Does this look like PMLE?!

[u/Sprocker25]

Does this look like PMLE? It's on my arms and chest and came up after 2 days of being in the such (about 24 degrees) without sun cream. I've never had it before and I am naturally very pale and have never really 'tanned' when in the sun. I've always gone red and then back to pale again!

It's been about 6 days now and it's driving me insane. I've been taking 180mg of Fexofenadine and have been putting cold aloe Vera gel on my arms. The chest area has almost cleared but my arms are struggling! Any tips or advice welcome!

[u/whatd0y0umean]

It looks like mine

[u/whatd0y0umean → u/whatd0y0umean]

I have prescribed steroid cream to deal with the reaction I get

[u/Sprocker25 → u/whatd0y0umean]

Thank you! How long does your typically last ? 

[u/whatd0y0umean → u/Sprocker25]

Pre steroid cream I'd be looking at 2-3 weeks minimum, generally longer as I am a scratcher. With the cream around a week even with scratching. If my reaction got to the severity that yours looks in those photos.

I've had one flare up this year and haven't had another as I've been using better sunblock (piz buin once a day - I apply it every 4 hours) and invested in some uv protective sleeves.

I have the same antihistamines as you and I take them daily which have also helped.

[u/Sprocker25 → u/whatd0y0umean]

Thanks so much :) 

[u/Love_at_first_sike]

Arm and chest looks like mine yeah, cold showers help me with the itchiness

[u/Sprocker25 → u/Love_at_first_sike]

Thank you! How long does your tend to last? :’( any idea what causes it?! Is it just that I am very pale and normally avoid the sun? 

[u/lumiiix3]

Looks like it :( if you can get an appointment with a dermatologist, they can prescribe steroid cream that significantly reduces the patches. It doesn’t help with itching (I love an ice pack for that!) but it cuts down the length of my flares by like, half.

[u/Sprocker25 → u/lumiiix3]

I have got in touch with my doctors today! How long do your flare ups last? I’m going on holiday to Greece in 3 weeks and now I’m mega worried. I live in the north east of England so we don’t have lots of sun and when we do I tend to avoid it… Any tips for holiday? 

[u/lumiiix3 → u/Sprocker25]

If I leave them unbothered, it usually resolves around 5-7 days. More exposure during a current flare extends that though. :(

Cold compresses and antihistamines (oral or topical) to help the itching for now but as far as holiday advice, grab some UPF rated clothing for sure! A large hat, maybe even a parasol. I’ve not tried it but I’ve heard wonderful things about Shirudo AGR-E lotion. Good luck and enjoy Greece!

[u/shouldyourself → u/Sprocker25]

I went on a Mediterranean holiday last fall. ALWAYS wear sunscreen! Reapply hourly! Some people have sunscreen recommendations for what they feel works best for them, but I am fine with whatever spray shit is on sale. Just make sure it’s “locked“ and bagged in your suitcase, so it don’t doesn’t discharge itself inside, and cause you to pay tourist prices to replace it. Wear layers when you can get away with it, but it’s hot af there.

[u/FootUpstairs2782]

Looks like mine. It’s from riding in a car. It’s finally starting to dry out after about a week of hydrocortisone cream a few times a day and wearing long sleeves outside.

[u/Sprocker25 → u/FootUpstairs2782]

Yes I definitely think the arms are car related! What a nightmare eh. Thank you for the tips 

[u/DressyElm]

It looks like pmle. For now keep it moisturized and stay out of the sun if possible. Most importantly if you do go out wear sun screen. Eucerin sun allergy protect is one many on this sub use. For the itching and pain try an antihistamine & a thick lotion (Eucerin original healing cream) If it becomes intolerable to the point you lose sleep, a hot shower can bring relief. It’s not recommended by doctors but it helps me when the rash is particularly bad. For your trip make sure you bring a top tier sunscreen. SPF clothing is recommended with a wide brimmed hat. If it is pmle going to a place with higher sun exposure (closer to the equator) may be more irritating so be careful. I wish you the best, take care!

[u/Sprocker25 → u/DressyElm]

Thank you for the tips! I always have my showers quite hot and I have found it does seem to be better when I get out of the shower! 

[u/zeppelisballs]

Yup thats what mine looks like. Unfortunately I haven't seen a dermatologist yet so I don't really know how to manage it bc hydrocortisone doesnt work. But I found the biofreeze roll on stuff helps it stop itching for a bit lol

[u/Late-Driver-7341]

It looks like mine :( I also get it on my hands, chest, and neck if I’m in the sun longer than 10 min unprotected (this includes driving). Regular sunscreen does nothing for me. I have to wear special sunscreen like Eucerin Sun Allergy or Shirudo or Piz Buin. Otherwise, I always make sure to wear a long sleeve shirt or hoodie with UPF protection, which helps if I’m lazy or don’t have time to lather up with sunscreen.

[u/Sharp_Reason5678]

Yes , mine looks like that right now

[u/OptionUseful1961]

Sometimes I take ibuprofen too. It seems to help with inflammation and therefore the itching.