sudden sun sensitivity

[and1]

I have been getting a small pimpular rash every time I have even limited sun exposure.  It covers a small area but there are about 15 little bumps.  I am a sqeezer so I always squeeze them and I get a little burst of fluid with each one.  I always use sunscreen but I still get a rash.  It is best described as small pinpoint bumps that are fluid filled and basically leave a red patch once they have erupted.  My doctor thought it was a herpes rash but when I looked on-line the rash was nothing like that.  It started out being only around my left cheek and now appears to be travelling upward towards my temple.  It goes away in about 2 days.  I tried switching sun screens but it still comes back when I venture out into the sun.  I recently have been using glycolic acid peels, 17.5% once a week for 3 weeks to heal some acne scarring.  I am not on any medications.  I am 36 years old.  Thanks for your help.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It would be best to use calamine lotion and neosporin ointment. But most importanatly you need to convince your GP to refer you to a dermatologist.

You should surely get a specialist to do a proper clinical examination and rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Let us know if you have any doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Good luck.

[and1]

Thank you, I will try to look into that. The problem out here (Saskatchewan, Canada) is I asked to be referred by my GP (need a referral) to a Dermatologist and he didn't feel I need it.  It is very frustrating because without the referral you can't resolve with 100% confidence as a GP is not always educated on specific skin conditions.  I found on the internet a condition called Polymorphous light reaction and this particular photo is exactly what I have without itching, burning or pain.  I am going to include the link if you could look and tell me if that is indeed the rash for that disease.

http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/pictures22/dermnet/19_hydroaaestivale1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/dermnet/sunpoisoning1.html&h=640&w=420&sz=71&tbnid=_oCq2q3Gw7sJ:&tbnh=137&tbnw=90&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpolymorphous%2Blight%2Beruption%2B%252B%2Bphotos&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=2

As far as the picking I know it is bad, it is actually a habit but I will stop. Can you recommend a cream, possibly over-the-counter as all I have is this zovirax and I am pretty sure this is not what it is.  I have a herbal tea trea/antibacterial cream that I could use until I see the doctor again.  Thanks so much!!!  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What you describe seems like sweat dermatitis or heat rash.

You should not pick at the lesions or squeeze them under any circumstance. This would cause them to become secondarily infected.

You should try to keep the area dry and clean. Try some powder to absorb the sweat.

If the symptoms are still persistent, consult your dermatologist and get a proper clinical evaluation done.

Let us know if you have any doubts and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Good luck.