I'm hopeless, pls share any thoughts or recommendations if available!

Hello everyone,

I've been suffering from a skin condition that makes my life a total hell for the last 8 months.

My skin begins to hurt and give me a creepy burning sensation after I get exposed to sun. My face and neck skin hurt terribly and it takes a few days before my pains get alleviated a little though they never go away completely especially if the sunny weather persists.

I've been to several dermatologists, a neurolog and a bunch of other specialists, they've done a series of blood tests and examinations but could'nt find anything wrong.

I've been using 50+ sunscreen creams but they do not help. No skin rash or lesions visible but only a little redness may be apparent on my face. I'm fair skinned and develop a lot of new moles as I get exposed to sun.

The burning I feel on my face and neck is so intense that my arms, legs and genitals also begin to hurt as if they are also burnt by the sun, though they are not.

Lately, I've developed some eczematic plaques on my arms and legs but they are curable with the help of some creams. These lesions do not seem to be related to my problem with the sun but naturally I might be wrong.

They even prescribed me antidepressants for the possibility that this is all about stress etc.

Nothing has helped so far.

Do you have any idea what I might be going through?

Any help appreciated.

Have a good and cool day.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be due to photodermatitis, sunburns, rosacea or psoriasis (for the dry plaques which could be eczema or psoriasis). Psoriasis is a non-contagious disorder which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. It will be best to get a biopsy skin done from a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.

Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Warm regards.

[kaantamer]

Doctor, thank you for your help and attention.

A skin biopsy was done along with many other blood tests and so on. However, they could not diagnose anything. Patches on my skin are said to be dermatitis and easily treated with salicylic acid containing creams. They are not visible most of the time.

My neck and face hurt extensively especially when exposed to sun but no rash or patches occur over these areas. Could rosacea or photodermatitis be present without any visual signs like rashes but only a feeling of burning?


The last professor I saw said a protein or enzyme produced by your body may be causing your autoimmune system to give faulty reactions over your skin. The last thing he said "May the God help you, I hope you learn to live with this somehow". A very scientific approach huh?

I dont know what is wrong with me. I am just helpless.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Rosacea is a cutaneous disorder primarily of the central part of the face , such as forehead; cheeks ;nose; and chin. Rosacea is a medical condition presenting with redness, swelling, discoloration and sometimes pimples and dry skin over the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Photodermatitis presents with itchy bumps, blisters, hyperpigmentation, redness or swelling.

It is less likely for rosacea or photodermatitis to present with no symptoms except for burning skin. I hope it helps. Take care and regards.