Alleviating Blotches

About six days ago, I was hospitalized for a reaction (itching-entire body) that I was experiencing from a medication (morphine sulfate) that I had been taking for about (3)yrs for severe back pain. Prior to being admitted, my doctor discontinued the morphine sulfate & prescribed methadone hoping to alleviate the itching, however after taking it only twice,I had a violent itch & discontinued it.  After being hospitalized for a closer observation, I was given a "fentanyl patch," for my pain.  On the morning following its application, much of my body(including my face) displayed a skin pigment break-down.  This problem lessen in about three days, however my upper torso still reveals a skin problem. I was also given Diphenhydramine, HCL, 50mg (1 every 4 hrs),to control the itch that I still experience.  
The fentanyl transdermal patch is working well for my pain.

Do you think the reaction I experienced temporary & how might this problem of itching & blotches be corrected?

Note:  I am allergic to:  IVP Dye (rash), Codiene (Itch), Imatrex (problem breathing), Morphine sulfate (itching) Methadone (Severe itching), & Hydromorphone (problem breathing).  

Thank You, BK007

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I'm afraid your description doesn't allow me to know with any certainty what you have.  It may be pigmentation which appears after inflammation.  This lessens by itself and goes away over a period of weeks to months, once whatever inflamed the skin goes away.  I'd wait it out without treatment for a while.  If it won't go away, have a skin doctor take a look, but I doubt you'll have to.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff