Annual Spring Rash

[aam484]

For the past 4 years, I have been getting a rash every March that usually lasts until May.  I've been to three or four doctors and they have no idea what it is.  I also have been to an allergist and am not allergic to any common foods.  The rash resembles poison ivy but I have not been in contact with it.  It always starts on my forearms closer to my wrist and I will have erruptions on the front of my legs and on my chest.  It is usually just a few bumps in each area but it is extremely itchy.  I never have it on my head, face, neck or genital areas.  Topical Cortizone has not helped nor has a week of steriod pills.  Could I be allergic to some kind of tree pollen?? It seems to start once the snow clears (I live in New England) and the temp goes over 50 degrees.  I originally thought I was allergic to Red Dye No. 40 because the first time the rash appeared I had switched my birth control pills and that was the only difference.  The rash went away when I switched but I believe this was only a coincidence.    I really don't want to waste my time going to my primary and then a dermatologist only for them to tell me a. they don't know what it is and b. here's a rx for steroids that don't help.  Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

[JennLeigh2]

I've been getting this almost every summer for 20 years. Sometimes worse than others. I was told in fifth grade (the first time it happened) that it was called (Fifth disease). That was by my school nurse, and I highly doubt it. The worst I've ever had it was in Middle School. I think because I spent all day outside, and I had no control over the itch. I've been trying to figure out what this is for SO long. A few years ago I thought it might be Ploymorphous Light Eruption, because the itch seems to lessen the more I spend in the sun (and don't itch). I don't know what it is, or how we all got it, but it's definitely annoying. Does anyone else have permanent tiny bumps (scars, I suppose?) from itching too much? Mine from Middle School didn't go away all of the way from my upper arms.

[Song2sing319]

I'm sorry to see so many people have the same problem as I but relieved at the same time.  I live on Long Island, and my rash occurs the same time of year (for about 5 or 6 years) as the rest of you and in the same areas.  My dermatologist was not able to help, either.  When looking up my symptoms on the internet, I saw that heat and humidity can cause such a rash, which would definitely make sense in my case.  I'm going to get rubbing alcohol now; thanks for the tip.  Good luck!

[messerjg]

I have the same issue as everyone else here. Steroid ointments no longer work. Rubbing alcohol helps. I bought a cream off ebay for poison ivy that helps the itching. It is made with jewelweed that is great. it has other stuff in it also. It seems to start every spring and usually when I start cleaning out flower beds and gardening. It seems to happen more when I am out in nature and or dealing with outdoor plants and such. If I scratch a part of my body that is not currently affected, it seems to spread there too. I have had this for the last few years now, I had it about 15 years ago while stationed in japan while in the military and when I was a small child 5-8. While in Japan, my dermatologist did a "punch" on some of it and sent it to the CDC and they was not able to determine what it was.   Heat/sun/warm clothes seem to make it worse. I wake up at night because the itching is unbearable. I run cold water over my arms and hands that make it stop for some time.

[1Anonymous__]

I have the same issue, it appears to be either what is called contact dermatitis which means the skin is just allergic or sensitive to various things such as heat , soaps, foods, anything. or psoriasis , and what has worked for me is tee tree oil (same tactic but better and less harmful than rubbing alcohol) saline solution (sterilized salt water spray)will sting, but can act as a cleanser in removing the bacteria if you want to try it , can make certain rashes worse though.  and as a conditioner and gold bond healing lotion is good for rash prone skin. Hope this helps anyone. :) also try eating healthier foods and drinking a lot of water. Rashes can also be due to unhealthy diets.

[Andre0170]

Ugh! I wondered if there were others or just me! I too get this - generally mid to late may and lasts almost through June in New England. Little red bumpy spots usually legs below knee. Sometimes in a vertical row. Hydro-cortisone cream won't touch it. No other meds yet (I hate taking them). Started maybe six or seven years ago, which is weird. Working in dirt with unprotected skin definitely makes it worse. Drives me insane. I noted someone said 70% alcohol helps. I concur - discovered this myself at wits end. Not perfect but does a decent job controlling itching for several hours. I put it on 2-3 times per day,  rubbing pretty hard (eyes roll it feels so good!) Itching subsides almost immediately and the rash tends to dry out sooner, but it still lingers for quite some time. Wish I had an answer...

[jimbo19722]

I have the same thing!!!!  I use baking soda....  Pour 3 tsps. into cup of luke warm water & stir....  Use the paste you made & rub on areas infected, then wrap saran wrap (or other plastic wrap) around your legs to cover area.  Leave on for a few hours, then discard plastic.  I used this method for 4 yrs now & works wonders.....   PS. Only do this for 3 days or until rash is gone...

[DarkAlice]

Wow.. I thought I was crazy. I get this nasty itchy rash on my arm every year around spring and it seems to last through summer. I have to to allergist and doctors and they never know what it is. They prescribe stuff but barely touches it. I've noticed that it seems to get better when I dry it out. Like one previous commenter stated, put alcohol on it. Anything moist seems to irritate more. I'm a hairstylist so it's embarrassing when my clients look at it and think I'm contagious and then look at me crazy when I tell them it's a yearly thing and know one seems to know what it is. I'm happy to read that I'm not alone.

[DarkAlice]

*have been to an allergist

[aditman223]

Wow I thought this was just me, apparently not I'm wondering if it's a particularly location? I'm in Georgia, recently moved from Northern California. I've notice that it starts with little bumps & itch really bad - my kids & hubby say don't itch it, but easier said than done. Rubbing alcohol seems to help some followed by Apple cider vinegar twice or three times a day.