Sun Allergy and Tanning Beds

Last year I believe I developed a sun allergy, after prolonged exposure to the sun I would get itchy red bumps in the evening and the next day they would be gone. As of this year I have been in the sun and have experience nothing. I was wonder if I spent some time in a tanning bed would I break out in the red bumps like the sun exposure? Not that I am interested in tanning I am just curious if it would have the same effect as the sun on my skin? thanks!
Danielle

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You seemed to be having 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.If the rash appears,then 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.

I hope that helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have additional queries. Kind regards.

[Danielle_Sadie]

thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question.

I am currently taking a multivitamin everyday (women s one a day), should I take vitamin C along with it? I was also wondering what the vitamin C will actually do, does it help allergies?

Is this solar urticaria something  i will have for the rest of my life? thanks again you have eased my concerns!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Solar urticaria is caused by an antigen-antibody reaction. Solar irradiation may induce an antigen in the serum or plasma of affected individuals.It depends on the immune sustem of an individual.

Vit C is a general anti allergy supplement. . It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.

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