10% of the population would suffer from a form of sun allergy. Exposure to sunlight and other light sources such as light bulbs can cause an abnormal skin reaction.
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The reaction know by the most of us is polymorphic light eruption (PMLE). People with lighter skin usually have the most problems. Do you have a lighter skin and do you rarely get a tan, the chances are that you will develop PMLE. But you can always develop a skin allergy.

Most of us develop this allergy between the age of 10-30 years. Although PMLE can develop with men and women, more young women develop this skin allergy. Keep in mind that everyone can develop PMLE at any age, even if you always tolerated sunlight.

Symptoms

-skin-tight, red and swollen
-small-bulge, strong itch on the light exposed areas of skin such as face, neck, hand backs, forearms, elbows, and legs.
- Blisters, swelling and scaling of the skin.
- The reactions may spread to non-light exposed skin (eg back, chest).

Usually the skin defects appear 24 to 48 hours, sometimes 3 to 5 days after exposure to sunlight.
The complaints start with the majority of patients each year and disappear with repeated exposure to sunlight during the summer. When skiing, this can also occur. Some people only get complaints with strong sunshine. In the winter the symptoms disappear completely, to reappear with the first sunlight . Most of the patients only suffer from this complaints once a year, a mild and brief episode of symptoms. In severe cases, reactions after each exposure to (sun) light. Sometimes it gets worse over the years, sometimes it improves spontaneously.

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Without treatment and with keeping out of the sun still you can spontaneous heal after 7-10 days.
Drugs are only used for serious complaints.
• antihistamines (Xyzall, Zyrtec, Estivan, Aerius, Cetirizine …..) help the itching.
• Corticosteroidencrèmes: for itching and swelling.
• For extensive injuries can corticosteroids tablets help. Possibly the doctor may also decide to give a single injection of corticosteroids for a sun holiday.
• Anti-malarial drugs: Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is used for preventive treatment. The recommended dose is 400 to 600 mg per day, starting 7 days before exposure to the sun, the treatment during the first 15 days of exposure should be continued.
• Not effective are Beta-carotene capsules, vitamins or other dietary supplements