[BARBARA356]

Has anyone had problems being in the sun and skin rash?
I was in the sun a day and developed tiny fluid filled itchy blisters on my arms and neck and hands. everywhere the sun hit me. I am taking pyrodgistimine. My family doctor gave me some steroid cream, but he is not really sure what caused it. If you have had this problem please let me know.

[ras1256]

I haven't experience that, and I'm not even sure this would be the same type "rash" but I found this online:

SIDE EFFECTS

The side effects of Mestinon are most commonly related to overdosage and generally are of two varieties, muscarinic and nicotinic. Among those in the former group are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased peristalsis, increased salivation, increased bronchial secretions, miosis and diaphoresis. Nicotinic side effects are comprised chiefly of muscle cramps, fasciculation and weakness. Muscarinic side effects can usually be counteracted by atropine, but for reasons shown in the preceding section the expedient is not without danger. As with any compound containing the bromide radical, a skin rash may be seen in an occasional patient. Such reactions usually subside promptly upon discontinuance of the medication

Do you take any other medications?

[erinhermes]

What would we do without you? You are so flippin smart! It is so comforting to know that you are on this site, though I wish none of us had to be!

As always, it is awesome to have you here!

Love,
Erin

[mrsD]

While bromides are a possibility.... if you discontinue the drug,
and continue in the future to have this reaction to the sun,
I'd check out this:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1103643-overview

Usually bromides have to build up to give the skin reactions.
But everyone is different.

Many drugs are capable of causing photosensitive dermatitis. Just keep an eye out. A journal of foods and exposures will also help if it continues.

I get a photodermatitis on vacation when the water up there changes from frigid to tolerable. That is when the algae bloom.
If it gets on my skin, I will develop blisters like you describe. As soon as I tan up, they are gone. I consulted a professor at our local University about it, since the doctors are stumped. I thought it was the zebra mussel spawning, but he thought it was the algae bloom. They react to UV when on the skin.
It only happens during a two week time in late June to early July. Other times I get no rash/blistering! It is very strange.

So sometimes skin reactions can be very mysterious and puzzling.

[Maxwell'sMom]

Yes, I have this happen. However, I'm on many meds that say, "avoid direct sun light". I also have a probably on a real hot bright day when my eyes won't stay open. The moment the sun hits my eyes, my lids close, and won't open. I carry a icy cold bottle of water with me, and carefully put it on my eyes, and it does help me. (I'm careful as not to have my mascara run down my face from the wet water bottle. So, I carry a cloth ladies hanky with me, wrap it around the bottle, and then put the bottle up to my eyes.)

I was told it could be an undetected autoimmune thing happening as well. The rash can feel like it's a burn. I've also been told that Lupus can do this to some people.

Make sure you're writing all this down, to tell you doctor. Everything is important.
When you get some good help with all of this, I'll be so happy for you, may even do a happy dance..lol.
Love Lizzie

[mrsD]

There is the autoimmune process to consider too.

It might be a factor all by itself! (like lupus)

The acquired porphyria cutanea tarda can happen at any time,
and usually when one is older. They say it is more common in men, but I think women can have it too.

There is another rash that appears with the sun if you are very low in niacin...it is called Pellagroid rash. It is usually on the forearms, backs of the hands and around the neck.
Some drugs like Imuran given for autoimmune suppression may induce a pellagroid type rash when sun activated.

[AnnieB3]

Barbara, Can you take a photo of the rash? Just in case it goes away, you can show it to a dermatologist. That's really who you should see about this. Mrs. D is right . . . it could be lots of different things. A dermatologist could do a scraping or cut off a bit to look at it under a microscope. Documenting what is going on with both a photo and writing down when it happens & symptoms is the best way to go until you can see someone! Take it easy out there.

Annie

[ras1256]

I have a sis in law with Lupus - not the SLE form - the discoid form (I probably got that wrong). The sun causes a rash on her, which she showed me but I didn't have my glasses on. I know it was a very fine rash, but not if it had watery blisters on it.

I think Annie's suggestion of taking the picture is a good idea. See what a dermatologist has to say, but keep the picture for a trip to the neuro too. I know my neuro was very interested in my rash.

Good luck and lot's of hugs to you!
Becky

[BARBARA356]

Originally Posted by ras1256

I have a sis in law with Lupus - not the SLE form - the discoid form (I probably got that wrong). The sun causes a rash on her, which she showed me but I didn't have my glasses on. I know it was a very fine rash, but not if it had watery blisters on it.

I think Annie's suggestion of taking the picture is a good idea. See what a dermatologist has to say, but keep the picture for a trip to the neuro too. I know my neuro was very interested in my rash.

Good luck and lot's of hugs to you!
Becky

Thanks for the information, the little blisters are gone but it still itches. I will take a picture for the Neuro.

[stayathomemom]

I get a rash like that from the sun and always wondered what caused it. I never even considered it could be the azathioprine.

Thanks.
Jenna