Red itchy spots

[rash_sufferer]

Everytime my skin is exposed to the sun I find myself developing a small collection of pinprick spots with a red rash on both arms. This rash seems to always occur in the same place (the part of my arm near my elbow and my chest area) and are often soo itchy. I'm worried I may have a form or skin cancer as I got sunburned a few years ago. I do suffer from hayfever and I have had reactions in the past. How can I treat them, or better yet how can I avoid getting them.

[Anglhrt23]

I also have the same issue.  It seems like if the UV ray is high I tend to get a rash all over my thighs and the actually hurt.  Almost like they have fever in them and sensitive to touch.  That sound like anything?

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, it can be possible allergy but usually it is seen if there is a past history of allergy. The usual manifestations of allergy are rash formation with itching but blisters are quite rare. If allergy, it can be either due to atopic dermatitis or it can be due to irritant dermatitis.

The other causes are bleeding disorder like thrombocytopenic purpura or it can be a vasculitis, even insect bite needed to be ruled out. Insect bite or drug induced vasculitis are usually associated with itching.

The allergic manifestations respond well to anti histamines and corticosteroids. If not responding then other causes needs to be ruled out. I suggest you to consult allergy specialist. Take care and regards.

[geminigirl1963]

Out of curiosity, have you ever been tested for lupus?  One of the symptoms can be sun sensitivity and a rash that occurs after sun exposure.  The rash you've described is one that I get with my lupus if I've been out in the sun and have forgotten my sunblock (DOH!)

If you do go to get tested for lupus, try and spend some time in the sun before going for the bloodwork - most ideally some time the day before the test and then at least 1/2 hour the day of. For some reason, this sun exposure has been known to raise your "levels" in your blood if you have lupus, making it easier for the test to come back positive - not that you necessarily WANT a positive result, but if lupus is suspected, you really do, because it is possible to have lupus and get several negative blood results before getting the positive one.  Raising these blood levels by spending time in the sun could make your search for a diagnosis much quicker.

Best of luck and keep me posted!