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Sun Allergy?

When I am out in the sun for any period of time I get welts, but only on my upper arms, shoulders and back.  My back gets very bad with very large welts that itch terribly.  I use a 70 sunscreen, it helps my arms but not my back.  It looks terrible.  We have a brand new pool and I find myself very hesitant to swim during daylight without a t-shirt.  My mother has this same condition although she calls it the "heebie jeebies", I call it HORRIBLE!!  Is there anything I can do?

Thanks for your help!

Itchin' to hear from you
braunbo
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Avatar universal
ok, so how can you tell if you are senstive to the sun?  If I go out in the sun for long periods of time (even with a good suntan lotion with zinc) I break out in these little bumps at first you can not see only feel, but are really itchy...then they become red and then they turn to like water blisters...and they are still itchy. I get them on my forarms and on my chest I have tried many types of sun screen but nothing helps.  I do avoid the sun, but like the other person said I have a pool and I do cover up with a tshirt, but nothing to cover my arms.  HELP!!!!!!!!  They stay for a really long time,and I am scared to put anything on them for I don't know what it is.  My daughter has started to get the same thing as well when she is in the sun too long...and she is 12...so its hard to keep her in!!  Does anyone know of a really good suntan lotion...

Thanks

Tammy
Helpful - 0
242489 tn?1210497213
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Some people get an allergic reaction to the sun.  The SPF number refers to the burning rays, but even a total block of burning rays doesn't block the longer waves of ultraviolet light.

This is not a serious condition medically, but it is a very annoying one.  My advice is:
1. Use a sunscreen which blocks UVA (there are many brands--check in your drugstore.)  Make sure it's waterproof and that you reapply it every couple of hours.
2. Take an antihistamine daily--Claritin is non-sedating and now OTC.
3.  Se a dermatologist, to be sure this is indeed sun-realted and not heat-related or some other problem.  A photogra[h of the rash in full bloom may help, in case your appojntment doesn't coinicide with a flare.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff
Helpful - 0

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