Hello, baroque743-ga!
I am a fair-skinned redhead and I can totally identify with hives
associated with sun exposure. They are irritating, to say the least.
While I have generally learned to apply heavy sunscreen and cover my
arms and legs during the early part of the summer until I become a bit
more acclimated to the sun, there are some other treatments you can
try "once" the hives have reared their ugly little heads!
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From Sun Allergy (Photosensitivity)."
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/25934.html#treat
TYPES of sun allergies:
PMLE - "PMLE typically produces an itchy or burning rash within the
first two hours after sun exposure. The rash usually appears on
sun-exposed portions of the neck, upper chest, arms and lower legs. In
addition, there may be one to two hours of chills, headache, nausea
and malaise (a general sick feeling). In rare cases, PMLE may erupt as
red plaques (flat, raised areas), small fluid-filled blisters or tiny
areas of bleeding under the skin."
Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE) - "Symptoms are similar to those of
PMLE, but they usually are concentrated on the face, especially around
the lips."
Photoallergic eruption - "This usually causes either an itchy red rash
or tiny blisters. In some cases, the skin eruption also spreads to
skin that was covered by clothing. Because photoallergic eruption is a
form of delayed hypersensitivity reaction, skin symptoms may not begin
until one to two days after sun exposure."
Solar urticaria - "Hives usually appear on uncovered skin within
minutes of exposure to sunlight."
TREATMENTS
PMLE - "For mild symptoms, either apply cool compresses (such as a
cool, damp washcloth) to the areas of itchy rash, or mist your skin
with sprays of cool water. You can also try a nonprescription
antihistamine - such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine (both sold
under several brand names) - to relieve itching, or an anti-itch skin
cream containing cortisone." (Read further
Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE) - "Treatment options include
prescription-strength corticosteroids, thalidomide (Thalomid), PUVA,
antimalarial drugs and beta-carotene."
Photoallergic eruption - "The first goal of treatment is to identify
and eliminate the medicine or skin care product that is triggering the
allergic reaction. Skin symptoms usually can be treated with a
corticosteroid cream."
Solar urticaria - "For mild hives, you can try a nonprescription
antihistamine to relieve itching, or an anti-itch skin cream
containing cortisone. For more severe hives, your doctor may suggest a
prescription-strength antihistamine or corticosteroid cream. In
extreme cases, your doctor may prescribe phototherapy, PUVA or
antimalarial drugs."
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The following article is very informative and outlines several
prevention and treatment options:
"Are You Allergic to the Sun," by Christine Haran.
http://nydailynews.healthology.com/nydailynews/17474.htm
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I hope this information is helpful!
Sincerely,
umiat
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