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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
All over body rash - lasting now for 6 weeks
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
All over body rash - lasting now for 6 weeks
by susiejane, Sep 10, 2004 12:00AM
My mother is 74 and has suffered from a rash which is all over her body for the last 6 weeks. When she gets up in the morning it starts developing and in a fairly short time it is all over her legs, arms, hands & palms and torso. Occassionally it will fade during the day but has gradually got worse in nature. It is a red rash which began as mainly circular but has now developed into more irregular shapes. Apart from a slight cold, she has not felt particularly poorly during this last 6 weeks although the anxiety regarding what the rash is, is now taking its toll. Her GP does not know what it is - he has sent her for blood tests. She is taking medication for high blood pressure which she has been taking for about 1 year and also suffers mildly from arthritis. I have taken a picture of the rash as I was hoping I would be able to attach it with this posting. If there is any procedure for sending through pictures, perhaps you could let me know. Any ideas that I could suggest to her GP or put my mum at her ease, would be very welcome. Look forward to hearing from you.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 12, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 12, 2004 12:00AM
The most common rash which waxes and wanes in the way you describe is called urticaria or hives. The majority of cases have no specific cause and eventually fade on their own. An allergy, such as to a medicine, is possible, but the fact that she has been taking her blood pressure medicine for a year argues strongly against this. Her arthritic condition may be playing a role here as well.
It sounds as though consultation with a dermatologist is in order. Additional blood tests and perhaps a skin biopsy may be useful, although the consultant may be able to offer diagnosis and treatment just from looking. Since the rash fluctuates in intensity, the photograph may be helpful if you bring it along to the visit.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
It sounds as though consultation with a dermatologist is in order. Additional blood tests and perhaps a skin biopsy may be useful, although the consultant may be able to offer diagnosis and treatment just from looking. Since the rash fluctuates in intensity, the photograph may be helpful if you bring it along to the visit.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
