strange skin reaction to sun!

[kaz777]

my skin is pale and it has never tanned but over the past few year i have been getting a rash on my neck that moves onto my face is i am exposed to sun for long periods. it starts off as a heat rash but then forms little white heads and resembles acne. it only seems to be on my neck and behind the ears. i have been put on antibiotics everytime when occurs and they do eventually help it but i am looking for a solution to prevent it occurring as i am going to be travelling to Australia soon. i wear factor 50 and have tried different makes but they don't seem to help. i have been told by one doctor that it is a hair folical infection called follicutis but i am convinced it has something to do with the sun cause it appears even i am in the sun for an hour or two.

any information or advice you have would be much appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This can be due to irritation of the hair follicles and clogging of pores due to increased sweating in the sun. It can also be due to clogged pores after applying heavy creams and cosmetics and going out in the sun.

Before going out in the sun apply a non greasy sunscreen with spf 30 atleast half an hour before stepping out. Also wash your face with fresh water and reply the sunscreen at frequent intervals. It is important to maintain hygiene and avoid any sweating of the area.

If the white bumps appear, apply some topical antimicrobials like Bactroban or Mupirocin.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[mkchandrasekar]

just consult a skin spltst... nothing to worry...