Solar Urticarid

My dermatologist has told me I have this condition.  Its where any part of my skin exposed to the sun comes out in a rash that is slightly raised, red and hot.  When my skin is stretched, it looks like white bumps under my skin.  Its very sore and feels like theres loads of pins being stuck in me.  It has gradually got worse over the years and is now unbearable.  My doctor is unable to put me on a UVB filter system as it too expensive.

Have you heard of this and is there anything I can do or any tablets or cream I can use to stop this happening.  I've tried using factor 25 sun screen and antihistimines but the rash still comes up, I scratch it because it's itchy, the sun screen comes off and I get so burnt I get blisters and this rash on top of it!!.  People look at me as if I have some kind of contagious disease.

I'm going to Cyprus in May and I really dont want another holiday ruined by this!!

Please help!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I am not familiar with the term, "urticarid<' but it sounds as though it refers to a sun allergy, to rays not blocked by reguualr sunscreens.  I also don't know what a "UVB filter system" is.

If you are allergic to the sun, the best you can do is use a sunscreen which also blocks UVA (there are many on the market), and use an antihistamine (Benadryl, chlortrimeton, or a prescription) before you go.  That may fail, however, leaving you with no choice but to avopid sun altogether.  I know that's not what you want to hear, since you're off to Cyprus, but if your body is sensitive to something, you may have little choice but to avoid what it's sensitive to.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff