The condition is also known as polymorphic light eruption, sun allergy and sun poisoning. Polymorphous light eruption usually goes away on its own without scarring within 10 days. People with severe or persistent rashes may need medication.
you may get crops of 2mm to 5mm raised, pink or red spots, but redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin. some people get blisters that turn into larger, dry patches – it looks a bit like eczema. less commonly, the patches look like a target or "bulls-eye" (it looks a bit like erythema multiforme)
Spend time in cool, air-conditioned or well-ventilated environments. Use a fan if necessary. Take cool baths or showers often. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any creams or tablets that may help you.
Sunburn blisters form as small bumps on the skin. They are usually white or transparent in appearance and filled with fluid, which can contain lymph, serum, plasma, blood, or pus.
For a Blister That Has Not Popped
Try not to pop or drain it. Leave it uncovered or cover loosely with a bandage. Try not to put pressure on the area. If the blister is in a pressure area such as the bottom of the foot, put a donut-shaped moleskin on it.
For any large open blisters, use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed. Remove it with warm water. Then, reapply it 2 times a day for 3 days.
Causes of sun allergy include immune system reactions to sunlight, certain medications and chemicals that make the skin more sensitive to the sun. It isn't clear why some people have a sun allergy and others don't. Inherited traits may play a role.
For solar urticaria or PMLE, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve itchiness, advises Dr. Hale. Some examples are loratadine, also known as Claritin, and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). These meds quell the histamine response in hives from solar urticaria, but also the reaction in PMLE.
Using a calming moisturizer can help speed up sun rash treatment if you're dealing with itchiness and dryness. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends using a cold compress (for instance, wrapping ice cubes in a washcloth) and wearing loose-fitting clothing until your skin calms.
Chemical exfoliants may smooth bumpy skin. Many chemical exfoliants, which help break down bonds within dead skin cells on the skin's surface so they will fall away, are available over the counter. Dermatologists may recommend these chemical exfoliant ingredients: Salicylic acid.
Pellagra, due to vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency usually presents initially with photosensitivity.
Plain petroleum jelly is a favorite among dermatologists for the treatment of wounds. Although the blister itself will act as a covering for the wound, if it happens to break, a person can cover the area with Vaseline and a bandage. This may promote healing of the area.
Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as one containing bacitracin (eg, Neosporin, Polysporin) to the blister, and cover with a clean bandage. Once the overlying skin has dried, allow it to fall off naturally or use sterilized scissors to cut off the dead skin. Apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage, if necessary.
Leave blisters alone.
An intact blister can help the skin heal. If a blister does break, trim off the dead skin with a clean, small scissors. Gently clean the area with mild soap and water. Then apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a nonstick bandage.
Sun rashes, also known as sun allergy or photodermatitis, are skin reactions triggered by exposure to sunlight. They can show up as red, itchy bumps, blisters, or patches of inflamed skin. These rashes typically occur within minutes to hours of sun exposure and can persist for days.
A pharmacist might recommend: calamine lotion. antihistamine tablets. hydrocortisone cream – though not for children under 10 as you'll need to get advice from a doctor before giving them this treatment.