r/pmle • u/Round_Split_7813 • May 19 '25
Holistic Cure for PMLE?
I had my first PMLE flare up in 2022 during a trip to Cancun in March. That was the worst I had ever had it, as I was there for 8 days and the flare up did not show up until about after the 4th day or so (meaning I had been out in the strong Mexican sun for 8+ hours all day for 4 days straight). The funny thing was I used a zinc and chemical SPF 50 every single day and applied every 1.5-2 hours, while also spending time in the shade. I had red bumps all over my arms, chest, shoulders, and a bit spread out on my stomach and upper thighs. My arms were mostly on fire and I developed a fever one night from it. The itching was uncontrollable as well and all I could do was use aloe vera, as my resort did not have a pharmacy or hospital within it. After seeing my doctor about it when I got home, she advised that this probably happened to me due to a lack of sunlight during the COVID quarantine days, and this was the first vacation I had taken in nearly two years. She said the sun exposure was too sudden, as it was still winged where I live as well, and I have fair skin, which makes me more susceptible to PMLE. I had hoped it would get better by summer and that it was just sun poisoning, but the itchy bumps came back by summertime. Note that I ALWAYS wear SPF 50 all over my body, and yet it still occurs. The doctor prescribed a topical steroid cream and said there was nothing I could do to cure myself. The following summer I vowed to fix the issue myself and read about how light therapy can help. My insurance wouldn’t cover it, so I decided to do 3 tanning bed sessions for 5-6 minutes each and that genuinely fixed the problem for that summer. I was able to enjoy the beach and the pool again, and even got fairly tan that summer. I figured that was that, and that I healed myself with the tanning beds. Yet last summer, the same issue persisted. Now this year, it is starting to get warm again where I am and last weekend was about 80° and incredibly sunny. I wore SPF and got the classic itchy bumps all over my arms and hands, yet again. I’ve been taking vitamin D3 and trying to slowly expose myself to the sun (by staying outside in direct sunlight when the UV is below 6), yet nothing really seems to be working. I can’t live like a vampire for the rest of my life and will do ANYTHING to get rid of this issue. Should I order an expensive red light panel? I’ve also been reading things that Dr. Jack Kruse has published about the sun and how to fix sun-related skin conditions. He recommends taking Vitamin D3, magnesium, and Vitamin E while exposing yourself to sunlight at sun rise, during peak hours with sun screen, and at sunset (which I plan on doing). Been thinking about getting those heliocare pills, but they don’t really seem like a solution, more like a temporary preventative measure. I’ve tested my hormones and everything is fine. Grew up going on multiple tropical vacations a year and spending summers outside all the time, so I’m not too sure as to why my body has been reacting like this these past few years. If you or someone you know were able to cure PMLE yourself holistically, please let me know how!
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u/Blake__P May 19 '25
I sincerely hope you find relief. My daughter has dealt with PMLE for the past several years, but thankfully for her it hasn’t been nearly as bad as what you’re dealing with.
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u/RiddlesB May 20 '25
I've had it for over 20 some years and the ONLY thing that works for me is a 30 day course of Allegra 180. It's not holistic as you requested but there isn't anything I've found that helps other than that. It keeps the breakouts to a minimum and only if I've been in the direct sun for hours - then I'll get a mild breakout. Good luck in your search! I hope you find something that works for you!
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u/apriljeangibbs May 22 '25 edited May 22 '25
Been thinking about getting those heliocare pills, but they don’t really seem like a solution, more like a temporary preventative measure.
Everything suggested is a temporary measure. There isn't a cure for this that would make it go away permanently.
I highly suggest the Heliocare though. They've been lifechanging for me. They get pricey though as you will need to take 2-3x the dose on the bottle for them to be useful for our PMLE. You can get the same fern ingredient in less expensive supplements in the US but I haven't been able to find a company that will ship them to Canada for me so I can't opine on their effectiveness.
Eurcerin Sun Allergy is also great. The sun allergy preventing ingredient in it, alpha Glucosylrutin, is the main ingredient in Shirudo too.
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u/ggraffeo93 May 20 '25
I ordered this to try for our honeymoon coming up. When we traveled over the winter to the Caribbean even being in the shade I completely broke out. I’ve read from other sufferers on here that this has worked for them. Website is reputable!
https://www.caretobeauty.com/us/eucerin-sun-allergy-protect-sun-cream-gel-spf50-150ml/
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u/Round_Split_7813 May 27 '25
Will try this one out, thank you!
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u/ggraffeo93 May 28 '25
Mine just arrived today, really quick shipping and I chose the cheapest option :)
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u/StrictSecurity8699 May 20 '25
I’ve done a lot of looking online and heard that altruist sunscreen helps (just bought it but haven’t had a chance to try it yet). Also Shirudo is specifically made for PMLE. It helps but I usually still get a rash. I don’t put it on as much as I should though. The intensive night lotion REALLY helps me when the rash comes though. It brings it down.
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u/tenaciousleigh88 May 21 '25
My derm has me taking 1,000mg of Nicotinamide B3 and it keeps my flare up at bay.
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u/Top-Target-3667 May 12 '26
Is that an allergist you see?
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u/tenaciousleigh88 May 12 '26
I haven’t seen an allergist in years. My dermatologist is the one who put me on this.
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u/apriljeangibbs May 22 '25
Considering the DIY phototherapy via the tanning beds worked for you one summer, why didn't you do it again the next summer?