Symptoms

The appearance of skin affected by sun allergy can vary widely, depending on what's causing the problem. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Itching or pain
• Tiny bumps that may merge into raised patches
• Scaling, crusting or bleeding
• Blisters or hives

Signs and symptoms usually occur only on skin that has been exposed to the sun and typically develop within minutes to hours after sun exposure.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have unusual, bothersome skin reactions after exposure to sunlight. For severe or persistent symptoms, you may need to see a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin disorders (dermatologist).