sunburn

[jyotibandhugupta]

Whenever my skin especially my wrist and parts of the hands below the elbow get exposed to sun they trun red and I have severe itching.This itching continues for a long time....I just have to control myself from itching or apply aloevera skin cream to soothen it.This is a everyday work as i go out everyday.....so my skin is always red and i am itching throughout the day.....what treatment should i take for it and how much harmful is this sunburn and itching for my skin....what kind of disease can i have if it continues in this way??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like 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.
If the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist.
I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

A photodermatitis.Protect from sunlight by full hands shirt.Apply sunscreen lotions daily.Severe cases may require external steroid application for a short course.