Sunshine gives a sense of well being, health, and general cheerfulness. Melanin, the dark pigment made by the skin acts as a screen to prevent sun burns. The skin is the body's automatic heat regulator and exudes sweat to bring down the raised temperature. This can lead to excessive loss of water and salts from the body causing dehydration, overheating, and sunburns. The immune system may also form an allergic reaction to the sun in the form of itchiness and small pustules on the exposed portions of the body. Children are particularly vulnerable to sun allergies

Types of Sun Allergies

Some of the common sun allergies affecting children are

polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). This is an irritating itchy skin rash that appears in the spring, becoming less severe in the summer. The skin grows less sensitive due to regular exposure to the sun. PMLE affects girls more often than boys.

Actinic prurigo is the hereditary form of PMLE, generally appearing in persons of American Indian descent. The rashes are more prominent on the neck, face and around the lips. Within two hours of sun exposure, child may develop rashes on exposed body parts, headache, chills, or nausea.

Symptoms

A common symptom of sun allergy is the appearance of prickly heat or red rashes in the front part of the neck, outer parts of the arms, lower legs, back of the hands, or sun exposed areas. Exposure to the sun activates the body's immune system resulting in rash formation on child's tender skin.

Prevention

If the child shows any of the sun allergy symptoms, it is better to protect sensitive skin from sun exposure. Adopt some or all of the following preventive measures:

- Avoid sun exposure from 11am to 2 pm as radiation is at its peak at this time.

- Wear a wide brimmed hat that provides plenty of shade, as the head is the most sun exposed body part.

- Wear sunglasses with UV protection.

-Apply sunscreen lotion with 12-15 SPF factor to prevent skin burns and ultraviolet radiations.

- Apply SPF-20 sun block lip balm.

- Reapply sunscreen and be vigilant during water and winter sports because sunrays are intensified when reflected off snow and water.

- Avoid wearing perfumes in the sun as they may react to sunrays.

- Cover limbs with proper clothing to minimize sun exposure.

- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Treatment

Consult a physician if a child is suffering from a severe sun allergy. Apply cool compresses on affected areas. Use cortisone based anti-itch cream to relieve itchiness. Mild antihistamines also relieve sun allergy. Phototherapy is the last medical resort for severe sun allergy treatment.

Minimize the effects of sun allergies by taking a good care of the child's skin. Start slowly, building up from a few minutes to longer period in the sun to enjoy the benefits of natural sunlight.