How long does a sun rash last?

Do I have a Sun Rash or a Sun Allergy?

• I've been living in Arkansas for almost 2 years now. So far this spring and last Spring/Summer when I'd go outside in the sun, I'd get these itchy red bumps not long after being outside. I can come inside and they itch for hours. I only break out on exposed skin. So far my shoulders, chest, arms, and now today my hands. At first, I thought it was just my luck with last year being in a new state and adjusting to the heat. (I'm from Virginia where it doesn't really get as humid and whatnot so idk). But now, this year it's happening again. I go outside all year long. It NEVER happens in the winter or fall. Only Spring and summer. Which last summer, it eventually turned into small whitish blisters that went away a few hours after being inside. It's kinda just been a couple weeks of really warm weather, and I've been getting outside more for about a week. That's how fast it's taking me to break out... Anyone ever had this happen to them? Ever find out what it was?

• Answer:

  Hi Jessica, I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties. The silver lining is that your skin is sensitive to sunlight and it is an easily manageable condition. If you reduce exposure to sunlight your condition will ge better. You will also get better if you use sun barrier cream when you go outside. You are not allergic to the sun. No one can be allergic to the sun because an antibody antigen reaction cannot be initiated by exposure to the sun. In other words sunlight is not a foreign protein so it cannot set off an allergic reaction. Only proteins can set off an allergic reaction.