Skin Health Series: Pam's Story

What is your name?

Hi, my name is Pam.

What is your skin condition?

I suffer from sun poisoning. I've also heard it called solar urticaria. I've had this since I was 10 years old.

How does your skin condition affect your day-to-day living?

I have very fair skin (type 1; always burns) and when I go in the sun I break out in painful hives, have headaches and feel nauseous and generally unwell. When this condition first appeared, the doctors did not know what it was or how to effectively treat it.

What you have found to alleviate it?

Trying to ease the resultant pain I would cover the rash with baking soda or calamine lotion; neither was very effective. When sunscreen became available it proved to be of some relief but only for short periods in the sun. So I was that person in the heat of the summer walking around in jeans and long-sleeved shirts with my hands in my pockets. Even then, the sun would penetrate my clothing and I would 'break out'.

The only effective solutions I've found are to stay in the shade and to wear sunhats and Solbari clothing. It's so great to finally find relief after 53 years.