Allergic to the Sun?

In looking around the postings here on this site I have come to realize that I am not alone with the following.  it appears that I am allergic to the sun.  After being exposed, I develop an itchy, red rash on my arms (and sometimes chest) that resembles poison ivy.  I've tried using various sun screens but nothing seems to work.  It's really puzzling because up until three years ago, I never had a problem with the sun.  I've heard that the official name of this condition is Polymorphous Light Eruption and that the cause is yet unknown.  But, is there anything I can do to reduce the symptoms so I can enjoy the outdoors again?  I'm an avid scuba diver and love the beach and ocean.  But, this condition makes it very difficult to enjoy.  I'll be traveling to the Caribbean next month for my honeymoon and am a bit concerned.

Thanks!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Troy:

I suggest two things: use a sunscreen which protects against UVA (long-wave ultraviolet light.)  There are many brands available now -- they protect against burning too.  Second, take an antihistamine (chlortrimeton 4 mg is available OTC) once every evening, starting a few days before you leave.

Remember that this type of reaction has nothing to do with sun damage or skin cancer.  And that it tends to get milder through each summer season, as your skin gets used to the sun.

And congratulations!

Dr. R

[Miserable]

i've had this skin irritation on my arms for at least 7 years now
its gone in the winter and comes back in the spring. cortisteroid shots used to take it away for about a month or so
creams don't seem to help, just aggrivate it. predisone has been prescribed also, it seems to make my hair fall out,,so beware of that tratment.

[joan]

Living in Fl most of my life and enjoying the sun I have developed a reaction to the sun also. My dermatologist recommends using the sunblock Shade by Coppertone. There are several kinds, but get the one with PARSOL. Also get used to the sun gradually, don't go out and overdose the first day. This probably won't reach you in time for your honeymoon, but maybe it will help for a future trip.

[Troy]

It's been a while since I last checked in here but I thought I would share my honeymoon experience.

Prior to leaving for my trip I purchased chlortrimeton and Neutogena 45 sunblock with parsol.  I started taking the chlortrimeton a day before departing and continued doing so throughout my vacation.  Each day, before going out, I would apply the sunblock and allow it to absorb into my skin for about a half hour.  To makw a long story short, I did notice a major improvement in terms of my skin reaction.  The irritation didn't show until I was into the 5th day of my vacation.  Itching definitely made things a lot worse though.  Here's the interesting part of the story and one I don't have an answer for.  I know that itching really aggravates this rash condition and do my best not to succumb to the temptation.  That is why I started taking the chlortrimeton, to hopefully help with the irritation.  But, much to my surprise, I was itching in my sleep.  My wife woke me up a couple of times in the middle of the night and told me to stop scratching.  I had no idea I was doing this but it definitely made the condition a lot worse.  If only there was something strong enough would prevent the urge to itch because that's what really sets this condition off and running with me.

I hope this helps any of you who are in the same boat.  I'm 27 years old and I really hope I can outgrow this and enjoy the sun again.  I do know that the sunblock paired with the chlortrimeton made a big difference for me so it'd worth a shot.

[Donna]

I was told that I'm allergic to the sun but I have a question. Can areas that are not exposed to the sun be effected and break out? I break out on my neck area and my legs will break out also but be covered up with pants. The Dr. I saw said that this can happen with Sun poison. The rash on my legs feels like a really bad chapped skin.

Thanks Donna
***@****

[Donna Harris]

Thanks for all the information. I thought I was the only one with this problem. I'm looking for a cure, this is very painful and scarey to me. My skin feels like its on fire and the itching drives me crazy, help!

[dazo1]

A related discussion, my childs allergic to the sun was started.

[oliforever99]

A related discussion, Cold was started.