Posted by marj on June 27, 2000 at 01:33:17:

In Reply to: Re: Allergic to sunlight? posted by Cathy on February 09, 2000 at 22:51:15:

: : Since you mention leaving an air conditioned building, I would assume that your sensitivity is triggered by the adjustment from leaving the air conditioning and entering a different environment. : : In the summer when I leave an airconditioned building I often sneeze in direct sunlight. Is this an allergy or just a weird mental quirk?

: : : Welcome to the club. Summer is not the only time I sneeze though when i first get into direct sunlight. Since I have this year round it seems more like a fact that I am just more sensitive than other to direct sunlight. Once my eyes and everything get adjusted I am fine. Prolly just a medical quirk like mine is.

: :::I have this too, and recall reading somewhere (!) that it was a genetic thing: some people sneeze in bright lights, others don't, period. When I was little and felt that tickle in my nose that meant a sneeze was coming on my father would tell me "Look at the light!" and it would help push me over the edge and sneeze. When I grew up and started offering this advice to others I mostly got very odd looks and NO understanding of what was, to me, a natural reaction.

: So if you think you're odd, rest assured you are not alone in your oddness!
: cathy
: the term for this sneezing is photophobic. it is just the bodies reaction to bright light. no allery, just a reaction.