Woman's Weekly Living Series

Ask the expert

Q EACH SPRING, I GET AN ITCHY RASH ON MY NECK AND ARMS, WHICH GOES BY ITSELF. COULD THIS BE AN ALLERGY?

A This sounds like polymorphic light eruption (PLE), caused by sensitivity to ultraviolet light in the sun’s rays (which can penetrate windows and thin clothes). It affects over 10% of us, is more common in women and people with fair skin and often disappears as we get older.

The red rash may look prickly, gritty, blistery or resemble ‘targets’ and is very itchy; you may also feel

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Woman's Weekly Living Series

Woman's Weekly Living Series8 min read
25 best SHADE LOVERS
Evergreen holly with marbled leaves can bring year-round light and interest to a sombre site. Plants are male or female, and, generally, the females produce the attractive scarlet berries when they are fertilised by pollen from a male plant. To ensur
Woman's Weekly Living Series2 min read
What To Do In APRIL
1 If you don’t have much space for veg in your garden, why not try courgettes in a pot? You can grow compact breeds in large, thick containers, wooden barrels and concrete tubs that keep roots cool and moist. Top varieties include mildew-resistant ‘D
Woman's Weekly Living Series3 min read
And Relax…
Or pop some into a diffuser. It’s a very subtle aroma but has been used for centuries to soothe stress and anxiety, and help aid restful sleep. It’s popular in teas for promoting a sense of calm. ‘It’s the essential oils in camomile that give it most

Related Books & Audiobooks