Benign summer lucitis is an allergy to UVA rays which provokes the appearance of an unsightly, uncomfortable skin rash. Here are our hands-on tips to avoid it, soothe it, and have a worry-free summer.
Also known as BSL, benign summer lucitis is an allergy to UVA rays which affects 10 to 20% of the population, mainly women, 85% of whom are under 35. It is more common than other sun allergies (polymorphous, solar urticaria, spring dermatitis), which can have more disabling consequences.
It can be identified by an outbreak of pimples on the neck and shoulders, on the arms, and on the legs, about 48 hours after the first exposure. These areas are usually protected by clothes and cannot withstand the aggressive UVA flow of the summer months or winter holidays in the tropical sun. The face is usually spared, as it is more used to being exposed, but the allergy can also be triggered during indoor artificial tanning sessions.
Who is responsible for it? The sun’s ultraviolet rays, especially UVAs, which can penetrate deep into the epidermis. They trigger a strong immune reaction of the skin, which provokes the appearance of an inflammation, pimples, or red plaques, together with an itching sensation. Some photosensitizing medicines or cosmetics (vein tonics, antidepressants…) are also pointed out as responsible for triggering or worsening lucitis, just like heredity is a predictive factor: there is more risk for …
