How I Travel the World with a Sun Allergy (and How You Can, Too)

When the temperatures rise and the weather turns towards summer, you can hear the collective rejoicing. Gone are the long dark days of winter, replaced by the long, warm, sunny days of summer!

Sun-filled beach photos and sunny adventures clog the social media feeds of my family, friends, and fellow travel bloggers. 🙂

Unfortunately, I’m not exactly running to bask in the sun’s rays.

Don’t get me wrong. The beach eye candy is gorgeous.

The problem is, I have a sun allergy, or photosensitivity if you want to be technical about it.

Talk about a major bummer, right!?!

I’ve always had fair, sensitive skin with the potential to lobster on the beach. I also travel with my own toiletries because I’d rather not take chances with perfumey hotel shampoos, soaps, and lotions.

But, everything took a turn for the worse a couple of years ago when I had a horrendous allergic reaction to hair dye. To be clear, I’d highlighted my hair a bunch of times without issue, so I wasn’t worried when I chose to cover up some early-onset gray hair.

What followed were blistered, burned, and weeping ears and scalp, a swollen, painful neck, and a body covered in itchy rash and hives. I was treated by an allergist and thought the worst was behind me as long as I stayed away from hair dyes with the toxic chemical PPD.

That is until the rash returned once I’d finished the steroid prescription from my allergist.

Several skin biopsies later, a couple of dermatologists diagnosed me with a rare auto-immune disease which includes the condition of photosensitivity. I never had any sign of an auto-immune issue, sun allergy, or reoccurring rash before getting my hair dyed. Apparently, my reaction was so severe it had “woken up” something lying dormant in my system.

While it’s not PMLE, the condition is in the same photosensitivity ballpark. Basically, I need to stay out of the sun or suffer the consequences of a widespread, itchy, painful rash that’ll take weeks to fade away.

How I Travel the World with a Sun Allergy (& How You Can, Too!)

Regardless of my sun allergy, I’m determined to travel. Yes, Mr. TGT and I used to travel to the Caribbean more, but I’ve certainly not given up on traveling to hot and sunny destinations.

In fact, I was motivated to write this post because of some of my most favorite travel experiences that include destinations like Thailand, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

The combination of products below allowed me to enjoy myself mentally in a way that I haven’t experienced in the sun for quite a while. If you too have a similar sun allergy or photosensitivity, you know the rash is only part of the problem.

I am mentally always thinking about how I can protect myself whether I’m heading to a family barbecue or packing for a warm-weather destination.

I’ve tested a variety of products and found the ones that work best for me. The list is short, but one that continues to grow as what I use evolves and is also based on recommendations of readers who also have sun sensitivities.

My hope is that you, too, can benefit and feel comfortable traveling the world while managing your sun allergy.

Sunscreen

Sun-Protective Clothing

This was a fairly big step for me so if you’re struggling with this, you’re not alone. It’s one thing to be under a tent-like umbrella on the beach with sunscreen looking semi-beach-sloppy in an oversized shirt.

But, sun-protective clothing conjures up images of turtlenecks on the beach and prudish Victorian-era clothing.

In all seriousness, though, I couldn’t have been more wrong. I did some research and found brands doing a fashionably awesome job for anyone needing sun-protective clothing.

To be clear, I’m referring to UPF clothing with UVA and UVB protection built directly into the fabric.

Medicine, Vitamins & Prescription Creams

I’ve been so grateful for the readers who have shared their sun allergy stories and recommended what’s worked for them. Unfortunately, none of the below work for me.

However, in addition to any prescription creams, readers have had success with:

• Antihistamines
• Hydrocortisone
• Calcium (taken before and during a trip)
• Zinc Oxide (as a sunscreen and to soothe irritated skin)

This is not meant to be taken as medical advice. I am not a doctor, nor am I saying these things will work for you. I’ve always found my doctor to be the best source for helping me with my condition. You should always consult with your doctor to see what’s right for you.

I always pack my prescription steroid creams in my carry-on because I can’t take the chance they’d get lost in checked luggage. A word of caution about prescription creams, though!

Be sure to bring the prescription-labeled box the cream came in or at the very least, just the prescription label. Tubes of cream often don’t have the benefit of the usual prescription bottle. Don’t assume a security airport agent will recognize your cream(s) as a prescription, particularly if you’re traveling internationally.

If your cream is over the allotted size for security, you may also want to transfer it to a travel-sized bottle to avoid begging (and showing past rash photos at airport security!) to keep your creams from being tossed.

Traveling with a sun allergy is not impossible!

The bottom line is if I can travel with my sun allergy, then so can you! With the right precautions and the help of some tried and true products, it’s more than possible to travel the world (even the sunniest spots!) with a sun allergy.

Do you have a sun allergy? What tips or products do you use to travel the world with a sun allergy?

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