Was out in sun today and also visited all you can eat seafood buffet. When I got home this evening, I have a red (sun burn looking) rash on my chest, but it s sporadic. I used plenty of sun block evenly all over my chest so I m fairly confident it s not sun burn. It also is not hot nor bothering me. I was thinking it may be a reaction to the crab legs that I ate a considerable amount of. But I am 42 and have never had any food allergies and have had crab legs several times this summer with no reaction. I was also swimming in the ocean near Daytona Florida. Any ideas?
Hi Welcome to HCM. From your symptoms there seem to be a couple of reasons which could have caused your rash. As you mentioned the possibility of sunburn cannot be ruled out. It may burn or get dark and peel off later. Inspite of the sunblock it is possible. Also keep in mind that any other allergic reaction can be aggravated by sun exposure. So even without prior skin allergies, its possible that a batch of bad seafood can trigger a reaction. But itching would be more prominent. Its safe to say that its easily treatable. Apply a mometasone cream twice a day over the area for three days and taper it down to once daily for a few more days upto a week. If you experience burning or itching during the day, apply a soothing calamine lotion. Since you don't have any symptoms or itching you may not need antihistamines. In case you do, take a levocetrizine or fexofenadine tablet. Keep a check on spread of the rash or other symptoms. Hope this helps.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
What Causes Red Rash On Chest After Sun Exposure?
Hi Welcome to HCM. From your symptoms there seem to be a couple of reasons which could have caused your rash. As you mentioned the possibility of sunburn cannot be ruled out. It may burn or get dark and peel off later. Inspite of the sunblock it is possible. Also keep in mind that any other allergic reaction can be aggravated by sun exposure. So even without prior skin allergies, its possible that a batch of bad seafood can trigger a reaction. But itching would be more prominent. Its safe to say that its easily treatable. Apply a mometasone cream twice a day over the area for three days and taper it down to once daily for a few more days upto a week. If you experience burning or itching during the day, apply a soothing calamine lotion. Since you don t have any symptoms or itching you may not need antihistamines. In case you do, take a levocetrizine or fexofenadine tablet. Keep a check on spread of the rash or other symptoms. Hope this helps.