Allergic Reaction Rash

[Pattycake4fun]

I broke out in a weird rash I never had before. There were blisters on my hands and feet and the rest was just bright read and blotchy all over my body (except my face). I had a fever for a few days too as high as 102. I also had cold sweats. Went to Urgent Care. They gave me a shot of Benadryl and a script for Hydroxyzine and cortisone cream. It got worse. I found a dermatologist. He gave me a skin biopsy, blood test and scripts for another cream and  Prednisone. It went away in a few days, but I am Diabetic and the Prednisone kept making my sugar high. I lost weight because I had to be very careful. . My biopsy and blood test showed I had an allergic reaction to something. I am going back to Dermatologist for a skin patch test in 2 weeks.  I was on the Pred for 2 weeks,  (got weaned off) 3 days ago and now I am getting break outs again on my hands and other parts of my body. I am really hesitant about calling my GP or Dermatologist because I really do not want to go back on the Pred.  Any suggestions?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It definitely looks like an allergic reaction. Diagnosis of skin allergies includes Skin ***** tests (pricking the skin with a needle or pin containing a small amount of the allergen ('***** Testing' or 'Scratch Testing'), Patch tests (by applying a patch to the skin, where the patch contains the allergen.) and RAST.
You should get these tests done to identify the allergen and then avoidance along with antihistaminics and steroids is the main treatment.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Caryopteris]

Seems like you will have to think about what you are in close contact with that's new.  Animal, plant, fabric, something that is mostly touching the areas affected.