Allergic reaction following sun exposure

[Aixa0517]

For several years, I have not been able to be in the sun for a long period time. I can walk around for about 4 to 5 hours and feel okay but later on in the day, my skin feels hot. I then develop very small bumps in the areas that were exposed to the sun (arms, legs, face, chest). They do not really itch but cause discomfort. Lastly, by the next morning, my face and lips are swollen. This happends no matter where I go in the summer (usually in beaches and lakes) and I really don't think it has to do with something I eat, nor the sunblock I used because I have even tried not wearing any sunblock. I would like to know what I have and if it can become treated or cured.

Should I be seeing an allergist or a dermotologist to figure out what my condition is?

Thank you so much for your time....

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like solar dermatitis.


Apply a good non perfumed,hypoallergic sunscreen with minimum spf 30 atleast half an hour before going out in the sun.You can take non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Loratadine(Claritin) when the rash appears. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms.You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. Also apply calamine lotion and a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the rash.
In case the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[Aixa0517]

Thank you so much for responding. Your information was very helpful in understanding what condition I may have. Your list of medicines were also very helpful, and parallels to what my doctor gives me.
Everytime I have an "episode" I go to my general doctor and he gives me an allergy injection, Kenalog (a type of steriod I believe), as well as 5 or 6 days of pills, Methylprednisolone (substitute for Medrol) and Zyrtec. With this, by the 6th day, my facial inflammation goes away and so does the rash.
I got the skin reaction this weekend, the day after I went to the beach. My face did not swell as much as it has in the past, actually only my lips and left cheek were swollen. I think it's because of the sunblock I used (Neutrogena for sensitive skin, SPF 60+, active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide).
I might add that I have Keratosis Pilaris, it has been said that this condition makes the skin sensitive to the sun.

I am considering going to a dermotologist in hopes of a cure or a means of avoiding it before it happens.