Sun Allergy

Hello, my 6 yo daughter, one of four siblings I adopted last year, seems to have an allergic reaction to the sun. This is her second spring with me. Last spring, it began with a rash across her cheeks. As the weather warmed, she began developing a rash on her arms and eventually a light rash upon her legs. As the spring turned into summer, the rash subsided. I took her to her pediatrician last year and was received with a shrug. No explanation was given and so I did my own research over the months and concluded she may be reacting to the sun. So I patiently awaited this spring to see if the same thing occurred. Beginning in March of this year, with warm sunny days, she began with the itchy bumps and rash upon her cheeks again. She now has the itchy rash down the tops of both of her arms, following the same pattern as last year. Her cheeks have begun to be less sensitive. So, armed with printed information and two spring seasons of history, I too her back to her pediatrician a few weeks ago, while only her cheeks were reactive (still too cool for short sleeves) and the doctor was skeptical and told me to bring her back when there was more to look at. Now that both her arms are covered, I took her back today. The doctor agreed with me that she is photo sensitive. I told the doctor I think I should take her to a dermatologist. The doctor said I could, but felt it would be a waste of time because I just need to execute preventative measures (I have not to this point only because I wanted a medical professional to see what is going on). Of course, preventative measures are sun screen. I am writing today because I want to know if this doctor is correct, in that my daughter doesn't really need to see a dermatologist. The Dr prescribed Zyrtec and a topical cortisone cream (cortisone didn't work last year, so I don't know why she prescribed it again) to help ease the current rash. I am concerned about the long-term effects of this condition and I am wondering if a dermatologist would understand this condition and treat it differently. My daughter is not on any meds, nor is she using any topical creams that could be reacting to sun exposure. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

[KelleyBee]

None of her siblings are experiencing this problem.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

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

Apply a good sunscreen with minimum spf 30 atleast half an hour before going out in the sun.You can give her 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.She 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.Rosacea also has to be ruled out.

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