When summer came around, I noticed that my face gets really red and itchy after my commute to work. It itches on and off the rest of the time too. Could this be rosacea or just a reaction to the sun?
Is it itching specifically in the sun or even in the shade when it's hot? Because if the redness and itching appear in hot weather in general, it's often just irritation from sweat and blood vessels dilating from the heat - usually goes away if you wash your face with cool water and help your skin cool down. Rosacea typically causes more persistent redness and is often accompanied by small bumps or visibly dilated capillaries that are there all the time. If it's specifically in the sun and started recently, it's more likely photodermatitis or just increased skin sensitivity to UV. In any case, try an SPF with UVA/UVB protection - it's a universal recommendation, and if it's the sun, it'll definitely help, and if it's something else, it won't hurt.
It could be photosensitivity (photodermatitis), especially if it's just the exposed areas that turn red. Try applying regular sunscreen SPF 30-50 before going out for a few days - if it gets better, then it's the UV.
You should also check whether you're using any new cream, toner, or other cosmetics before going out in the sun - sometimes ingredients like alcohol or fragrances can trigger photosensitivity, and combined with UV rays they can cause exactly this kind of reaction. If you haven't changed your skincare routine in recent months and the itching only happens in summer, then it's most likely just a combination of sun and heat, but seeing a dermatologist won't hurt to rule out rosacea or dermatitis.
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