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What Causes Dermatitis Due To Itching Post Sun Burn?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Aug 2014
Question: a while back i got sunburn on my legs.....as months passed i scratched and scratched and now it looks like a big patch of psoriasis....is the possible that it turned into psoriasis?IT ITCHES REALLY BAD
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Oral and topical corticosteroids

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for posting on HCM
From your description and picture, it seems you have got an acute dermatitis due to excessive itching post sunburn. It doesnot look like psoriasis because psoriasis is a chronic disease and doesnot sprout up so suddenly and more over clinically it is usually covered with thick white scales and rarely there is any associated itching.
If I was your treating dermatologist, after thourough examination and history, I would recommend application of potent corticosteroid halobetasol in combination with fusidic acid twice a day over affected areas. Also I would prescribe some antihistaminics to control itching. If after one week the reaponse is sub-optimal,I would additionally consider oral corticosteroids for 2 weeks in tapering dose.
Thus, I would recommend you to plan a consult with your dermatologist and discuss in detail the treatment I outlined.
Avoid pricking/scratching or picking of lesions.
Let me know if you require any more assistance from my side.
Thank you
Take care
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Hardik Pitroda (1 hour later)
where can i find any of these creams you mentioned?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
-----

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
I am afraid in USA you wont be able to get Halobetasol and fusidic acid combination cream and oral corticosteroids without prescription. You might get a weak steroid like hydrocortisone as OTC but I think it would be not be enough to take care of the condition.
Thus the best option for you is to consult a dermatologist and ask for the medications I suggested.
For itching you can get OTC BENADRYL tablets/capsules and can be taken twice or thrice a day as required to relieve itching.
Additionally apply a good quality moisturiser like Cetaphil moisturizing lotion which I think you can get OTC.
Hope you will get well soon.
Thanks
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Hardik Pitroda

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1489 Questions

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What Causes Dermatitis Due To Itching Post Sun Burn?

Brief Answer: Oral and topical corticosteroids Detailed Answer: Hello Thank you for posting on HCM From your description and picture, it seems you have got an acute dermatitis due to excessive itching post sunburn. It doesnot look like psoriasis because psoriasis is a chronic disease and doesnot sprout up so suddenly and more over clinically it is usually covered with thick white scales and rarely there is any associated itching. If I was your treating dermatologist, after thourough examination and history, I would recommend application of potent corticosteroid halobetasol in combination with fusidic acid twice a day over affected areas. Also I would prescribe some antihistaminics to control itching. If after one week the reaponse is sub-optimal,I would additionally consider oral corticosteroids for 2 weeks in tapering dose. Thus, I would recommend you to plan a consult with your dermatologist and discuss in detail the treatment I outlined. Avoid pricking/scratching or picking of lesions. Let me know if you require any more assistance from my side. Thank you Take care Dr Hardik Pitroda