Itchy Rash after a BBQ

I was at a BBQ last Saturday during the day with some friends outside.  When I woke up, I found a light pink rash developing on my thighs and armpit areas.  At the time it did not itch.  However, now the rash has spread to almost my entire body (except chest, abs and back) and in most areas appears as little red blotches under the skin.  In the major areas (elbows, armpits, knuckles and thighs) it looks like the beginning stages of poison Ivy.  I am fairly confident that it is not poison Ivy since I have had poison Ivy dozens of times and it does not appear like this.  The rash also appeared in an area where I had a "boot" (soft cast on my foot) from a previous injury, and thus could not have been spread there.  The rash now itches and is making my fingers ache when i make a fist.  The day of the BBQ I wore a new try of sunscreen but only applied it to my arms, upper back, neck and face.  I also consumed some beer, but nothing new and not in unusual amounts.  Any thoughts as to what this rash could be from or how to treat?  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like an allergic reaction or hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.
You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist.

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.