Treatment of Solar Hives

Solar hives is a rare condition that occurs in a few people. When exposed to sunlight, they develop itchy red rashes in exposed areas of the skin. The cause of solar hives is because of an agent called photo allergen. When exposed to light the skin releases photo allergens and in some cases the immune system fights it, releasing histamines that cause inflammation of skin.

There are several ways to treat solar hives or solar urticaria which will be discussed below. However, the best way to protect oneself from solar hives is to avoid exposure to sunlight. Or else, when outdoors make use of sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

Treatment of solar hives:

Antihistamines – When a person with solar urticaria comes in contact with sunlight, histamine is released onto the skin surface causing inflammation and redness. Antihistamines blocks histamine release and thereby preventing hives formation. Patients who were prescribed antihistamines a day have been able to sustain sunlight without a reaction on exposure to sunlight.

Desensitization – In this treatment, the intensity of the allergic reaction is reduced or eliminated altogether. There are two types of desensitization treatments, phototherapy and photochemotherapy.

1. Phototherapy – This therapy is basically used for prevention of solar hives. In this treatment method, the patient is exposed to a certain form of light which allows the patient to develop tolerance and outbreaks may be reduced. The results last only for 2-3 days.
2. Photochemotherapy – More commonly known as PUVA, is far better than phototherapy as the results lasts longer. Here also, the main aim of treatment in the patient is to develop tolerance to light or UV radiation, thus avoiding hives outbreaks. Treatment starts with 3 sessions per week while increasing the exposure to light. Once the patient develops tolerance, sessions are reduced to once or twice a week.

Immunosuppression – If the patient is suffering from an intense form of solar hives, then your immunologist will prescribe immunosuppressive drugs. But the drawback of taking these drugs is that it has severe side effects. Hence, such drug prescription should be limited to only adverse cases.

Plasmapheresis – When conditions become adverse, plasmapheresis can be considered. In this treatment technique, the blood plasma in the red blood cells is removed and the cells are returned back to the body. This removes the circulating factor from the blood that may be the cause of solar hives.

UVA rush hardening – A new treatment has been reported for solar urticaria. In this treatment, the patient is exposed to UV radiations at 1 hr intervals per day. Using this rush hardening regimen, tolerance and protection was achieved within 3 days.