Living With Solar Urticaria – My experience of 3 years with a sun allergy – including my diagnosis and treatment options.
My Experience of Living with Solar Urticaria
It’s been about 3 years since I was diagnosed with Solar Urticaria, and so I thought it was about time that I shared my experience of living with the condition.
Being Diagnosed With A Sun Allergy
It was about 3 years ago that I noticed that each time I went out into the sun, I experienced itching, hives around my neck, headaches and extreme exhaustion. The uncomfortable symptoms usually last the rest of the day and are gone by the following morning.
So, I met with my Dr, went through my symptoms, showed photos of what my skin looked like following sun exposure and was then diagnosed as having Solar Urticaria. I followed up with a Dermatologist and was given confirmation and tips for attempting to manage the condition.
Important note – If you suspect that you or someone you know has a sun allergy, it’s best not to self diagnose and to seek advice and treatment from a Doctor or health professional. (And, you may need to see a couple until you find one knowledgeable with this type of sun allergy.)
Solar Urticaria Treatment Options
Unfortunately there’s currently no cure for the condition, so treatment options include:
- Staying out of the sun
- Wearing full protective clothing (like these)
- Sunscreen
- Anti-Histamines
- UV Treatment
- Skin Hardening
- Xolair Injections
In my own experience, I opt to try and stay out of the sun as much as possible. When I’m in the sun I cover up with protective clothing as much as possible.
I find that sunscreen actually aggravates my condition, not only does it not help alleviate symptoms it brings out more hives than when I don’t wear sunscreen. (Please note that I’m not condoning not wearing sunscreen, I’ve had to work through trial and painful error to find out that despite trying pretty much every sunscreen option out there, I just can’t tolerate any.)
Over the past 6 months I’ve been taking a combination of daily Vitamin D, a multi-vitamin which includes Vitamin C and Quercetin as well as taking over the counter anti-histamines on days when I go out in the sun.
So far this year that has mostly helped, but the past couple of weeks with it getting sunnier and warmer I have been suffering more.
About 18 months ago I actually ended up moving with my family from Australia to Ireland, where I live now. The reactions here are much less severe than when I lived in Australia, and it’s obviously sunny and hot WAY less often. While Ireland in Winter my skin is okish because it’s mostly covered, I still have reactions when it’s sunnier.
Each year my reaction tends to be different and each year I hope for milder reactions.
My hope for the future is that I learn more about the combination of vitamins and other factors which can potentially help lessen the severity of symptoms when I’m outdoors.
There have also been instances of cases of Solar Urticaria remission – where a year (or more) can go by without any flare ups. That’s what I’m optimistically hoping for. Until then, I plan to just try and avoid the sun as much as possible, and take vitamins and anti-histamines when necessary.
Subscribe to receive the FREE weekly newsletter, packed full of easy recipes and food inspiration plus exclusive, subscriber only content. Click here to Subscribe by Email.
Disclaimer – this post is meant for informational post only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health professional before making any dietary changes.
Disclosure – this post contains affiliate links.
