skin burns

Hi
I have a condition which i dont know whats causing it, everytime i go on holiday and i exspose my skin to the sun my body starts to burn and I get blisters even if i go into the sea with a top on i still burn. Its so annoying that i cant lay on the beach or on a hot day take my top off. I would be greatful if someone could tell me how to resolve the problem as i am going on holiday in 2 months and i want to enjoy the sun without having to worry that i am going burn.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

This sounds like a photosensitivity reaction. There are several types of photosensitivity. There are solar urticaria and chemical photosensitivity to name a few. The type of the condition has to be determined as this would influence the form management to be given. "Solar urticaria is the development of hives minutes after exposure to the sun, which resolve in less than 1 hour. Tan skin that has been previously exposed may not react." (http://dermatology.about.com/library/blsolarurt.htm). While chemical photosensitivity results when "certain substances are  ingested or applied topically, …(leading) to cutaneous reactions following sun exposure." (http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch115/ch115c.html).

Avoid staying under the sun for prolonged periods. Keep skin covered while under the sun. Determine if the reaction occurs after applying creams and lotions on these areas. This may be chemical photosensitivity. Have this assessed early on by your dermatologist.