Have Red Rash On Upper Arms And It Feels Like A Sunburn. What Could It Be?

Posted on Sun, 7 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 7 Apr 2013 Answered on

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have a red rash on both my upper arms and it feels like a sunburn. The heat of it feels very hot. What could this be ?

Answered by Dr. Sudarshan (4 hours later)

Hi ,
Thanks for writing in.
The condition can be sunburn,pellagra,insect bite, urticaria etc.
I would also like to know-
When did it started?
Was it sudden or gradual to start?
Is there any blisters skin?
Is the hot feeling intermittent /continous?
Is there any other symptoms like fever/bodyache?
Is the rash spreading or static?

Answer the question and upload the image of affected area if there is any visible change.
We can continue the discussion here.
Till the time you can apply cooling soothing lotion like calamine lotion.

Hope this helps.
I will be available for follow up.
Regards
DrSudarshan
MD
Dermatologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudarshan (55 minutes later)

Hello , The rash started on Wednesday. It was sudden. There are no blisters. The hot feeling is continuous. I feel tired with it. The rash so far is only on both upper arms. Thankyou, XXXXXXX K

Answered by Dr. Sudarshan (16 hours later)

Hi again,
Thanks for details.
The condition can be polymorphic light eruption,insect bite etc.
You can take tab,Zyrtec twice daily for 5 days.This will help a lot to reduce symptoms.Also you can apply Hydrocortisone 1% cream twice daily over the area.
Also you can apply aloe vera lotion once a day over the area.
All the above products are available over the counter.
A visit to dermatologist will be required if it does not resolve in 5 days.
Hope this helps.
I will be available for follow up.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar