I am allergic..to the sun?

[Muscle_Girl]

So, I have gotten myself strong enough to try my workouts outdoors, with less supports and such. This week I have had two sessions of about 1 hour each, not in constant sunlight, but a decent amount. I noticed the other day that hives started showing up on the backs of my hands, not covered, but a decent amount to make it itchy, they faded a little over a couple days. Today I went out again and now afterwards the hives are back, and damn itchy.

I have very fair skin (I am a ginger), as well, I don't get out as often as I should as I work at home. Is this reaction simply my skin saying "wtf is sunlight?!" or, is it plainly my skin reacting to the sun? Time will tell I guess, but I was curious if anyone else had this issue, or knows much about it.

 

[Little Wing]

Sun allergy (photosensitivity)

Sun allergy, also called photosensitivity, occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to sunlight exposure. Patients who are allergic to sunlight typically develop an itchy red rash on areas of the skin that were exposed to light. In rare cases, some patients may develop hives or blisters.


doesn't sound like anything to mess with. could you shade the area?

 

[tucker01]

My wife started getting this after her first pregnancy.

6 yrs later still there.

 

[Muscle_Girl]

Really only shows up on the backs of my hands and a little up my forearm. Don't yell at me, but I didn't have sunblock or anything on. I will try and put a little on next time and see if it makes a difference.

 

[DOMS]

Really only shows up on the backs of my hands and a little up my forearm. Don't yell at me, but I didn't have sunblock or anything on. I will try and put a little on next time and see if it makes a difference.

Instead of doing that, perform a simple test. Wear a glove on one hand for a couple of workouts. Then check to see if they hives are present on both hands.

 

[NeilPearson]

Instead of doing that, perform a simple test. Wear a glove on one hand for a couple of workouts. Then check to see if they hives are present on both hands.

You should have sunscreen on anyway if you are planning on being outside.

 

[NeilPearson]

MuscleGirl and Iain's wife are both Canadians... I wonder if there is a connection.

 

[DOMS]

You should have sunscreen on anyway if you are planning on being outside.

Very true. However, for this simple test, the only thing that she should change is putting on the single glove.

 

[tucker01]

I have never worn sunscreen

I like my natural Vit D

 

[Jodi]

You can get hives from sweat. If you are out in the sun working out you are going to sweat more.

 

[Muscle_Girl]

I don't seem to have hives elsewhere, legs and upper arms are clear. I will keep an eye on it for the next few times I get outdoors, see if its just my skin getting used to the sun again.

 

[Muscle_Girl]

After about a week of moderate sun exposure, I seem to have adapted. I am not noticing any new hives, though I still feel a little itchy.

It didn't seem to be the sweat. I think it was just my body shocked by the sudden increase of sun exposure. I didn't use any sun screen

 

[unclem]

u should also, if you live in north america have a vitamin d test. if its low youll have all kinds of problems. it can be supplemented with 50,000ius of d, its a rx in usa at that dose. i didnt know it mine was sevely low and i just got started on it. what a differnece in the way i feel, both joint wise and fatigue. but, yes, you could be very photosensitive, or the start of psorisis, eczema. go have a allergy test done, its very easily detected that way. just my 2 cents

ps......tyou can use hydrocortizone cream to take it away temporairly.

 

[Hoglander]

Pollen cycles with the Sun and seasons. Also, once one allergen has made you react... you are more sensitive to other allergens. In a way it could be all of the above.