Itchy skin

[cryan]

My skin gets unbearably itchy every time I get even the slightest sun burn or even just lay out in the sun. Why does this happen and what can I do to prevent this on vacation in Florida?

[cryan]

Sorry this response is so late, but I completely forgot I ever had any troubles with my skin. I was on vacation for eight days and spent most of my days in the sun. Compared to past vacations, I applied my sunscreen more liberally and made sure not to burn on the areas that usually give me trouble (my stomach and lower back). I did however burn on my chest and shoulders. I peeled after a week, but the burn never itched. Before vacationing I tanned indoors (even though I hate the risks) because I was so nervous that I would sizzle up if I went into the sun without any exposure at all. I guess I just wasn't being careful enough with my sensitive areas in the past. Thanks for all your suggestions.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms one possibility which needs to be ruled out is of 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.

Please discuss this treatment option with your dermatologist.

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.