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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Sun Allergy, Skin On Forehead Swells, Becomes Reddish And Peels Off. Advise?

Hey doc, hope u are doing well, i wanna ask that my father has been suffering from skin allergy due to sun. From last 5-6 years he has been suffering from sun allergy on face i.e the skin of forehead becomes swelled and redish and red spots on checks, the skin of both hands becomes swelled and redish and the skin peels off sometimes in summer.
Now there is no doctor left in the whole city from where he didn't get treated, every doc treats according to his own diagnosis, but the problem is still there.
Mon, 20 May 2013
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hi,
Your father seems to have ACTINIC PRURIGO (AP)

Actinic prurigo is an intensely itchy skin condition caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight (photosensitivity). It presents with small, intensely itchy papules (prurigo) on sun-exposed sites.

Actinic prurigo occurs when affected individuals are exposed to long- and short-wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB). The reason why this reaction between skin and sunlight occurs is still unknown

Actinic prurigo is characterised by an intensely itchy rash. The rash consists of an eruption of small, red and inflamed bumps (papules), thickened patches (plaques) and (lumps) nodules that are frequently scratched. The rash usually appears hours or days following sun exposure. Chronic scratching, ulcers, weeping, crusting and scaling are found

Sun-exposed areas of the face such as the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and earlobes. V of the neck and chest, upper sides of the arms and hands.
Lips are involved in 60-70% of cases (in 10% the lips are the only site affected).

There is no cure for actinic prurigo. The main goal is prevention by avoiding sun exposure.

Treatment is mainly aimed at avoiding sun exposure. However, oral and topical corticosteroids are frequently used for short periods. Thalidomide is used, either alone or with topical corticosteroids, for resistant or multiple relapse cases.

Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may be used.

Pentoxyphylline is also effective in A P.

Sunscreen should be used after clearance of the lesions.

The prognosis is poor, with frequent relapses, especially during spring and summer. Actinic prurigo does not improve with time..

I hope you might be satisfied with my answer..ok

Regards,

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD
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Sun Allergy, Skin On Forehead Swells, Becomes Reddish And Peels Off. Advise?

Hi, Your father seems to have ACTINIC PRURIGO (AP) Actinic prurigo is an intensely itchy skin condition caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight (photosensitivity). It presents with small, intensely itchy papules (prurigo) on sun-exposed sites. Actinic prurigo occurs when affected individuals are exposed to long- and short-wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB). The reason why this reaction between skin and sunlight occurs is still unknown Actinic prurigo is characterised by an intensely itchy rash. The rash consists of an eruption of small, red and inflamed bumps (papules), thickened patches (plaques) and (lumps) nodules that are frequently scratched. The rash usually appears hours or days following sun exposure. Chronic scratching, ulcers, weeping, crusting and scaling are found Sun-exposed areas of the face such as the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and earlobes. V of the neck and chest, upper sides of the arms and hands. Lips are involved in 60-70% of cases (in 10% the lips are the only site affected). There is no cure for actinic prurigo. The main goal is prevention by avoiding sun exposure. Treatment is mainly aimed at avoiding sun exposure. However, oral and topical corticosteroids are frequently used for short periods. Thalidomide is used, either alone or with topical corticosteroids, for resistant or multiple relapse cases. Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may be used. Pentoxyphylline is also effective in A P. Sunscreen should be used after clearance of the lesions. The prognosis is poor, with frequent relapses, especially during spring and summer. Actinic prurigo does not improve with time.. I hope you might be satisfied with my answer..ok Regards, Dr.Ilyas Patel MD