Sun allergy

[Sian1979]

I need help! Im off on holiday in a couple of weeks and need help. I’ve been suffering from a sun allergy since being pregnant with no 3. Can anyone suggest a good suncream to try? I used piz Buin sun allergy b4 but it doesn’t work anymore. Can’t stomach the thought of 2 weeks covered in spots scratching like a cat with fleas. Any suggestions?

Piz Buin Allergy stopped working for me within a week! Ended up on steroids temporarily.

But Neutrogena factor 100 is good, I’m also taking Heliocare capsules - and Heliocare make a water based gel (factor 50+) which I want to try.

Amazon sell a great broad spectrum one called Altruist. It was developed by a dermatologist who specialises in skin cancer.

Thank you will give it a try

Thank you will look into heliocare

Have you tried anti-histamines? Sunscreen does not work for some sun allergies.

I use fexofenadine from the gp, they are the strongest available but only help in moderation

Sunscreen does not prevent me reacting to sunlight. In fact, it makes the reaction worse! Probably because my skin is already irritated, so the sunscreen acts as an extra irritant.

I get photodesensitisation therapy every spring, which is a complete game-changer. Essentially a series of sunbed treatments, but with very specific wavelengths - I don't tan from them.

Do you take the fexofenadine in response to a reaction, or regularly? Before I started having the phototherapy, I found that taking antihistamines regularly every day, regardless of sun-exposure, was far more effective than taking them responsively. I used to take loratadine daily May-October, twice-daily if I was likely to be exposed or felt a reaction beginning. I also took loratadine on bright winter days.

Try ultrasun it doesn’t stop my husband breaking out but it does delay it by a few days and he says it isn’t as bad.

I take it regularly from April to October but with limited success. I also use a strong steroid cream that I buy in Spain as they are not strong enough on prescription here. I wanted some sun cream as it sets a bad example for the kids if I don’t wear it. Plus I want to enjoy being on holiday with them not cowering in the shade lol

I’ve not heard of that 1 so will research it. Thanks

Honestly, I’d try the old-fashioned methods before medication. (I have lupus and live in Australia.... I’m not proselytizing.) Carry a UV reflecting umbrella (cheap and easy to find on Amazon), wear hats with a big brim, sunglasses with decent, broad-spectrum UV protection (my aunt died of ocular melanoma, so this one is important, especially if you have light-coloured irises, aparrently), cover your body with clothing that the sun can’t penetrate. (Uniqlo sells UV - protective clothing, or wear an ugly rashie.) Add your SPF on top, and you’re good to go.
*This may sound like I’m being arrogant, but I am saying this to demonstrate the importance of multipurpose sun protection... Because I have had lupus, I have had to stay out of the sun for a very long time. I have my 30th high school reunion coming up. I haven’t had any plastic surgery or injectibles. I look at least 15 years younger than most of maybe classmates who haven’t avoided the sun like I have. Sun allergy sucks, but in the long run, it may have benefits!

Plus I want to enjoy being on holiday with them not cowering in the shade lol

Yup. Totally with you there.

I used to do pretty much everything that justilou1 recommends. Plus using burkini-style leggings and a long-sleeved rash best instead of a bikini. Had reactions every time I slipped up.

Using phototherapy and/or antihistamines doesn't mean that I turn into a beach-bunny or no longer take precautions. It means that I no longer feel anxious in the sun; it's not a disaster if I underestimated how sunny the day would be or I forgot an item of protective clothing; I don't get distressed over-heating because I can now uncover a little; I don't have reactions in the winter.

I e found those ice towels work really well for it

I can highly recommend Eucerin Sun Allergy Protect - it did away with my photo sensitivity altogether.