Rash on Holiday

My partner suffers from quite bad rashes while on holiday.  The only explanation we can think of is that it is something to do with the water, sweat, sun lotion and the heat.  This is because it is generally set off after being in the pool and then in the shower.  The rash is often very painful and can affect her chest, hands and feet.  I have uploaded a photo to show the intensity of the rash and it often looks as though it could blister although this never occurs.

We have tried all different kinds of creams to help and although some will soothe the pain a little nothing will effect the rash.  Its a case of trying to keep dry and out of the sun for a few hours for it to eventually subside.  This then effects the rest of the holiday obviously with her wanting to stay out of the water.  We are going on our hneymoon in June next year and would love to find a solution to this problem.  This issue never occurs while we are at home, if there is something that could help please let me know

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like solar urticaria.
Ask your partner 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) 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. 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 are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Kind regards.