Allergic to the sun?

[SJK820]

Hey Guys,
Sometimes when I'm out in the sun I develop a rash. It's mainly on my arms and hands, but can spread to my shoulders and neck if they are exposed. It's not very itchy but is bothersome, and pretty much inflames my entire arm with small red bumps. It has only happened severely twice before, once when I was at Disney World a few years ago and this past year when I was at sleepover camp. Both times I was outdoors most of the day for a few days in a row. Is it possible that I have developed an allergy to the sun? I'm very pale, meaning I'm very sensitive to the sun and burn easily, so it wouldn't surprise me if I was.

[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.
I hope that helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Typical of photoallergy.Physical protection by wearing dresses that cover as much as possible,and applying sunscreens are the treatment.Burn after sunexposure is different,phototoxic,it is.