Sun rash

Former Member

I've been getting a rash in the sun for as long as I can remember, I have VERY pale skin and don't tan. I always put it down to prickly heat, but reading up on it a bit I've realised it probably isnt because it only occurs in places in contact with the sun and my clothes protect me against it. Prickly heat is caused my sweating and usually clothes make it worse.

The doctor said its some sort of allergic reaction to the sun I really don't know what else I can do to protect my skin against the sun, I don't go around in a bikini all day and I try to cover up as much as possible but I want to stay cool so can't be wearing long sleeves and stuff.

I have literally spent 20 mins outside with SPF 25 on and I am covered in a really itchy rash on my chest and arms. Its just ridiculous, I'm outside a lot due to my job and I just cant afford to be in this much pain all the time over the summer. It seems to be getting worse recently, it makes going on holiday difficult too. I usually spend as much time as possible under the shade or up to my neck in the swimming pool .

Anyway I was just wondering if anyone else suffers like this and if they have any good advice about how I can sort myself out.

Thanks,

x

Former Member

I don't get a rash but I feel like my skin is on fire when it's really warm. Try using a higher spf, at least 40 but pref 50.

Former Member

Well I've been doing some research and the symtoms match exactly to solar dermatitis, so I'm thinking its that but I'm going to hop across to the doctors next week anyway just to see what she thinks.

Former Member

try using a anti-hystamine(sp) like piraton. I know someone who often gets a rash when they've been in the sun and this really calms it down.

Former Member

I get the same thing, but only in strong sun. I think it may be connected to some other problems I'm having though, so probably not the same thing.

But I know someone who gets it quite badly and after suffering for the last 20 years with GP giving general and quite useless advice, she's been back to the doctor, made a slight fuss and been referred to a specialist for treatment, so I'd recommend nipping to the GP and seeing what you can rustle up!

In the meantime, trying antihistamines can't hurt.

Former Member

I get the same thing. It might sound strange, and I have no idea why I tried it in the first place, but the only thing I've found that helps is rubbing athletes foot powder into it. Seems to sort it out for me.

Former Member

Olive wrote: »

I get the same thing, but only in strong sun. I think it may be connected to some other problems I'm having though, so probably not the same thing.

But I know someone who gets it quite badly and after suffering for the last 20 years with GP giving general and quite useless advice, she's been back to the doctor, made a slight fuss and been referred to a specialist for treatment, so I'd recommend nipping to the GP and seeing what you can rustle up!

In the meantime, trying antihistamines can't hurt.

Yeah, my doctor has been pretty useless too in the past but I'm going to pester some more. I have had skin problems in the past and got referred to a specialist who told me to get in direct contact with her in the future so I might even try that.

I already take antihistamines but I am reluctant to take them all the time as I really don't like taking too much medication. Maybe taking them for a couple of weeks might work.

I've never tried athletes foot cream but a doctor actually recommended that once when she thought I had a fungal infection. I covered myself in it for months, turned out I had a virus not a fungal infection after all! Haha.

I've had so many issues with my skin over the years and I think skin problems are always quite hard to get proper help with.

Thanks for your advice everyone.

Former Member

With the clothing issue, you can get some really lightweight clothing from walking shops, designed to be cooling so you can wear loads of layers when hiking.
But you could get a top from there to cover up and feel cool at the same time? My bf raves about their tops all the time...