PLE

[MichN]

I have just come home after a holiday in Cyprus... yet another holiday ruined due to "prickly heat".... however after searching I believe it's not simple prickly heat as it is severe blisters which sting and are incredibly itchy which develope normally after 2 or 3 days of my holiday and make it unbearable to go in the sun!! Has anyone any advise please as it is making me not to want to go on holiday which is unfair on my family and to be honest to me too......

[Hidden]

Is it caused by UV rays or heat can you say? I used to get prickly heat badly during holidays in hot places - mostly confined to the areas where I would sweat. It didn't look like this but was terribly sore. The only time I now get blistering is with Pompholyx - which is also triggered by sweat I think, but affects hands and feet only.

However I have a rare autoimmune disease which means I don't sweat in heat always now so I don't get much prickly heat or eczema/ Pompholyx these days.

If it's caused by actual sun exposure have you tried using Factor 50 sun cream and loose, thin cotton clothing to cover up exposed skin? People with Lupus and Sjögren's often struggle badly in multiple ways, including blistering sometimes when exposed to UV rays, so you certainly aren't alone.

Have you spoken to a doctor about this yet?

[Leylee]

I have started getting what I think is prickly heat but only around my neckline, I have suffered with eczema for thirty odd years are people with skin problems more likely to suffer with prickly heat??? And any tips on easing prickly heat would be much appreciated.

[TonyCo]

This was a normal thing in Hong Kong where I was for two years. I think it was the humidity in the summer. We had a powder that we used to keep it at bay but mostly a cool shower and keeping cool was the answer.

[Sazzles21]

I have just returned from my family holiday in Majorca with something similar (although not quite as severe as your rash). For years I have struggled with my fair and sensitive skin when I was abroad but have always put it down to the sun cream I have used or prickly heat. Last year it was that bad I went to the doctors for the first time, and was given fexofenadine tablets and eumovate cream for my next holiday. I started taking the tablets 10 days before I went away, and everyday whilst I was away. However, this time a large red patchy rash appeared on my upper forearms and chest and feet which looked different to before and felt like sunburn. When I visited a pharmacist, they gave me some Isdin Fotoultra Solar Allergy Fusion Fluid (SPF 100) to put on the rash and this seemed to help a lot, especially when out in the sunlight. However, two days later a different type of bumpy rash appeared on my legs, back of my forearms, my hands and knees. This was very similar to the rashes I have been getting for years and was very itchy, especially at night.

I have visited the doctor today to show him what is left of the rash and asked for a referral to a dermatologist as I believe that this is Polymorphic Light Eruption (PLE) that I have been reading about. I have also been looking into different sun cream today and have found a new one called Eucerin Allergy Protection Sun Creme-Gel SPF 50 that has links to PLE and a review by a PLE sufferer.

Suppose all I wanted to do with this post was let you know you're not alone and that I too feel rubbish that a simple family holiday is spent either hiding in the shade or being in pain and agony.

Keep Smiling

[Ro125]

Yeo Valley natural yoghurt

[Md2lh9c]

Try Desitin Maximum Strength. It has zinc-oxide which protects the skin from moisture, UVA and UVB sun exposure.

[jane67]

Have you tried 'aloe Vera gel' the make is 'banana boat'. I have very sensitive skin and found that this is the only thing that works for me. It isn't expensive but if you decide to give it a try make sure you get that and not one similar .