Photosensitive rash?

Hi can anyone advise if this sounds like a photosensitive rash. I developed a sun allergy around 4 years ago. It was diagnosed by the gp. It never itched or hurt. It's mainly on my chest. Like a cluster of red pimples all over. Occasionally on my arms and chest. Was prescribed hydrortisone cream but it's never properly healed. And gets worse again anytime i'm in the sun.

[cathie]

Sorry if I'm repeating myself. I went to Ninewells hospital in Dundee for a week long series of allergy trials connected to sunlight sensitivity. They excluded lupus in my case (I have RA) but did find that most skin creams contain perfume which triggers the allergy. SInce I've stopped using them the allergy hasnt recurred. Instead I use Dermol or E45 as moisturiser. Even expensive eye cream makes me react, so its not worth it for me.

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

Hi cathie. When the dr said it was a sun allergy he prescribed me with dermol too. Which is mainly for eczema type skin rashes i thought. It doesn't help anyway as it's triggered by the sun. I don't use perfumed products so it's not related to that either X

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

I was surprised by how many skin products actually contain perfume - most of them. Dermol etc is a moisturiser which can be used by people with eczema, I dont think it helps exactly, it just doesnt make it worse. I hope you can find something to help.

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

I was just curious about other peoples type of photosensitivity. I had seen a dermatologist who reported my skin rashes as consistent with cutaneous lupus but thinks also i have developed SLE. My rheumatologist dismisses everything I tell him. And photos to X

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

People from all over the UK get referred to the photosensitivity centre in Dundee. nsd.scot.nhs.uk/services/sp...

Its NHS Scotland but people outwith Scotland can be referred there, although it wouldnt be convenient if you had to stay over for 5 nights. Hope you get to the bottom of it all.

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

I am in Scotland but near to Edinburgh. Yes my dermatologist has said that if anymore rashes develop then she will do a skin biopsy X

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

We drove to Dundee every morning for a week from Edinburgh. It seemed hard at the time, but really worthwhile. No problems for five years.

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

Thanks cathie. I will look at the link you sent me 😊 X

[miccika1]

Please make sure you put on daily sunscreen (mineral ones are the best) and have sun protective clothes on. Obviously you need to avoid direct sun otherwise you will have more scar tissue on your skin that doesn't go away.

[Hidden in reply to miccika1]

Hi i don't spend much time in the sun now. I start to get lightheaded and dizzy when I am out in it. I just wondered if this type of rash from the sun sounded like photosensitivity. It developed about 4/5 years ago. And only may last year have a lot of different symptoms occurred.

[miccika1]

The term photosensitivity is a general term. So if any condition gets worse when in the sun it is photosensitivity .

[Hidden in reply to miccika1]

OK. Thank you. I had always loved the sun and never had any problems. So i always wondered how i suddenly developed a sun allergy 🙄

[miccika1 in reply to Hidden]

There is no rule when you get an allergy or stop having allergy, or develop new allergies, unfortunately...

[Hidden in reply to miccika1]

I know. I'm still under investigation for Lupus. I do wonder whether the sum allergy was the trigger and it took a while for the other symptoms to develop.

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Sophie2009,

Have you made your GP or dermatologist aware that the cream is not working for you?

According to The Lupus Encyclopedia, a photosensitive rash can occur on parts on the body that both uncovered (the face, feet) and covered (the chest, arms). The rash is likely to be reddish- or pink-coloured. The encyclopedia suggests there are other possibilities that sometimes can cause a rash which include acne rosacea (adult-onset acne), seborrheic dermatitis (which is a type of scaly skin inflammation), and even the use of steroids (which can cause a red face). You may like to read our booklet on lupus and the skin here - lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

To read our blog article on coping with light-sensitivity, click here lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

If you feel that your doctor is not taking your concerns seriously, you can request a referral for a second opinion. To find out how you can do this, read our article at lupusuk.org.uk/getting-the-...

Best wishes!

[Hidden]

Hi chanpreet. My rash is never itchy or sore. It appear all over my chest. Like a cluster of tiny spots. I saw a dermatologist who suspects is a lupus rash but i am going to ask for a second rheumatology opionion as I feel I am always dismissed.

[Hidden]

I am ana positive. My anti ds dna was 8. It was recently checked and it has went down. My complement levels have gone down too but not low enough to be out of range yet. The dermatologist did sat she would do a skin biopsy on anymore rashes that develop.

[Hidden]

Thanks Phillippo 😊 I always make sure I get copies of everything now.