I just started Tanning again - and I have a rash! What could this be?

Question

I just started tanning last week for the first time in a few years. I started out at 5 minutes on Wed., went 5 on Thursday, and 7 on Friday. On friday I got burnt - I'm not sure if it's because I upped my minutes, or because they put me in a brand new bed - could be a combination of both. BUT - when I got home, my chest was itchy, and I figured it was just from the burn. I noticed I have little red bumps...and that is actually what is itchy. It's just on my chest, in between my boobs.
Could this just be heat rash? ALSO - i laid on my stomach that day that the rash started, for about 1 minute out of the 7 that I was in the tanning bed. I'm not thinking that this is something that I picked up from the bed, because why would I just have it in the one spot. Also, I don't think it's an allergic reaction to the lotion, because otherwise the rash would be all over. Ugh, it's so annoying - Will it go away????

Also, could it be that I went three days in a row? Maybe I should have given my skin a break?

Answer 1

You could be experiencing a heat rash or, if you are using a moisturizer before tanning, an allergic reaction to the combination of the moisturizer and the tanning process. The only way to know for sure is to see a dermatologist. Most rashes have a very distinct appearance so seeing the rash is essential toward making a diagnosis. I suspect though that it might be heat rash brought on by exposure to the UV lights and heat.

BTW, some medications and birth control in combination with tanning can cause itchy rashes.

Yes, of course, it will go away but you might need to refrain from tanning for a few days. It would also be best to get to the bottom of what caused it to start with so see a dermatologist!