sun rash

[kkavita]

hi i am 27 years old female with weatish to dark complexion i live in southeren part of india( Asia) i  am very sensitive to sun i develop redish and very itchy rash with in no time to sun exposure even in mild winter sun.. i scratched the rash and the condition worsened .. i seeked medical help nothing really helped... please help me with this ... i have real hopes with you

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
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.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[kkavita]

Thank you for your response doctor... your input was helpfull for now the rash is in control and hopefully it may disappear in a week or so... but my concern is how to get rid of it permanently...? how can make my skin resistant to such conditions...? should i make any changes in my eating habits....? please give your valuable advice.



Kavita

[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 please get an evaluation done by a 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.