face irritation

x the last past year everytime expose face to sunlight ,usually on outdoor activities ,,and then after shower,........ i noticed redness ,irritation on face ,,,red bumps ..............any reason why???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These symptoms can be due to solar dermatitis or contact dermatitis. Solar dermatitis 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.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.