Atripla and sun poisoning or rash

[dotsam]

I've been taking Atripla for about 4 years.  Every spring and summer I start to experience a red, blotchy and very itchy rash from going out in the sun - even for as little as 15 minutes.  Has anyone else had this symptom?  Before Atripla I was on Kaletra.  I switched because of the weight gain.  I'm considering going back to Kaletra because this itching is unbearable.  My doctor says to use sunscreen but I think it's the medication.  Any thoughts?

[mecch]

Sun sensitivity is on the list of possible side effects.

You could also be having a reaction to your sweat, in the sun. 

Don't expose your skin to the sun - rather than relying on sunscreen, get BIG straw hats.  By linen pants that feel like nothing, and buy hi-tech miracle fibre golf or tenis shirts that "wick" sweat away from your skin.  Cotton stays damp.  This only makes rashes worse.  Some of the new golf and tennis wear (synthetic) even has Sun-screen protection ratings. 

I never liked synthetic fabrics but they are VASTLY improved and really wonderful in the heat and sun - you just have to be sure that the label specifically says "moisture management" or "wiking" or something like that. 

I have a stack of cotton polos I don't think I'll ever wear again during the day in summer. 

I would see a dermatologist and adapt your behaviour in the sun before even considering any switch, if your combination is working well, don't change it for this.