Most people look forward to sunny weather, but for California woman Chelsea Madore, a bright day is a headache…literally.
Madore has an allergy to the sun called polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), a rare condition that only affects about 5 to 20 percent of the global population. After just a few minutes in the sunshine, she gets headache-like pain and a rash spreads across her neck, chest, forearms, and hands, sometimes even turning into angry red blisters.
Though the symptoms aren't usually life-threatening, Madore says the condition does make it extremely difficult to ever enjoy a walk through the park or even a ride in the car, as sunlight pouring through the window can kickstart the allergy. Wow…can you even imagine what that must be like?
Unfortunately, while kids normally grow out any sun allergies as they get older, adults who develop them later in life, like Madore, have it much harder. Madore told ABC News that there is no real treatment except to try and prevent the symptoms from coming up in the first place, which she does by wearing sunscreen and carrying an umbrella.
"I can't stay out in the sun for more than 10 minutes at a time without having a reaction," she said. "It's hard not to feel like a vampire."
I've heard of people being allergic to the sun before, but having grown up and lived in a beach town for my entire life, I personally can't fathom not being able to simply enjoy a nice day. It must be so hard, not to mention completely disruptive to your everyday, to have to think twice before stepping outside.
But crazily enough, PMLE isn't the only weird allergy out there. Below, check out 5 more things you never knew you could be allergic to:
Image via Thinkstock
Money
Money allergies are actually caused by a negative reaction to the nickel used in coins. Those affected can suffer from rashes, redness, itching, and suddenly dry skin 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Though there is currently no cure (aside from trying to avoid nickel whenever possible), antihistamines and certain over-the-counter lotions can help ease the symptoms.
Technology
Between cell phones and computers, most people these days find it nearly impossible to separate themselves from technology. But there are some people who actually suffer from migraines, rashes, and chest pains if they're near anything that creates an electromagnetic field. And as hard as it may sound, these electrosensitive people must keep their home free of things like cell phones and microwaves, as well as avoid places that might trigger a reaction.
Sex
Breaking out in hives after sex? Well, that's sure to kill the mood. Known as human seminal plasma hypersensitivity, this condition involves a negative physical reaction (including rashes, swelling and trouble breathing) to a man's sperm. Still, all hope is not lost! Symptons can be avoided simply by using condoms.
Exercise
Sounds convenient, but this condition can actually seriously affect a person's everyday life. Symptoms of this allergy–which is called exercise-induced anaphylaxis and urticaria–include hives, gastrointestinal problems, or even life-threatening anaphylaxis. The only treatment? Abstaining from physical activity or taking medication like antihistamines beforehand.
Water
Known as Aquagenic urticaria, this rare allergy pretty much wreaks havoc on the skin of those suffering from it. Any contact can result in painful hives, welts, lesions, and rashes and symptoms persist for anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours. Though they can be treated using certain creams instead of the usual antihistamines, experts believe that individuals with this condition usually have it because they possess ultrasensitive skin that reacts poorly to additives in the water and has little to do with the water itself.
