sun allergy - Allergies Message Board

photo57 · 06-18-2009, 12:08 PM

I am a middled-aged woman that seeme to just have developed an allergy to the sun--anytime I'm out after 11a.m, lets say, or before 4p.m. I turn into a crimson-faced, hive covered, slightly woosey individual. My determologist gave me cortisone creme and it makes it go away in about 5 days. It's REALLY wierd, because I NEVER had this before!! Do hats help if I'm stuck outside in any prime hours?? I walk alot, and do it early, or after 4, but am worried about what I'll do when I visit my son and his girlfreind in Colorado--I love the mountains, and rock formations there--help, anyone else have this????

dreams in neon · 06-18-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photo57

I am a middled-aged woman that seeme to just have developed an allergy to the sun--anytime I'm out after 11a.m, lets say, or before 4p.m. I turn into a crimson-faced, hive covered, slightly woosey individual. My determologist gave me cortisone creme and it makes it go away in about 5 days. It's REALLY wierd, because I NEVER had this before!! Do hats help if I'm stuck outside in any prime hours?? I walk alot, and do it early, or after 4, but am worried about what I'll do when I visit my son and his girlfreind in Colorado--I love the mountains, and rock formations there--help, anyone else have this????

i get sunburn easily and find that wearing large hats and long sleeved light colored clothing (i.e. long sleeved cotton shirt and pants) helps. you may be a little uncomfortable in the heat, but your skin will be protected.

as for allergies, they can develop at any time. just last week i was diagnosed with allergy-induced asthma. i've had asthma symptoms for many, many years but never sought treatment because i assumed my coughing, etc. was due to a cold or ear infection.

squeakz2001 · 06-26-2009, 02:08 PM

You might want to go to your dermatologist again. I had almost that same issue- except that I developed rashes that looked like a horrid case of poison ivy. She ended up getting me tested for Lupus. It turns out that this sun allergy was a side effect of Lupus- and thats why I was getting such a bad reaction.
Good luck!

Linda_in_NJ · 06-27-2009, 04:53 PM

That's what I was going to suggest. That is one of the most prominent signs of lupus. Also it might be some medications you are taking which will make you burn easier. Good Luck

photo57 · 06-29-2009, 02:06 PM

Thanks for the answer--I'm actually afraid to be tested for lupus, and I don't have any of the other symptoms of the disease--no fatigue or anything else--the rash is all over my forehead and everything--I've completely changed my lifestyle-- also went off of Effexor and statins recently as a "test." Also trazadone-- I'm getting to the point where Drs. drive me nuts, anyway.....