Hives

I am an african-american woman. A large bright red hive patch has suddenly (yesterday) appeared in my chest. It is very itchy and I am worried about what it can be. I have recently (2 weeks ago) began taking Chantix to assist me in stopping smoking. In August, I broke out, in what the doctors called "pityriasis rosea." This was a very traumatic time for me because I almost looked like a monster. This event lasted a good two months. I was never able to identify the "herald patch." Ninety percent of the rash is gone, I am left with the dark spots which the dermatologist said would all eventually go away. What do you think this latest thing is?

[National Jewish Health]

You should quickly report this to the doctor who prescribed it and request his/her advice.   While infrequent, hives (urticaria) has been reported as an adverse side effect of Chantix, and that is a likely cause.  Allergic skin rashes other than hives have also been reported with Chantix.

Pityriasis can be dreadful.  Glad to hear it is resolving.  I suspect the new lesion is unrelated to the Pityriasis.

Good luck with your attempt to stop smoking.  As the American Lung Association likes to say: " It is a death-defying act."