what can i do ?

Please can anyone give me advice , i have sun rashes every single year , my docter says i have an allergic reaction to the sun !! has anyone had the similar rash and have they done anythging to prevent it ?


This discussion is related to sun rash.

[jo498]

I posted a comment last night (Jo 498) Although I'm not sure what my rash is from the sun certainly seems to aggravate it, so how does a person know if they're allergic to the sun. My rash is worse upperbody, arms mostly.  I've tried staying out of the sun for a few days, but doesn't seem to get much better.  Any inside info would be appreciated.

[cursedforlife]

I am also allergic to the sun. My rash is like a bunch of itchy hives and usually presents on my upper chest. It is called "Photosensitivity". I have been treated with an antihistamine such as zyrtec once a day. In addition to the zyrtec my physician gave me fluocinide cream to apply to the area if needed. I do go out in the sun, zyrtec helps but If  I'm exposed to the sun too long, I still get the rash. Good luck...

[missy1962]

Have you tried a very strong sunscreen (SPF 50 or above) that is hypoallergenic?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What you describe seems like sweat dermatitis or heat rash.

You should try to keep the area dry and clean. Try some powder to absorb the sweat.

If the symptoms are still persistent, consult your dermatologist and get a proper clinical evaluation done.

Meanwhile, avoid sun exposure and use a medicated sunscreen.

Let us know if you have any doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Good luck.

[litlfarm]

I have the same annoying rash EVERY year... & have for about 8 years now!  It's mostly been on my arms (just below my short sleeve line) to my wrists.  This year however, it began on my thigh :(
I'm going to the dermatologist today.  I'm so DONE with this happening each Spring!!!!!!
The worst part is by the time the rash disappears, my arms look all blotchy because the rash tans differently than my unaffected skin.
I consistently use SPF 30 now as an adult, but as a teen some 20 years ago, I would bake in the sun for hours to a golden, dark brown... I was actually a lifeguard for a while.
I too, take Zyrtec for seasonal allergies, but this rash reared it's ugly head once again last week.
I hope the Dr. can help.

[litlfarm]

Ok, so my dermatologist says I have " polymorphous light eruption"... basically I'm allergic to the sun!

In some research I did, I found that a sunblock w/ an antioxidant complex may help.  "Coppertone Ultra Sheer - Faces" has this particular complex, so I'm going togive it  a whirl next time I'm out in the sun for a prolonged time!
Best of luck everyone!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

How are you doing now?

Let us knw about what your doctor has advised and if you need any other information.

Regards.

[anna88]

I was in the sun this weekend quite alot and seemed to get a nice tan, however today i have a blotchy red rash that is mainly on my forearms, chest and lower thighs. One of the red blotches seems to have a tiny blister to it.

My skin complection is fair but olive and on holidays i normally tan quite quickly. My parents are both from hot countries and i have never really had a problem with sun exposure apart from the lack of it for the past 3-4 years.

It is not that itchy compared to what most people are describing and i dont recall sweating much.

Does anyone know what this could be?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Though nothing can be said with surety without having a look at the lesions -
What you describe could be sweat dermatitis or heat rash or eczema.

You should use calamine lotion to help soothe the lesions and use a medicated sunscreen whenever you go out. Try to maintain a healthy diet schedule and good personal hygiene.

You should try to keep the area dry and clean. Try some powder to absorb the sweat.

If the symptoms are still persistent, consult your dermatologist and get a proper clinical evaluation done.

Let us know if you have any doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Good luck.

[dannyscahill]

I have the very same thing! Been gettin the same type of skin rash after exposure to the sun for about the last 2 years. It started to get really severe though after i cut out lots of different foods from my diet due to food intolerances (after having done a Yorktest Indicator test). For just over 1 year now i have cut out all dairy products, eggs, yeast and nuts. Although I have enjoyed a good few benifits from doing this (my asthma is much improved, my scalp is much less dry and i sweat much less aswell) my eczema is worse than it has ever been before. In the past the sun would really help clear my skin up and i would tan pretty easily aswell, now i can't go in the sun for any length of time as it just isn't worth the discomfort afterwards! Anti-histamines don't really help other than slight reduction in itching... Please help me Doctor!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What you describe seems like sweat dermatitis or heat rash.

Try to avoid sun exposure and use a medicated sunscreen when you go out. You should try to keep the area dry and clean. Try some powder to absorb the sweat.

If the symptoms are still persistent, consult your dermatologist and get a proper clinical evaluation done.

Let us know if you have any doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Good luck.

[eugene316]

Howdy!
i was experiencing some of these same symptoms on my inner thighs as well. it was red and itchy and blistering with pus coming out of it. and i so sad that i wouldnt be able to sun bathe anymore. So i contacted my physician and he sent me to a dermatologist and turns out i have herpes! i had no symptoms on my genitals but i broke out on my thighs and apparently this kind of symtom is often associated with a sun rash and i actually acquired this disease while sun bathing with my mexican pool boy. and what do ya know this form was from some mexican spider monkey? who woulda thought right..well im just glad i can still kick back and relax by my pool. thought this would be of some help to other housewives out there and their pool boys =) chao