I am currently experiencing a phototoxic reaction to most likely an anti-depressant that I have taken for almost 4 years and exposure to the sun. In May, my doctor increased the dosage. I live on the Gulf Coast and spend a lot of time outdoors, working in my yard and going to the beach. In June after a particularly hot and sunny day, I had worked in my backyard and noticed a rash on my chest and back. It wasn't bad, didn't even itch. I thought it was most likely a heat rash. About 5-6 days later it started to worsen and itch. After several trips to Urgent Care and misdiagnoses, I have gotten a few rounds of steroids (shots and oral) which seem to help slightly for a few days. I have used a topical pesticide from head to toe when they thought it may be scabies. My doctor is testing me for lupous just to be on the safe side. My question is how can I treat this? It looks horrible and people actually gasp when I roll up my sleeve and show them. I take Aveeno Oatmeal baths several times a week. I've been staying out of the sun. I've cut back on my dosage per my doctor who prescribed it. I drink about 80 oz of water with lemon every single day. I've also stopped my metabolism increasing supplements. At night, I take 50 mg of Vistiril for sleep. What else can I do? I'm literally ready to scratch my skin right off; it's so uncomfortable and looks hideous. In all of the articles I have read about this condition, they pretty much state that you should stop taking the medicine and stay out of the sun. (Probably going to end up switching to another anti-depressant.) But then they don't provide any guidance on how to feel better and help the skin heal. Please help! This is going on my 5th or 6th week in dealing with this and I walk around with a ruler to scratch my back constantly. Arms, neck, chest, back, hands, and shins are all effected. Urgh. I feel like a toxic mess! What can I do about this?