Sun Sensitivity

[Susanne873]

Hi,

I went to a Dermatologist a few years ago and was told that I have Sun Sensitivity.  He gave me a prescription for Desoximetason, 0.25% ointment, and said that I should use Neutrogena sunblock with Helioplex.

I am still having problems and I am wondering if there is any other help available for people who suffer with hives due to the sun?  I try to apply sun block and stay covered up, but if I go swimming this is hard to do.

My problems are made worse if I am out in the sun and I touch plants (weeding the garden).  I have many environmental allergies as well.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Cholinergic urticaria is a subcategory of physical urticaria (aka hives) that is a skin rash brought on by a hypersensitive reaction to body heat. Symptoms follow any stimulus to sweat such as exercise (sometimes called exercise-induced urticaria), heat from the sun (which could also indicate solar urticaria),.
The visible hives (sometimes called heat bumps) appear as a multitude of small 2-3 mm welts typically surrounded by patches of red skin.The rash typically develops within a few minutes of a rise in body temperature but can take longer to appear visibly on the skin.
Cholinergic urticaria can be very difficult to treat. Since an attack can often be felt coming on, it can sometimes be halted by rapid cooling, such as applying cold water or an ice pack to the skin.
Drug treatment is typically in the form of antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin), hydroxyzine, cetirizine.For some people, H2-receptor antagonists such as cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac) can also help control symptoms.
Sunscreen and sunblock are necessary to help minimize the outbreak. There is no cure, only treatment available when it happens.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholinergic_urticaria

[Dr Santos]

How are you? Sun allergy or photosensitivity is a reaction of the immune system to sunlight. Your treatment should always start with prevention strategies before going out in the sun, like: applying a sunscreen lotion that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above; use a sun block on your lips with an SPF of 20 or more; limit  time outdoors when the sun is at its peak (11am to 3pm);  sunglasses with ultraviolet light protection; and protective clothing such as pants and hat with wide brim. Aloe vera has an immediate cooling and calming effect on the skin. It also forms a layer over the skin that protects it from sun radiations. Hence, it seals the moisture, preventing dehydration, which in turn promotes faster healing. This link may be helpful: http://www.quickallergyrelief.com/treatment-allergy-sun.html

Takle care and keep us posted.