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How Can Allergic Sunburn On The Back And Shoulders Be Treated?
I was sunburned on June 3 on my back and shoulders, and since have had escalating rashes, itching, dry darkened skin. I have had 3 appointments with my doctor, and have been given an ointment and prednisone, and have eliminated all prescriptions except Zantac. The symptoms are worsening......large patches of irritated skin on the inside of my thighs, the bend of my elbows is rough, tough, cracked and weeping. I live in Nevada where we are in the middle of an intense heatwave, and I have stayed out of the direct sunlight, but if I perspire the blisters and rashes get larger. We are leaving for the mountains in Central Utah where the temps are in the 50 s at night and low 80 s during the day in hopes that cooler temps will help me recover. My biggest concern is will this be my new life???? I am an outdoors person, and hope that I don t have to stay indoors forever.. Will flare-ups happen forever? I know nothing about this condition, and wonder if sunscreen, and being fully covered are my new norm? My doctor is running blood tests, and I will get the results tomorrow. Could this possibly be more than sun and a reaction to medication? Thanks for your advice. I will appreciate anything you can tell me. Maggie Ireland
Mon, 7 Aug 2017
Hello
The skin lesions you have mentioned may be due to polymorphous light eruption,photosensitivity reaction or early stage of systemic lupus erythromatosis.
It is a kind of allergic reaction due to increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight.
You need to visit dermatologist to rule out the cause.Skin biopsy,blood test and patch test may be done to know the underlying cause.
If it has not responded to medical therapy ,dermatologist may take help of light therapy in various visits to increase tolerance of your skin to sunlight.
The rashes can be managed by
-oral antihistaminics like cetrizine/loratidine,applying hydrocortisone containing ointment at the lesions.
Local application of cold compresses may help.
For its prevention,you have to
-Apply sunscreen lotion with SPF more than 30.
Cover your body with full sleeves and use broad brim hat whille in sun.
-Avoid exposure to sun when sunlight is at its maximum.
-Intake of variety of fruits and vegetables in daily diet will provide you with anti oxidants and vit B .Vit B deficiency may accelerate such reactions.
-Be careful of certsin drugs that may enhance the allergic reaction in sun like doxycylcine,alcohol.
-Moisture your skin well and keep yourself hydrated.
Thanks
The skin lesions you have mentioned may be due to polymorphous light eruption,photosensitivity reaction or early stage of systemic lupus erythromatosis.
It is a kind of allergic reaction due to increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight.
You need to visit dermatologist to rule out the cause.Skin biopsy,blood test and patch test may be done to know the underlying cause.
If it has not responded to medical therapy ,dermatologist may take help of light therapy in various visits to increase tolerance of your skin to sunlight.
The rashes can be managed by
-oral antihistaminics like cetrizine/loratidine,applying hydrocortisone containing ointment at the lesions.
Local application of cold compresses may help.
For its prevention,you have to
-Apply sunscreen lotion with SPF more than 30.
Cover your body with full sleeves and use broad brim hat whille in sun.
-Avoid exposure to sun when sunlight is at its maximum.
-Intake of variety of fruits and vegetables in daily diet will provide you with anti oxidants and vit B .Vit B deficiency may accelerate such reactions.
-Be careful of certsin drugs that may enhance the allergic reaction in sun like doxycylcine,alcohol.
-Moisture your skin well and keep yourself hydrated.
Thanks
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