What is the treatment for solar urticaria?
As soon as a patient is shielded from sun exposure the rash begins to disappear spontaneously within several minutes to a few hours. The rash clears away completely without leaving a mark. Patients with solar urticaria must take measures to avoid or minimise sun exposure by following sun protection strategies. Oral antihistamines may be helpful in reducing weals and minimising pruritus but they rarely prevent the reaction altogether. For patients that react severely and are unable to manage their condition through preventative measures, phototherapy and/or photochemotherapy may be considered. These treatments desensitise the patient to UV radiation and are often performed prior to the summer months. Unfortunately desensitisation is often short-lived and repeat therapy is needed.