h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Oh great, the nice weather's here again.
I wish I could enjoy it. I love the sun.
Unfortunately I've got polymorphic light disorder, which basically is an allergy to the sun. What a nightmare! It eases off as the summer goes on, but right now and probably for another month or two, I'm in agony.
I get a rash. Ususally around the top of my chest, my hands and lower arms, ankles & ears. Even if I've only been in the sun for 10 minutes I still get affected.
All creams, tablets, etc don't work. I just have to live with it. There is a light treatment available but my local hospital doesn't carry out this treatment. The nearest hospital to do so is too far for me to get to a few times each week.
So while everyone's starting to go out long walks in the spring sun, pottering around their gardens, wearing crop trousers & vest tops & sandals, I'll be sitting indoors worrying about my 5 minute walk to the shop or to my child's school. I'll be worrying that when people see my skin they'll think I've got something contagious. I feel so silly saying to people "I'm allergic to the sun" They don't believe me. But it's true. And it's hell.