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Allergic to the sun

Posted by timeghost @timeghost, Feb 25, 2021

Okay so when I outside in the sun and come back inside, I itch all over and then develop hives, lymph node swelling and feel exhausted. It usually resolves in about 3 hours. The doctor told me it is because I am deficient in vitamin D so he gave me a weekly vitamin D supplement to take. So far, it hasn't seemed to make much of a difference. What I am wondering about though is, by reacting so negatively to the sunlight aren't I actually maybe getting a vitamin D overload from being in the sun? Just wondering if anyone else has this issue and if they were also told it is a vitamin D deficiency and how to manage it? Thanks!!

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 25, 2021

@timeghost Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am curious if your dr ran any labtest to see it you indeed show a deficiency in Vit D? Some people have a difficult time absorbing Vit D, like my sister. I typically have to take additional Vit D supplements.

Sun sensitivity can be the result of side effects to a medication, hereditary tendencies [do any relatives have the same issues?], or an indication of an autoimmune condition, Here is an article from Mayo Clinic that you might find helpful. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sun-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20378077

For me, the sun sensitivity raised its head in 1988, and got worse. We eventually found I was dealing with Systemic Lupus, after going through a lot of tests including a skin biopsy. Will your dr consider sending you to a rheumatologist for some detailed answers?

Please come back and let me know what you find out, okay?
Ginger

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timeghost | @timeghost | Feb 26, 2021
In reply to @gingerw "@timeghost Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am curious if your dr ran any labtest to..." + (show)
@gingerw

@timeghost Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am curious if your dr ran any labtest to see it you indeed show a deficiency in Vit D? Some people have a difficult time absorbing Vit D, like my sister. I typically have to take additional Vit D supplements.

Sun sensitivity can be the result of side effects to a medication, hereditary tendencies [do any relatives have the same issues?], or an indication of an autoimmune condition, Here is an article from Mayo Clinic that you might find helpful. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sun-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20378077

For me, the sun sensitivity raised its head in 1988, and got worse. We eventually found I was dealing with Systemic Lupus, after going through a lot of tests including a skin biopsy. Will your dr consider sending you to a rheumatologist for some detailed answers?

Please come back and let me know what you find out, okay?
Ginger

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Thanks, Ginger for the reply. Yes, the doctor follows my vitamin D levels, I believe the first was around 14. I also have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The sun allergy is pretty severe. I just can't wrap my mind around why my levels of D would be so low if the sun (a great source of vitamin D) causes such an extreme reaction. To me it seems the inverse of what should be happening, I would think my vitamin D level would if anything be off the charts! A medical mystery for sure.

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