Sore spots on my neck

About 6 years ago I went on holidays with my mum and an awful rash came up on my neck. We thought it was something in a meal I had eaten so I put myself in the sun every day to try and clear it up but it continually got worse and spread over my face.
This now happens every year I go away. The only thing that clears it up is antibiotics. I was in the sun for 3 hours last week and it wasn't particularly strong and the rash has now appeared again on my neck and is very agressive. The lumps are filled with a poison like white puss. I'm obviously becoming more sensitive to the sun as it came up after such a short period.
Have you ever come across this before and do you know what it is?
Thanks
Helen

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be solar urticaria or boils.

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.
If the symptoms persist then consultation of a dermatologist will be the best.

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