It is definitely not sunburn - this is an allergic reaction to something in suncreams in strong sunlight. I blister up and it feels like severe nettle rash not burn. The underlying/surrounding skin doesn't look burnt. The blisters last for days. I've tested with and without suncream on previous sun holidays and it eases off if I avoid the suncream. The first time it occurred strongly was with a hypoallergenic brand.

I've no idea what additive is doing it. I've gone through various brands and thought I'd found one that was OK (it's a completely organic one by Green People, no parabens etc). I've used it for a couple of years but not day in day out.

Cut to last week's holiday and after five days continuous use I started to blister up. Most of it has done down, but the worst patch is a complete mess. I looks like it's going to take a while to heal and in all probability I'm going to scar.

I realise this isn't normal but I was wondering if anyone else had experienced it and what they did about it. Googling suggests it does occur but there's no consensus as to what it is.

Thanks - it's reassuring to know it's not just me.

Whilst I have eczema it's only mild and it's only suncream that seems to give me serious problems as an adult (oh and hairy caterpillars and latex gloves).

I'll try the oil sprays next time, thanks for the tip. That's not an option I'd considered.

It could be reaction of your eczema to the creams. Many household creams are a real problem with eczema.

Synylar or other topical steroid cures me.

You will I am sure be aware of the thin skin steroid danger from continuous use longer term. Using it for 50++ years I have skin that replicates tissue paper at best. Only cure is to avoid steroids. Before the skin thins.

But I would take them all again because teenage life and so on with rampant red itchy patches and covered all over head to toe is no fun whatsoever.

I regularly advise young mothers with children in two Children's Day nurseries I used to own, of the real downsides of Steroids because I find either their GP's fail to tell them or the message does not fix.

But they are the only real relief. For me certainly. I do hope you find relief.