Rashes on Forehead, extremely itchy with tingling sensation and swelling. What this could be?
Patient: Hi there, Every summer since I was a baby, I ve gotten this sort or rash on the forehead near the hairline. It starts out with a tingling feeling and then gets extremely itchy. Once it gets to the itchy phase, little bumps will start to form and then eventually cause my forehead and sometimes entire face to swell . After the itchy phase, the area will turn to scabs. This only happens once a year (usually after the first major exposure to the sun) and then lasts for about 1 week from start to finish. The doctor doesn t know what it could be either. Do you have any ideas? Doctor: hi,,    You seem to have a rare photodermatosis ie hydroa vacciniforme Hydroa vacciniforme is a skin condition, a very rare, chronic photodermatitis with onset in childhood. Mostly affects children aged 3-15 years. It is more commonly seen in females than in males.  The cause of hydroa vacciniforme is usually unknown. Long wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVA) is most often implicated. Sun-exposed areas are affected most and include the face( forehead, cheek) and ears. In most cases signs and symptoms usually start to occur about 30 minutes to 2 hours after sun exposure and present as:  Mild burning, itching or stinging Development of tense, swollen bumps (papules) and blisters (vesicles); there may be facial swelling These turn into dimpled, pit-like papules with black scabs (necrosis) on a red and inflamed base Lesions heal to form pale depressed scars The rash usually first appears in spring with recurrences throughout the summer months. Some patients may have other symptoms, including mild inflammation of the eyes and swelling of face In most patients the condition disappears by the time they reach adolescence, although the scars are permanent. Patients with hydroa vacciniforme must take measures to avoid sun exposure by following sun protection strategies. This includes applying high SPF sunscreens with UVA blocking agents and wearing protective clothing. This may prevent or reduce the number of recurrences of the condition. Oral medication may be useful in reducing outbreaks but does not reliably prevent hydroa vacciniforme lesions. I would advise you to search for the above condition on internet,,if you feel that you also develop similar lesions , then you might consult a dermatologist for proper assessment..  Hope it helps Dr Geetika Paul