Photosensitive Pool Allergy

I have long been a swimmer, but in recent months have been experiencing an unusual allergic reaction.  After I shower following my swim, my skin begins to itch, and then turn bright red like a sunburn, only on those parts of my skin that were near the surface of the water and exposed to the sun (e.g. my  back and hips, or if doing backstroke, my stomach and armpits).  There are even swimsuit lines, so it looks like a sunburn and is not just a plain old chemical reaction; there is some relationship with sun exposure.  It itches and burns horribly, even if I swam for only 10 minutes or so.  Within an hour, the discoloration and itchiness is gone.  Yesterday, however, the reaction was so bad that I started to get faint and black out as I was getting dressed.

I have always had an allergy to chlorine in the form of sinus congestion following a swim.  The chemicals in the pool where I swim are slightly different because I have never gotten that form of an allergy before, but in recent months this itching sunburn thing has started.

I am trying to figure out exactly what pool chemical is responsible, but would appreciate any information of known allergies to certain chemicals.

Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like 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.

For confirming the allergens in swimming pool to which you may be allergic,pls consult an allergist and get skin testing for allergies done.These include skin ***** tests and blood tests like RAST.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.