A "sun allergy" isn't actually an allergy to the sun itself. It's a reaction from the immune system triggered by sunlight, usually causing an itchy red rash. The medical term for this condition is Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE).
While PMLE is the most common type of sun-related skin reaction, other conditions also fall under the umbrella of "sun allergy," including:
- Solar urticaria: This rare condition causes hives (large, itchy, red bumps) on skin exposed to sunlight.
- Actinic prurigo: This causes raised bumps or nodules on the skin.
- Photoallergic reaction: This involves an allergic reaction to a substance that becomes active when exposed to sunlight.
It's important to note that porphyria, sometimes called "the vampire disease," is not technically a sun allergy. It's a rare genetic condition that causes sensitivity to sunlight, but it's not an immune system reaction.
