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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Mysterious reaction to sun when Birth Control Pill is not present
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Mysterious reaction to sun when Birth Control Pill is not present
by Merry, Apr 17, 2001 12:00AM
I have been taking Desogen brand oral contraceptive for approximately 6 years. About two years ago I went off for about 11 months. During that time if I went in the sun even for as little as 20 minutes, I would break out in a rash. This never happened to me before. I went to a Dermatologist and was told I had acne. Since this rash would only occur after exposure to the sun I refused to believe it. The rash was on my back, chest and stomach and I have never been prone to acne in all the 25 years of my life. I returned to the same Dermatologist after a break out and explained to him that I knew it wasn't acne. He then diagnosed me with Polymorphis Light Eruption. I went back on Desogen and have not had any reaction to the sun until recently. I have been using a tanning booth to get a base tan for an upcoming vacation. I went for two weeks without a problem and then a week ago, which happened to be the week I was on the inactive pills in my Desogen pack, I broke out with just a couple of itchy bumps on my chest and back. I have been applying hydracortizone and that seems to help. Now I am back on the active pills, but those same exact bumps that seemed to have gone completely away, come back after I use the tanning bed. I have descided to discontinue the use of the tanning bed and I will most likely take Benadryl while on vacation. I was curious to see if you have ever heard of a similar situation in regards to me having a sensitivity to the sun when I am OFF the pill. I know that it isn't uncommon for there to be a reaction when on the pill. My concern is that I will obviously not be on the pill for the rest of my life and I would like to try and figure out what is causing this reaction.
Thank you,
Merry.
Thank you,
Merry.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Apr 17, 2001 12:00AM
, Apr 17, 2001 12:00AM
I alos have not heard of light sensitivity while off the pill. I'm afraid your description reminds me of nothing I have seen or heard of before. Benadryl and a broad-spectrum (UVA-UVB) sunscreen seem like the best ideas.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
