Three summer allergies that aren’t hay fever

19th May 2021

Three summer allergies that aren’t hay fever

Summer’s just around the corner. And for many, that means later nights, going out to see friends (now we can again), and just having some fun. 

But for some, it’s their signal to become hypervigilant. Anyone with hay fever will know the rush of looking at the day’s pollen count and trying to remember to stay on top of their antihistamines. But while hay fever is the de facto summer allergy for many, there are others to look out for. Here are three allergies you should look out for.

Sun cream

Sadly, the very solution we use to protect our skin from harm can cause irritation or allergic reactions. There are two types of dermatitis – irritant and allergic. And unfortunately, sun cream can cause both. Irritant dermatitis from sun cream is more common in those with eczema or sensitive skin. The symptoms will appear in the areas it was applied to, causing redness or a stinging sensation.

An allergy to sun cream can be harder to spot as the symptoms are similar to those of heat rash and sunburn. Symptoms also include blistering, bleeding, swelling, scaling, pain, and hives. And these can appear in minutes or take as long as two days to show. 

The sun

Symptoms of solar hives – also known as a sun allergy – are similar to that of a sun cream allergy, making it even harder to figure out. A sun allergy is rare, but the main symptoms include itchy, stinging, and burning red patches on your skin. Other signs include low blood pressure, headache, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

Chlorine

While you can’t be allergic to chlorine per se, a paddle in the pool can still cause some uncomfortable irritation. For those with eczema or sensitive skin, it can cause itchy red skin or hives. And since chlorine dries out the skin, it can further irritate and dry out eczema or existing dermatitis. Other symptoms include scaly skin, rashes, lesions, and tenderness. 

Summer may evoke a carefree sense of freedom. But there are still many allergens or chemicals that may irritate your skin. Stay safe and healthy, and if you ever have any worries about potential allergies, don’t be afraid to speak to a specialist.

You don’t have to give up the activities you love this summer. Get in contact with London Allergy and Immunology Centre today to discuss how we can help you manage your allergies or book a test. Call us now on 02031 433 449.

Not-so-fun in the sun: what is a sunscreen allergy?

24th June 2020

Not-so-fun in the sun: what is a sunscreen allergy?

It’s officially summer and with any luck, we’ll get some nice weather. We’ve already been quite blessed so far, but you can’t beat some sun for the perfect summer feeling. Chill in the garden, a cold drink in hand, and enjoy the rays.

It sounds perfect, but not if you have an allergy to sunscreen. The other option – turning a painful shade of red – isn’t ideal either. So how do you know if you have a sunscreen allergy and what can you do if you happen to have one?

What does a sunscreen allergy look like?

It’s important to know you aren’t necessarily allergic to sunscreen itself. It’ll be a specific ingredient in the product you’re reacting to. It’s similar to any other skincare product; there’s always a risk one or two ingredients might give you an allergic reaction. It’s rare, but it can happen. With sunscreen, it could be the chemicals or it might be the fragrance.

If you have a reaction, you’ll notice it on your skin. It might not be too dissimilar to a sunburn. Your skin will turn red, but the difference is it will be itchy and look more like a rash. Other symptoms might include hives, raised bumps, blisters, or even bleeding.

Diagnosing the allergy can be tricky due to how long it might take to see a reaction. For some people, it might happen instantly. For others, it might take a couple of days. And in some cases, it might not happen unless you go out into the sunlight.

How to treat it

If you notice you have a reaction to a certain product, never use it again. That much is obvious. At this point, you should book an appointment to see your doctor so you can get a proper diagnosis.

If you feel you have to use sunscreen in the meantime, find a different product. Look for something with different ingredients to the one that gave you a reaction. When you buy it, test it before applying it to your whole body. Dab a small amount onto a discrete part of your skin, such as your upper thigh or in your elbow. Wait a couple of days to see if you react. If not, then you should be safe to use it on your whole body.

We don’t recommend this self-diagnosis approach as it isn’t guaranteed. A GP can refer you to a dermatologist or allergy specialist if they need to. They will be much better equipped to get to the bottom of your allergic reaction.

Don’t suffer in silence. If you have an undiagnosed allergy, see a specialist about it today. It can transform your life and allow you to live free and breathe easy. Get in touch with our experts on 02031 433 449.