Photosensitivity
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Photosensitivity
is a skin reaction caused or worsened by sunlight.
Common signs and symptoms:
Your signs and symptoms may start within minutes to 5 days after sun exposure. They may go away within 24 hours or last 1 week or more. You may have any of the following:
- Itchy or painful, red rash on skin exposed to the sun
- Red bumps on your skin
- Hives
- Blisters or swelling
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe pain.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your rash spreads and covers large parts of your body.
- Your rash starts to turn into blisters.
- Your symptoms do not get better, or get worse, even after treatment.
- You have a rash on your cheeks and nose that looks like a butterfly.
- Your skin bruises easily.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may include any of the following:
- Steroids may help decrease itching and inflammation.
- Antihistamines may help decrease itching.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Phototherapy is used to expose your skin to doses of ultraviolet light. This may help your skin adjust to the sunlight and help prevent skin reactions.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage or prevent a skin reaction:
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- Soothe your skin. Apply a cool, damp cloth to the rash area. This may also help relieve itching. Use lukewarm water when you bathe. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub your skin with a towel. Use detergents, soaps, and shampoos made for sensitive skin.
- Apply sunscreen before you go outside. Use a broad spectrum, waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. Apply sunscreen even on cloudy or cool days. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
- Avoid direct sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm. This is when ultraviolet light is strongest. Sit in the shade, if possible. Wear long sleeves, pants, or long skirts when you must be in the sun. Cover your skin as much as possible if no shade is available.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat when you are outside. Wear a hat with a wide brim all the way around to protect your face, ears, and neck. Sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection can help protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes.
- Do not use tanning beds or other artificial light devices. These are not safer than direct sunlight and may cause a reaction.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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