Itchy rash on sides of face/neck

[Alice821]

Hello,
About 6 weeks ago I developed dermatitis (or raised small bumps) on the side of my face, neck that were extremely itchy. It happened about 7-10 days after I got my hair dyed, so I though it might be a reaction to the dye. I took benedryl and go a steroid shot. The benedryl took the itching down about 25-40%. I then went to an allergist who put on prednisone, I felt zoned, but this did not help the rash. I took my last dose of prednisone and now the rash is spreading down my neck and worse than ever. I believe the prednisone made it worse. I was on for 14 days and my highest dose was 60mg. Any way I am at my wits end. I am seeing my GP again tomorrow. Any ideas of what it might be? It is terribly itchy

[Alice821]

Hello, thank you for your reply. Quick question. I have tried 2 different antihistamines separately, with 2 days in between. The first xyzal, this worked fantastic in reducing the redness in my face/neck, but then I began getting a rash on my elbows and knees. This seemed like an allergic reaction so I stopped. Went back to benadryl, the rashes on my elbows and knees went away but my face got inflamed. So 2 days later I tried 180mg Allegra, and the same thing happened! My face/neck calmed down but the rashes on my elbows knees came. Do xyzal and allegra have a similar ingredient, or what could this be? I would really like an antihistamine that works but doesn't cause another reaction,just crazy! Thank you ahead for you response

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like hives and they are usually itchy. One possibility that can explain such a symptom is any allergy. 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.

Apart from the steroids, take some antihisatminics and vitamin c and apply some calamine lotion. Sometimes the treatment has to be taken for long periods of time.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.