Save me from Sun

[Ana97]

Hi,

I have been getting tiny blisters/prickly heat type things on my face, lips and arms everytime my skin has prolonged exposure to the sun. I am not sure what these are? But, it mostly happens when its extremely cold, windy and specially in sun. My exposed skin turns red, my lips are swollen with allergy and its itchy everywhere. I underwent an allergy test and the dermatologist told that my body has atypical response to common allergens like dust mites and pollen. I am still not satisfied , as i think its mainly due to sun. But what is it? I apply aquaphor to heal the redness and itching. Is there any way i can avoid this? Do i have sun allergy? I have tried sunscreens as well but nothing works?

Please help as i cant avoid sun completely,

Regards
Ana

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Solar urticaria is possibly caused by an antigen-antibody reaction. Solar irradiation may induce an antigen in the serum or plasma of affected individuals. The result of these interactions is mast cell degranulation with subsequent histamine release.
Apart from the antihistaminics,phototherapy with UV-A, broadband UV-B, or narrowband UV-B and photochemotherapy with oral methoxsalen (8-MOP) plus UV-A are effective for treating solar urticaria.You can consult a dermatologist and discuss these treatment options with him.

I hope that helps.Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[Ana97]

Hello Dr. Bhupinder,

Thanks for you reply!

I was in the sun this weekend for atleast 4-5 hrs. The sun here in US is very strong. I used to be in sun in India as well but it wasnt this bad. I have a burning and itching sensation after being in sun for more than a hr and that turns into red rashes/hives the next day which covers my entire face and arms. It itches and it feels terribly hot on the affected area. I have typically dry skin so the problem worsens. I am also Hypothyroid for which i am taking proper medication. I dont know if that linked to my plb anyway.
This time I used a sunscreen with SPF 50, but that too didnt work infact my arms are worst this time when i did have suncreen on.
I am taking Xyzal 50 Mg since it happened 2 days ago.

I need to know what triggers this and if I were a wide brim hat or eat xyzal before going out would this help?

Thanks,

[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 an allergist.

I sincerely hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.