Allergic skin reaction?

[spc]

I have in the past gotten hives, or redness behind my knees, soft side of elbows, near under arms from consuming something wrong (usually something like fresh orange juice when they crush the oranges and may have moldy ones, as pasteurized OJ never has been a problem).

I now have this hives/rash just behind my arms and sorta shoulders, but no where else. I've tried changing my diet, not wearing wool, anti-fungal cream, antibiotic cream, and hydrocortisone (still using that one to reduce itching). I can't tell if it's spreading or just shifting. Just tonight, I've started on Allegra (don't usually take it, but have it) thinking maybe a little internal anti-allergy thing could help.

I suppose I need to see a doc. But, I'm not sure if I should see an allergist, dermatologist, or my general physician. I'm PPO, so would rather not pay more than once when I could see the right doc. A friend thought maybe it is a staph infection. Don't know much about it, but after 2 1/2 weeks would think staph would have me hospitalized by now.

[johnke]

Sounds like eczema to me. Orange juice may have mold (from bad fruit processed). Some things that might help are:
Avoid foods that you react to (this is not easy to do, since the reaction is typically delayed)
Boost your immune system and improve your digestive tract health (take fish oil certified free of mercury and PCBs, eat blueberries, etc.)
Take a look at http://www.savemyhealth.com for some foods and eczema tips.

Good luck,
John