Itchy, Blistery, Rash

[crysta0891]

I consistently get a itchy, red, blistery rash after sun exposure. It doesn't really have to be that much exposure and it just started in the last couple years. I'm 30. Does anyone know what this is and if it's serious? What can I do to relieve the intense itch? Is it dangerous?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Unfortunately for solar urticaria, avoidance of sun between the peak hours like from 10 am till 3 pm is the best. You can also wear long sleeved cotton clothes and apply a hypoallergenic non perfumed sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[crysta0891]

I really appreciate your response. I did finally go see my physician because the symptoms became rather sever and and was extremely uncomfortable. I took some over the counter antihistamines and they didn't help, so what I think happened was I have a minor sun allergy which was worsened by my birth control pills. My doctor prescribed some steriod therapy, a short course of prednisone, and it has been clearing up pretty quickly since then. I'm hoping that I still can go out into the sun though since it's finally summer and I have three children. Do you think I'll consistently have to take precaution or will my skin get used to it? My doctor didn't have an answer to this question. Thanks again for your response!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One possibility for your symptoms is solar urticaria. It is the development of hives minutes after exposure to the sun, which resolve in less than 1 hour.

Apply a good 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.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[crysta0891]

Not that I can see, however when I scratch the bumps stay longer. Mostly on my arms and legs and top of feet.

[tommy8080]

are there any small non healing sores nearby no matter how small?