Sun Rash help

Hello,

Is it possible for solar dermatitis/ sun rash to last more than a week? And for it to spread over a few days?
I began laying out at the beach again after avoiding the sun for 3 years. I am not fair skinned and have never had a problem like this before.
On my 1st beach trip, I had some itching on the sides of each wrist but no rash. Occassionally, I would see bumps only after I scratched. I didn't think it was a cause for concern.

After my 3rd beach trip, I developed a itchy flesh colored, slightly raised rash that began on the back of my hands, and spread up my arms to the crease of my armpits over about 3 days. The rash is now pink. It did not occur in any other areas that were exposed to the sun.
I've had it for over a week now and am starting to worry because I do not have health insurance to see a dermatologist. I'm hoping it is not a sign of something worse.
The itching is horrible and cortisone cream does not help. Please help. Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to heat rash, hives or scabies bites. Scabies is a contagious  skin infection caused by a parasite – the mite, which burrows under the host’s skin and causes intense allergic itching. It is transmitted from objects or beddings, but more with direct skin- to – skin contact.

Diagnosis of scabies is made by scraping the skin and viewing the material under a microscope to see the characteristic mite or eggs.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.