reaction to the sun

[chancycook]

I have a question about my skin's reaction to the sun. I used to be in the sun often playin golf and swimming. When I turned 17 my skin started to break out in spots and bumps anytime it was exposed. My mother sent me to a dermatologist who said it was an allergic reaction to the sun. My skin has now become very dry and spotted at times. I itch when I sweat. Could there be a more serious reason for this? I have several moles, one of which leaked white puss. I have also experienced self-diagnosed erythema abigne on one arm after constant exposure to heat on that side. The doctor I went to about 10 years ago has retired. Do I need to see a doctor?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Yes, just for reassurance.

Allergy to sun is common; people call it "sun poisoning."  Even maximum sunblocks don't stop long waves of ultraviolet light, and these can cause itchy bumps like the ones you had.  However, sun allergy has nothing to do with sun damage or skin cancer.  The moles are innocent bystanders, in all likelihood.

You may have eczema or some other non-sun-related skin condition.  That's what you should the doctor about, for diagnosis, treatment, and for reassurance.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[mikelee223]

I have the same problem.. I get the rash when I get exposed to the sun or sweat also.. I get it around my neck and opposite of my elbow.. I've tried keepin it hydrated.. But sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. I've read to put on sunblock on it with SPF something on it. I dont know anyway to prevent it.. It happens every summer and I'm tired of it. I need some more input on this situation as well.

[chancycook]

I didn't develop this allergy until after I used RetinA for acne. It was prescription strength, yet I didn't develop the sensitivity until several years later. Are you against all skin drugs? You seem to want to appear as a researcher yet you are trying to attack a doctor and question his or her credentials. I know that there are many differences of opinion in all fields. I agree that the drugs may be causes of many diseases. You can't act like you know more unless you list facts.

[bin]

I had sun poisoning before.  It was ugly, big bumps on my face that resulted from a trip to Florida and one over-cast day in the sun.  I suffered for two months with bumps everywhere on my face.  This was psychologically disturbing to me, considering I previously did not have serious problems with my complexion.  I, through a lot of prayer, got through this difficult time faster than expected. I did have black spots on my face, scars from the sun poisoning after it healed.  They did go away.  I, now, spend little time in the sun, and try to use other methods of tanning, such as the mystic tanning booth.  I was diagnosed after visiting many, like 5 or so, doctors.  The final doctor took a sample and sent it off to the lab.  The diagnosis was sun poisoning.  It does not sound like your condition is as severe as my was.  But be careful, it was very ugly.

--Good luck.

[bin]

I had the sun poisoning when I was 17 years of age.  I am now 26, no skin problems , wrinkles, nothing.  In fact, I get complements all of the time on my complexion.  I welcome those, considering what I went through!!!  IT was a miracle that I did not have permanent skin damage from this---it really was terrible.  Words cannot describe how ugly it was.

[MCD]

I am responding to the issue of itching after exercising and sweating in the sun.  I had this problem when biking during the summer in Florida.  I discussed it with my doctor, who is also an avid bicyclist.  He suggested I try mixing a small portion of apple cider vinegar with water.  Then, after washing the affected area in my shower following exercise, rinse with the vinegar mixture.  Leave it on as long as possible.  I'll usually do this first, then go on to wash my hair etc. and let the vinegar stay on my skin for 10-15 minutes.  I also started wiping my skin with the mixture before biking.  The itching and rash were diminished, then stopped all together.  My doctor explained that the vinegar restores the natural ph to the skin.  This mixture also helps reduce the pain of sunburn.  It changed my life!

[malibuSA]

A related discussion, sun spots was started.