Other accompanying symptoms

Probably the most impressive accompanying symptom of a skin rash caused by the sun is itching. Severe itching is particularly characteristic of polymorphic light dermatosis, which is often referred to in the vernacular as “sun allergy”. However, itching can also occur with sunburn (dermatitis solaris).

In addition to the typical skin symptoms such as redness and swelling, sunburn is characterized by severe pain and even numbness. If the sunburn is extensive, it can also lead to general fatigue and fever.In some cases, other primary diseases, such as lupus erythematosus or porphyria, also cause increased sensitivity to light, so that a sun-induced skin rash can also occur. In this case, symptoms of the primary disease continue to appear in addition to the characteristic skin symptoms.

In the case of lupus erythematosus, for example, joint pain, muscle pain, anemia and a general feeling of illness can occur, to name but a few symptoms. A skin rash due to sunlight on the arms is particularly common, as these are among the parts of the body that are exposed to the sun particularly often. The shoulders, face and décolleté are also affected.

A polymorphic light dermatosis is particularly frequent on the arms. This skin rash, which occurs mainly in the course of the first more intensive sun rays after the winter months, is particularly evident on the outside of the upper arms, in the décolleté or on the face. Typical are redness, blisters, nodules or even weeping skin defects.

This can manifest itself differently in each person. However, it is typical that the skin appearance is always the same for an affected person if he or she repeatedly suffers from polymorphic light dermatosis. It is still characterized by severe itching.

In order to prevent such a rash on the arms, it is recommended to wear tightly woven clothing. Since it is caused by UV-A rays, thin clothing is unfortunately not sufficient to protect the skin, as it is simply penetrated by the UV rays. Furthermore, a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 30 and higher) can help to protect the skin.

In therapy, if at all necessary, ointments containing cortisone are used, which are applied to the affected skin areas. In severe cases, the skin can be accustomed to light by UV radiation. Sunburn is also particularly common on the upper arms, as these areas of skin are particularly often exposed to direct sunlight.

In the case of sunburn, redness and swelling, as well as pain and later itching are the main symptoms. Cooling compresses are recommended for treatment. For local therapy of mild sunburn, there are ointments containing corticosteroids (e.g. betamethasone) or gels that can be applied externally.

A rash on the arms after exposure to the sun can also occur in the context of photoallergic dermatitis, for example. Often allergens such as fragrances from perfumes or sunscreen ingredients are the cause of skin sensitization. After UV-A irradiation, skin rashes occur which typically present themselves with redness and plaques. The rash is then strictly limited to the area of skin that has had contact with the allergen and sunlight.