What is this rash??

[Lyb]

Hi

I used to use a sunbed on and off and usually when i was developing my tan i would itch and go a bit red on the areas that had no sun exposure.....i am medium skinned i don't burn easily and tan nicely but when i go out in the sun i tend to itch for the first month, only lighly on my arms and chest...it isn't caused by heat or sweating it is by actual exposure to the rays.

So i have bought another sunbed and have started regularly going on it to darken myself a bit but my chest area which has now got a good tan is red very itchy and constanly there, it has started to spread to my armpits down my sides and top of my legs(but i already have my base tan so they have been exposed for a few weeks)the rash is very small spots all in a large cluster they are red and extremley itchy but when itched they sting.

I used to get this on the inside of my elbows(had it on and off for a month)then i got it on my armpits whenever i used doederant and then sometimes when i didn't....my doctor said it might have been mild eczema but then why am i getting now i am exposing myself to uva rays...i thought it was sun rash but then it's the same thing as i had on my elbows and armpits....does anyone have any ideas as it is confusing me and i don't know what to ut on it to stop the itching for the best.

Thanks Lee

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

How are you doing now?

Has your medical condition improved in any way from the past?

We would like to know more about this and your other medical history.

Please let us know if you may need any more information/help.

Best regards

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This sounds like a heat rash or milaria , though nothing can be said with surety without having a look at the lesions.

'Miliaria (miliaria rubra, sweat rash or prickly heat) is a skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes. Miliaria is a common ailment in hot and humid conditions, such as in the tropics and during the summer season. '

'The prevention and treatment of miliaria primarily consists of controlling heat and humidity so that sweating is not stimulated. Measures may involve treating a febrile illness; removing occlusive clothing; limiting activity; providing air conditioning; or, as a last resort, having the patient move to a cooler climate.'

You could read more about the condition at the following links -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miliaria

and

http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic266.htm

Let us know if you need any other information and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.