Sun Allergy.

[MelaniePoaps]

Hello ,

   My name is Mélanie and I believe I have a sun allergy.

Everytime I go outside , even in winter , in less than a minute any area
that is not coverd is busting out into hives. I have gone outside without
sunscreen or any products on my skin to see if the rash and hives would come ,
and they still did. I currently use neutrogena ultra seer and baby face for my sun routine ,
and cover up everywere. Today I received hives and a rash on my hands and feet.
And this winter I had the hives and rashes on my face.
I live in Canada so this doesn't happen because I am close to the equater.

Last summer I spoke to a pharmasist when it happend the first time.
Should I make an appointment with a doctor about my allergy?
Because I do know I have the allergy.
How would they diagnose me with a sun allergy?
Because my symptomes fit PMLE.
(Also my grandmother is allergic to the sun horribly. So it could be hereditary.)

Thank You :)

[MelaniePoaps]

I have an appointment with the a doctor next week.
I am hoping to find what is my exact allergy with testing.
I am only 13 , witch makes it a little harder trying to enjoy the outdoors...
I forgot to say that I was and still am using a 70spf , that is still not high enough , because after the rash heals I am left with a sunburn...
Thank you very much for replying to my question:)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms the possibility of solar urticaria or solar dermatitis cannot be ruled out. 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 and wear long sleeved clothes. 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.

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.