Allergy? Swelling of Skin on Knees, elbows, ears and around mouth

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is Anaphylaxis, but several years ago I went through a phase of waking up and the skin on my knees and elbows was red and swollen- the joints themselves were fine, but the skin felt hot and itchy like bad sunburn. The feeling would get worse, then calm through the day. After a few weeks my ears also began turn red and hot, and later the skin around my mouth also turned red, in quite a clear cut blotchy way. I tried antihisthamines, which calmed it somewhat so I assume it was an allergy, but I never worked out what it might be that I was allergic to. I had a suspicion that it may have been some vitamin tablets, but it was some time ago and I can't remember events clearly. It eventually calmed down, and disappeared for around 3 years.

Recently, my knees and elbows have again started to swell up, but ears and mouth have as yet not been affected.

I'm not 100% sure this is an allergy, I've never heard of skin in such specific places going red, swelling and burning like this before- there is no rash, and my throat is as yet unaffected. The only thing I have changed recently is my toothpaste.

Can anybody shed any light on this, or let me know if this is a common ailment?

Many thanks

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, your symptoms are suggestive of urticaria or allergic dermatitis.  It is usually seen secondary to exposure to allergen and subsequent reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies. Your body is known to hypersensitive to certain things.  

Stinging insects, Aeroallergens (uncommon), Foods and additives like Milk, egg, peanuts, nuts, soy, and wheat are the most common agents to cause such allergic manifestations. Certain drug formulation can also be responsible for this.

- The triggering factor should be identified (as this is a challenging task for which you can maintain a diary of things you are exposed to and probable cause) and should be avoided. Even a skin allergy test can be useful.
- Prompt treatment with anti histamines and glucorticoids during allergic attack.

I suggest you to consult to a skin specialist/ allergy specialist for further steps of management. Take care and regards.