Itchy skin in sun

Do you use a sun screen at all? You may have developed a sensitivity to it. Otherwise, it sounds like prickly heat, but without the rash. Try using a different sun screen and see if it improves things.

take an anti histamine ,that should get rid of the itch.I dont sit in the sun ,ever.I itch and burn and blister even with factor 50 on .So I take an anti histamine every day during the summer just in case .

I used to suffer terribly from hay fever and took antihistamines for that. Dont suffer from that any more, just the itching, so maybe I’ll try some tablets again. Thankyou

Ive just discovered that if you take Ibuprofen it makes you sun sensitive ! I wish Id known that before - the last 2 holidays that I had in the sun made my face swell and I felt quite ill , then twice this year after gardening I had to take anti histamine.

I have to avoid direct sun light, prickly heat which only started when I hit the menopause. I wear skirts to my ankles, tunics with long sleeves and a large straw hat, better than wanting to scratch my skin off.

I've been gardening today and feel very itchy now - I had to check that I didn't have ants crawling on me. It could have been from the plants but perhaps it was the sunshine as I usually try to stay in the shade.

Quite a few medications can make you sensitive to the sun. I know some of my RA medication can cause that.
Could that possibly be a reason?

It's a good idea to read the contra-indications - if you don't mind reading about the very worrying, but very rare, side-effects of some drugs.

I get the exact same symptoms but, as there isn't a rash, I have to choose between scabies and Morgellons Disease. (I'm convinced that there are light insects crawling on my body but there's nothing there - just a terrible itch.)

I had this for years and thought it was prickly heat too. It was actually diagnosed as Solar Dermatitis. If you Google it you'll get some good advice on how to treat and avoid.

Dermol 500 lotion. It's magic stuff - prescribed for me because of severe psoriasis, but recommended (& used) by many friends who've developed itchy skin as they've got older. It is absorbs quickly, is cooling, and most importantly - it stops the itching..!

There are some common medications that advise you not to spend a prolonged time in the sun without covering up. They make your skin blister very easily. Maybe a good idea to check any medication that you are on.

Scabies?

It could be polymorphic light syndrome which can develop into polymorphus light eruption.
Google it.

It does sound like light sensitivity possibly as a result of medication - as previously mentioned, Ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal drugs can often be the culprit.
Another thing to remember is that older skin tends to be very dry, and dry skin itches. I had this problem, and not just in the sunshine - I itched all day and all night. I had blood tests to eliminate liver problems etc, but it was all down to dryness.
These days I cover myself in body lotion twice daily, which is a bit of a chore, but it’s solved the problem, and I have nice soft skin as well!

I suffer from PLE and use total sunblock designed for babies. The other thing I have invested in is clothing with UV filter of 50. I particularly use the loose jacket, saves faffing around with lotions. You can buy this kind of clothing online-mine came from Australia. They really know how to do sun protection there! The alternative is a couple of weeks of unbearable itching and a rash that stops me from sleeping even with steroid creams. I managed to have a bout of PLE after walking around St Andrews at Easter one year....it wasn’t even that hot!!

I can second SueDoku regarding Dermol 500 lotion.
Sadly I have a lot of stress in my life and when there is anything extra stressful I get 'the itches' for no apparent reason physically.
Many dermatologists have failed to find any reason other than stress and as I cannot do anything about that I have to live with it.
I would also recommend Aveeno - available in cream or lotion and also body wash etc. Very oaty! If you keep the cream or lotion in the fridge it coils when applied as well.
Good luck Jazzy - it is horrendous to be itchy for no apparent reason.

I had actually heart attack last Augast and one of the pills I was put on was Ramipril. When I went on holiday in October I felt exactly the same in the sun. I also had a constant cough, discussed it with my doctor who changed it and glad to say I am writing this sitting in the sunshine!

I've just remembered high blood sugar can cause itching. Has your blood sugar been checked recently, or do you already have a diagnosis of high blood sugar ?.

Check if your suntan lotion contains bergamot. I spent a very uncomfortable summer and then discovered I am allergic to bergamot which reacts on some people in sunlight. Other causes of itch can be thyroid issues also liver problems. Hope yours is bergamot!

I used to until my lovely docotor suggested it was a combination of perfumes in soap/soap pwder/gel and sun - however "natual", it all makes me itch. I use unscented everything now and am [almost] itch-free. Good luck!

I have stopped taking one of the RA meds that can cause skin and sun sensitivity. It's made a huge difference to my comfort and ability to be outdoors.

I have found cold camomile tea used as lotion on the itching areas helpful.

I would follow the advice to change your sun cream and add that wearing a thin light weight cotton blouse with long sleeves might prevent the trouble.

You are sure it is caused by the sun, aren't you? Similar symptoms can, in my experience, be caused by a change of washing powder, bath soap or fabric softener.