Is it normal to react to the sun this way?

37% Normal
8 Comments

Alright. I've had this reaction for about 6 years now. It's gotten progressively worse. After exposure to the sun for a period of time, probably about 30 minutes in direct sunlight, I get a red tint to my face. It isn't a rash exactly. It isn't raised and doesn't itch usually. But it has a fairly defined edge and it spreads across my nose, under my eyes and part way onto my cheeks, and then up onto my forehead a touch. Similar to a butterfly rash. I also get tired and scatter brained and a little nauseous.
I first noticed it after a trip to the beach with some friends. At first I thought it was the beginning of a sunburn. But after it didn't hurt after an hour and aloe didn't make it vanish, I got nervous. My mom thought it was an allergy and after I took an antihistamine it went away. The next time I went to the beach, the same thing happened. And the next time. And the next. So I started not spending hours at the beach like most teens and wearing hugely over sized sunglasses (they don't stop the redness, but they hide it a little).
The next bad bout of it (I've tended to stay indoors to avoid the annoying explanation of "It's not a sunburn, just weird skin") was during my drivers education classes. In just the hour of driving while the sun was making it's way into twilight, I got red with out fail. I even had to rearrange to drive only after dark.
Now just walking to work every day (4:30 pm in North Carolina tends to have pretty intense sun) for about 30 minutes, I get sick as soon as I get to work and also have a bright red face and scatter brains for a good two hours after. I can't take antihistamines at work as I'll pass out. And I know it isn't just being dehydrated because I drink a massive bottle of ice water on the way to work every day.
Any ideas what this is?

Voting Results
37% Normal
Based on 19 votes (7 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 8 )
  • robbieforgotpw
    11 years ago

    You may have gotten more sensitive to the sun over the last 6 yrs. But direct sunlight (for 30 mins?) does have the effect of making one tired or nauseous doesn't it? I can't take 30 mins of direct sun in the summer without getting redder in the face. See a doctor?

    Move to Krypton, they're sun is red not yellow.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
  • notbnormal
    11 years ago

    Since you used the term "butterfly rash" then I'm sure you've read up on Lupus. Definitely talk to your Doctor.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago

      When I first noticed the very odd shape of the discoloration, I looked into Lupus. But I've never had any of the serious symptoms so I wrote it off. Mine also isn't raised like the rash. Just discolored.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • 048forlife
    11 years ago

    It could be lupus ?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago

      I don't think so... The only possible symptoms would be the butterfly rash, sun sensitivity, headaches, anxiety, and joint pain. But joint pain could just be my habit of sewing for hours and doing the same actions over and over at work while being on my feet for hours. Every one gets headaches, even if mine are a little odd. Anxiety runs in my family too. But I don't have issues with any organs or a fever or weight loss.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • just4momentum
    11 years ago

    You should ask your doctor. I'm not sure what it is.. could be dehydration or heat sickness (both of which cause confusion and nausea). I'm not sure about the redness though? Maybe that's just your skin being really sensitive.

    How much water do you drink per day? Do you have any type of eating disorder or are you under-eating? Both of these things can cause dehydration in people without them being aware of it. Diet probably has something to do with it. I'm just guessing here, and I'm not a medical professional.

    TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago

      I try to avoid doctors as much as possible. I'm scared to death of ending up being Munchhausen's. I mean, I can still function. It's just a little difficult. I was sorta just hoping some one in the world of internets would have a similar reaction.

      I don't drink plain water (can't stand the taste) but I drink lots of juice and I survive almost solely on Icees at work.

      I under eat naturally, I guess. I only weigh 96 lbs on average at 5'1 and 18 years old. I've been trying to gain weight lately (I eat a ton at work because I get a discount) but my scale won't budge. I also tend to have what I call food idiosyncrasies, but I wouldn't call it an eating disorder.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • just4momentum
        11 years ago

        You should really drink more water. Plain water. After a while, you'll get used to the taste. I've known lots of people who have had a similar problem and all it turned out to be was dehydration.

        Since you're afraid of doctors, I suggest you do some research on your own. Look up "why should I drink water?" or "I don't like water." or "signs of dehydration" or "how much water should I drink and why?" I know these questions seem a pretty weird, you should be able to find some really great information. As you'll probably discover, there are alternatives to water (Crystal Lite, etc) so if you still hate water after learning more about it and maybe trying water filters, you can still have something almost as good for you. And it feels really good to learn more about your body/health. Honestly, just changing how much water you drink can help lots more than you realize (:

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0