medications, though. Reducing your time in the sun may also help.
• Antihistamines. For photoallergic reactions, antihistamines may calm itchy skin and swelling.
• Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids may reduce swelling and inflammation. Your provider might recommend a cream that you apply on your skin.
• Phototherapy. Provider-guided intentional exposure to small doses of UV light may help your body adjust to it. This may reduce the severity of your skin reactions.

How long does it take for photosensitivity to go away?

Photosensitivity might be a lifelong issue that you need to manage. Or it may be something you only need to treat a few times.

What’s causing your symptoms greatly impacts how long it will last. For example, if photosensitivity is the result of a new medication or starting a new skin care regimen, you might never have another reaction after switching to different products. On the other hand, if photosensitivity is caused by an autoimmune or genetic condition, you may need to practice lifelong management techniques.

Your provider will help you understand your specific case and what you can do to reduce how much photosensitivity impacts your life.

Can photosensitivity be prevented?

Not all cases can be prevented, especially those caused by underlying conditions.

But you can reduce your risk of photosensitive reactions by:

• Avoiding UV exposure. Minimize your time in the sun. Don’t use indoor tanning beds and take breaks indoors or under shade as often as possible while you’re outside.
• Using sunscreen. Use sunscreen whenever you know you’ll be outdoors. Make sure your sunscreen has an SPF rating of at least 50 and reapply it every two hours.
• Wearing protective clothing. All clothing helps block UV radiation from reaching your skin. Look for a UPF rating label on certain types of clothing. Even if your clothes don’t have a listed rating, darker colors and items that cover more of your skin will be most effective. Don’t forget a hat!
• Knowing your photosensitivity triggers. If a medication or skin care product causes symptoms, avoid it as much as possible. Follow your treatment plan and make adjustments with your provider as needed.
• Visiting a dermatologist at least once a year. Everyone should have an annual skin check. Your provider or dermatologist might recommend more frequent check-ups to monitor your skin.

When should photosensitivity be treated by a doctor or healthcare provider?

Talk to your healthcare provider to establish a baseline for photosensitivity symptoms. They’ll help develop a prevention plan or routine.

If you ever have a severe reaction to UV radiation, you should see a provider right away. Look out for these symptoms:

• Blisters
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea