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
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