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What Causes Itching Sensation Along With Red Spots On Skin Post Sun Exposure?

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Posted on Sat, 11 Jul 2015
Question: THREE WEEKS AGO I WENT ON A TRIP TO A SEAPARK, IT WAS NOT A HOT DAY, MAYBE AT THE MOST 80 DEGREES FARANHEIT/ 27 OR 28 CELCIOUS. BUT THE SUN WAS REALLY BURNING, MY WIFE , SISTER AND I GOT BADLY SUN BURNED, TOOK A COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR SKIN TO PEEL OFF. NOW JUST FEEL THE OCCASIONAL ITCH, A COUPLE OF LITTLE RED SPOTS HAVE SHOWN UP , BUT I BELIEVE THEY ALWAYS DO, I AM JUST GOING THROUGH AN ANXIOUS STATE. WILL ADD PICTURES SO YOU CAN SEE.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karen Steinberg (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Clogged sweat glands

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thank you for using Healthcare Magic. You are just experiencing common after sunburn effects, nothing to worry about. Sunburns don't necessarily occur related to how hot it is, but how intensive the ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight is. What this means is you can still get sunburned even if it is cloudy, as the UV rays pass through the clouds, unlike visible light.

Typically the skin reddens and then peels, as you have noticed. With really severe sunburns, it can even blister. However, I don't think the red spots are anything related to that. They look like a few sweat glands that have clogged up a bit and are slightly inflamed. This can happen with exposure to heat. You are sweating but may not be aware of it as the sweat evaporates quickly. Sometimes some of the glands can get blocked up temporarily. This can create small bumps that can be itchy. They should eventually go away on their own.

Your skin does appear somewhat dry and inflamed. This can also cause some itching. A water-based moisturizer may be helpful for dry skin. I'd avoid any heavy or thick stuff as it may plug the glands more.

Nothing otherwise specific to do but stop worrying about it! Things will eventually get better. Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Karen Steinberg (46 minutes later)
Thank you Dr. I appreciate your answer, really anxiety does get my mind going, loss of a love one and now wife pregnant so my mind is out there you know . would you recommend aloe Vera , or Neutrogena, Vaseline etc ,products like that Anything specific
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karen Steinberg (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Aloe vera is good

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Anxiety can really mess you up, especially with all the other concerns you have right now. Aloe vera should be soothing and moisturize the skin well. I would avoid greasy ointments such as Vaseline right now as it may cause more blockage of the pores. Hope this helps.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Karen Steinberg

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1981

Answered : 824 Questions

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What Causes Itching Sensation Along With Red Spots On Skin Post Sun Exposure?

Brief Answer: Clogged sweat glands Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX thank you for using Healthcare Magic. You are just experiencing common after sunburn effects, nothing to worry about. Sunburns don't necessarily occur related to how hot it is, but how intensive the ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight is. What this means is you can still get sunburned even if it is cloudy, as the UV rays pass through the clouds, unlike visible light. Typically the skin reddens and then peels, as you have noticed. With really severe sunburns, it can even blister. However, I don't think the red spots are anything related to that. They look like a few sweat glands that have clogged up a bit and are slightly inflamed. This can happen with exposure to heat. You are sweating but may not be aware of it as the sweat evaporates quickly. Sometimes some of the glands can get blocked up temporarily. This can create small bumps that can be itchy. They should eventually go away on their own. Your skin does appear somewhat dry and inflamed. This can also cause some itching. A water-based moisturizer may be helpful for dry skin. I'd avoid any heavy or thick stuff as it may plug the glands more. Nothing otherwise specific to do but stop worrying about it! Things will eventually get better. Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.