Sun allergy maybe

[bluedaisey2181]

What would be the reason for red itchy whelps on your skin only in the places that the sun hits?

[MamaMore3]

I am experiencing a red itchy rash after I come out of the sun.  I am also having a problem with my birth control pills (spotting) that I'm taking for my hormones (perimenopause).  Could this rash be a side effect of my birth control pills?
Thanks,
Catherine

[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 your dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

well, the uv rays have become notorious with all the ozone holes.Photoallergy is the chronic form and phototoxic, the acute type.