Summertime is sun time. But not everyone can tolerate the warming UV rays equally. Itching or blisters, sun allergy or Mallorca acne – all skin reactions have one thing in common: direct sunlight should be avoided until the symptoms subside.
There is hardly anything as beautiful as feeling the first rays of sunshine on your skin in spring. For some people, however, the joy is not unclouded: their skin reacts to the first sunbaths with pustules and itching. This is then referred to as sun allergy and is also known colloquially as “Mallorca acne.”
Sun allergy and Mallorca acne
Sun allergy is a polymorphic light dermatitis (PLD), a skin disease triggered by UV light that can manifest itself in different ways, says Mareike Alter, a dermatologist at the University Skin Clinic in Magdeburg. Sun allergy is accompanied by severe itching. The exact cause is unclear: “There seems to be a genetic predisposition; it is also likely that there is a hypersensitivity reaction caused by UV light,” says Alter.
Mallorca acne is a subtype of polymorphic light dermatosis; the skin appearance is acne-like.
No real allergies
Important: Neither phenomenon is a classic allergy: “In a real photoallergic reaction, sunlight changes a substance – e.g., ingredients in perfume – so that it becomes an allergen and the patient develops a corresponding allergic contact reaction,” explains Mareike Alter. In the absence of sunlight, however, the substance is well tolerated.
But how can I, as a sufferer, recognize what is causing my skin reaction? “The only thing that really helps here is a detailed examination of the medical history,” says the dermatologist: “Under what circumstances does the skin change occur? What have I applied to the skin?” If that doesn’t help, you should see a dermatologist. Further tests can be carried out here.
Whoever got it: Get out of the sun.
The best treatment for both sun allergy and Mallorca acne is to avoid sunlight. If you still have to go outside, you should primarily use textile sun protection – i.e. clothing that covers the skin.
Of course, exposed areas of skin still need to be covered with sunscreen. You should make sure that you use a high protection factor that covers both UV-A and UV-B radiation, recommends Mareike Alter. The product should also be fragrance-free and, especially if you are prone to Mallorca acne, not too greasy or oily. Gels, sprays or milk are more advisable here.
Relief: Quark wraps, oak bark, tea compresses, etc.
If the skin has already reacted, only patience and shade will help. In mild cases, sufferers can use various home remedies. Quark wraps, for example, also help against sunburn, provide a pleasant cooling effect, and can therefore alleviate the symptoms.
Preparations containing tannins, such as oak bark or black tea compresses, have an anti-inflammatory effect. Creams and ointments containing cortisone help with healing, and allergy tablets help with itching. In severe cases, however, the only option is to go to the doctor.