Sunburn without the sun??

[mesks]

Skin has turned red and very sensitive - very much like sunburn.  What is it?

[mesks]

This is just an update for anyone interested of what it was.  First I will lay out all the facts.  Turns out our son had rosy red checks for awhile (that we thought was eczema) then had some vomiting and generally feeling crappy.  Then his checks got REALLY red.  In the meantime, my wife had bright red skin covering hands, arms, torso, and on the thighs - but nothing on face.  Skin was VERY itchy and it was just like sunburn - when you tough it it turn white where finger was then flushes back red.  There was no "rash" look to it, just sunburn red.  In the meantime, Dad (that's me) had no skin problems just 2 days of feeling awful with small fever.  Son's cheeks cleared up then got spotty rash on upper arms and legs.  Everyone is better now (almost).  Any guesses as to what is was??

It was Fifth Disease!  Son had pretty standard symptoms, but Mom & Dad had a weird display of the disease.  By the way, thanks for taking the time to respond, Dr. Kaur!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to dermatitis skin, contact dermatitis or allergic reaction. Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime. Wash the area with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat your face dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.

If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. I hope it helps. Take care and regards.