STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Cortney1982 · Chanel

Sun sensitivity

halleybird · Hermes

I have had sun reactions, too. Not really like yours, but 2-3 times in my life I have developed very severe allergic reactions on my legs. It usually happens a day or two after being in the sun (and I ALWAYS wear sunscreen), and never occurs with a sunburn. It usually lasts for a few weeks and leaves scars. I have been to several doctors, and they can't figure out why it only happens once every few years, and why I am not sunburned, too.

Have you been to a dermatologist? It sounds like they should be able to treat it with allergy medication. And I feel for you.

jaymiek · Coach

I can relate to your pain. I am photosensitive, even when I wear SPF 50 chemical free sunscreen I still develop a rash no matter what. The rash usually develops on my arms, like patches of tiny reddish bumps that make my skin look all puffy. My derm prescribed Triamcinalone creme, which is basically a topical steroid that I rub on the rash and it usually works overnight. It works by thinning out your skin, so apply sparingly. My derm also prescribed Clarinex, which is ridiculously expensive so she said that I could take Claritin and that would work too. I tried the Claritin, which I think helped a little bit. As much as you love staying out in the sun, staying out of the sun is the only way to stop those itchy rashes.

exsupahero · Kate Spade

ugh. i get it every so while. one time when i went out of the country, i got crazy hives all over my body. it was pretty nasty. i never went to the doctor for it but i have heard that taking some type of antihistamine works b/c its a type of allergy.

i dont know why i get it. maybe b/c my clothes rubs my skin when its hot outside. i seriously don't like it but what can i do when i needa go out? wear sunblock and hope nothing happens.

flknight24 · Dooney & Bourke

When this started to happen to you (I think you said last spring) had you recently started a new birth control pill or any other type of new medication? When I started taking the pill, about 5 years ago, I developed sensitivity to the sun. Before I was on the pill I would get a great tan when I was out. After I went on the pill I don't tan as well and worse, I get a dark mark above my mouth that looks like a mustache. I talked to my dr. about it and she said that it's from the hormones in the bc. Apparently, this darkening of the skin is due to an increase in hormones. I guess fluctuating hormones in your body can have an effect on your skin, other than just in the form of pimples. This could be totally not related to what you have but it's something to consider.