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What Causes Itching And Bumps On Arms?
I am a lifeguard and spend about 4 hours in the sun a day. With that said, I normally stay under an umbrella. I have olive skin and tan very easily, and rarely burn. But, I still apply sunscreen, even if only 4spf, every time I enter the sun. I have been itching my arms recently, and finally realized my arms are covered in bumps. They aren t too red, but maybe that is because of my darker skin color already. Anyway, I m just being cautious.
Tue, 15 Nov 2016
Hi! Thank you for your question!
As you describe your condition it could be a sun allergy, with symptoms such as itch and bumps or rash.
This sun allergies are triggered by some changes that occur is sun exposed skin as your arms. Even if you wear sunscreen this allergic eruption can happen, and is triggered by the chemical agents and fragrances that can be present in the sunscreen.
I have some questions to ask you?
Does the rash occurs only in sun-exposed skin?
How long after staying in the sun, this itch begins?
This condition needs a proper diagnosis, and your dermatologist can perform a skin biopsy, in which a small piece of skin is removed and examined in the laboratory.
Also a photo-testing can help to confirm that the skin eruption is sun-related.
It is very important at first to prevent, so before you go outdoors apply a sunscreen with SPF at least 15 or above.
Be very aware of skin care products and medicines that can trigger a photoallergic eruption. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor for any special precaution to avoid sun exposure while you are on the drug.Meanwhile you can apply cool compresses at your arms 3 times a day for 20 min each times. You can use a non prescription antihistamine at bedtime such as diphenyramine to relieve itching for 7 days, and a cream containing cortisone for no more than two weeks.
if the symptoms persist you should better do a photo allergy test and a skin biopsy.
Wish you good health!! If anything is unclear please contact me again.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Migena GEGA
As you describe your condition it could be a sun allergy, with symptoms such as itch and bumps or rash.
This sun allergies are triggered by some changes that occur is sun exposed skin as your arms. Even if you wear sunscreen this allergic eruption can happen, and is triggered by the chemical agents and fragrances that can be present in the sunscreen.
I have some questions to ask you?
Does the rash occurs only in sun-exposed skin?
How long after staying in the sun, this itch begins?
This condition needs a proper diagnosis, and your dermatologist can perform a skin biopsy, in which a small piece of skin is removed and examined in the laboratory.
Also a photo-testing can help to confirm that the skin eruption is sun-related.
It is very important at first to prevent, so before you go outdoors apply a sunscreen with SPF at least 15 or above.
Be very aware of skin care products and medicines that can trigger a photoallergic eruption. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor for any special precaution to avoid sun exposure while you are on the drug.Meanwhile you can apply cool compresses at your arms 3 times a day for 20 min each times. You can use a non prescription antihistamine at bedtime such as diphenyramine to relieve itching for 7 days, and a cream containing cortisone for no more than two weeks.
if the symptoms persist you should better do a photo allergy test and a skin biopsy.
Wish you good health!! If anything is unclear please contact me again.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Migena GEGA
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