Possible Sun Rash?

My little sister of 7 years was outside for about 2 hours this morning.  She came to me with blotchy, red patches speckling her forearms, as well as her shins and calves (she was wearing shorts that stop at the knee).  I supposed the sun was at large, though I had never seen this type of damage from the sun before.  She says her arms itch some when irritated.  There aren't any botches on her face though, so I was wondering if some kind of plant could've caused this.  She has very fair skin.  All suggestions or any possible diagnosis are welcome!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of solar urticaria. Ask your sister to apply a good sunscreen with minimum spf 30 atleast half an hour before going out in the sun. She can take non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Loratadine(Claritin). Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms. She 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.

If the symptoms persist then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. 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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.