sun allergy

[Marria4]

Hi

About five years ago I developed a reaction to the sun. When my face is exposed to the sun I develop a raised rash all over my face which is red and blotchy but also with lots of white spots. The rash only occurs on my face even if the rest of my body is exposed. I wear a factor 50 sunscreen and try to cover my face as much as possible but it generally occurs whenever I am in the sun for a period of time. The rash usually takes up to five days to clear and can be quite sore. I went to my GP but they did not know what the cause could be or if there is any way to prevent this from happening. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This can be due to solar urticaria. 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.

To prevent solar urticaria in future, desensitization using phototherapy and photochemotherapy are often advised. In this we try to decrease the amount of exposure by gradually increasing exposure to the form of radiation that brings about the reaction.

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.

[ChitChatNine]

Hi, I am not sure either but wanted to say hello.  Could there be something in the sunscreen you are using that you may be allergic to?  Just a thought.  Am sure others will stop by, too with ideas.

C~