Sun rash

For about 10 years now, I develop rashes when I am out in the sun for a long period of time. I don't always develop the rashes on areas of my body directly exposed to the sun. Most of the time I develop bumps in the underfolds of my legs and my arms but only in the area around my elbows, finally, the area near my armpits. I use calamine creams, etc. But I feel like throughout the summer I can never get rid of them once they appear. I also feel like i get a rash when i have sun exposure and water combined. I know i am allergic to the sun and that my rashes happenforsseveral reasons but i cant get rid of the original rashes i mentioned. Please help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One of the possibilities for your rashes is solar urticaria. 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. 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.