Q. WHENEVER I SIT OUT IN THE SUN I GET A PAINLESS RASH ON MY CHEST AND ARMS. IS IT AN ALLERGY? Sam, 37, Torbay
A. Annoyingly, some of us are sensitive to the sun, and it's usually women aged between 20 and 40. Most just develop red bumps on their arms but, in extreme cases, it can cause hives or blisters and ruin a holiday. The technical term for this is PLE (polymorphic light eruption) and it's usually provoked by several hours of sun exposure - and the more sun you get, the worse it looks. Prevention is the best cure. Gradual exposure to the sun, using a high-factor SPF and covering up in the middle of the day will help your skin to adjust. If it does strike, stay in the shade for the rest of the day to nip it in the bud. If you're really suffering, ask your GP about taking some strong antihistamines or even steroid tablets before your holiday, as these help to switch the reaction off.
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