For the last 15 years, I have had a peculiar sensitivity to the sun. Since I got my first sunburn at age 15 in Spain (blistering sunburn on the back), I have tried to be very careful about being in the sun without sunblock or being fully covered up. During my times of lapse in protection, my skin has burned to the point of blistering at its worst and manifesting as bizarre sunburn, non-itchy blotches on my arms (I really don't let my face or my legs get touched) at its best.
I never really thought about it; I just lived with the sensitivity. However, after urging by a co-worker I began to research my issue and discovered that it may be a symptom of something more serious, like lupus. Or, it just may be what it seemed to be: just sun sensitivity, teamed with entering my 30s.
Other symptoms over the years:
1. Frequent urination
2. Sinusitus
3. IBS
4. Fatigue (although not extreme fatigue)
5. Depression, anxiety (medically treated for 6 months several years back, Wellbutrin)
6. Ultra sensitive scalp (I can't use normal shampoos or conditioners; only ones that are specifically formulated for dry and sensitive scalps. If I do use a normal shampoo, it ends up burning and making me itch my scalp)
7. Sensitivity to some detergents, soaps (but not any bubblebaths)
8. Much lower ability to focus, even watching movies and reading books have become hard for me (despite a life-long love of reading)
9. Can't take hot hot baths or sit in a sauna/hot tub; last month a hot bath kept me on the bathroom floor for 20 minutes while my blood pressure came back up to operating levels (attempts to sit up and walk came with blackouts).
10. Progressively worse (since 1997) allergies (dust, general outdoors) manifesting in sinus headaches, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Started to take Claritin 2 months ago after stopping for 6 months (tried a honey remedy - didn't work).
Not saying any of the above are related; just throwing the main ones out there.
I haven't taken any medications consistently over the last 15 years except Ibuprofen. My symptoms do not seem to occur at any particular time of the year (my worst sunburns occurred in July and August). Liberal and frequent use of sunblock seems to protect exposed areas (back of neck and hands). Have had heat exhaustion before.