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Mystery Rash :( PLEASE help!

I've had a sudden onset, 8 month long, INTENSELY itchy rash. I've seen a GP, and 3 Dermatologists, and an Allergist. I've been scraped, biopsied, and prescribed EVERY usual cream and pill. Ive never had this issue before, and HOPE to God someone out there can help me figure out what this is.

The rash is accompanied by an unusual 99.5 lowgrade fever, that has persisted for this entire period. Approx. 2 months ago, my hair began thinning greatly, and this symptom comes and goes from week to week. The rash initially was small pathes at the top of my buttocks area, then later reemerged in the creases of my arms, legs, armpits, stomach, waist area, sides of torso, and back of legs. My scalp itched IMMENSELY at first, but that symptom was early, and has waned.

The intense itching is MUCH worse at night-I get only approx. 4 hours of sleep NO MATTER WHAT cream, pill, or cold compress I use. The biopsy said this was a "contact dermatitis" which was later rejected by the Allergist who said the rash looked nothing like a CD. Not tto mention, I've removed EVERY allergen possible from my daily routine ie: washing powder, rinse clothes twice, not pets, allergenic bed coverings, no lice, no bed bugs, no sulfates in shampoo, sensitive skin soap, lotion, you name it.

I've been told by every Doctor that many rashes come on, and thre's no known cause, or cure, but I cannot continue to suffer this way anymore or I'm gonna go crazy. I literally claw my skin until it's bleeding or bruised.
I am on Singulair, which helps during the day, Cymbalta, that was prescribed to keep my rash anxiety in check, and a vitamin.

If this sounds familiar with ANYone out there, please help :) I've attached a photo-the 2 areas below are the biopsied areas.

Thanks.
6 Responses
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Such a rash which appears and disappears is due to hives. Hives 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.

Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid which is available under prescription.

For the itching take some antihistaminic like Benadryl. If the symptoms persist then get an evaluation done from 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.


Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been having a rash for a month already and I don't know why? I never had it before! It happens at night and in the mornings mainly my stomach are and arms I don't know what it is but it itches a lot I don't what to take. Can someone help ??
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm going thru same thing . I don't know wat it is I've had it for 1 month and oh my God it itches so bad I can't sleep at night! Someone please help!
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Blood tests like RAST and skin tests can be employed for testing the various allergens. Blood tests are more confirmatory than skin tests, You have already been taking Doxepin which is the best treatment for chronic urticaria. In my opinion you should consult an allergist as well as neurologist and get the possibility of neuropathic itching ruled out. The itch can be so intense that sufferers will scratch their own skin to a bleeding condition.
The only thing that seems to help most sufferers is the application of ice to the area until the itch is diminished. Other treatments include cooling lotions like those containing camphor or menthol, capsacain or local anesthetic creams, amitriptyline and gabapentin tablets and electrical cutaneous nerve field stimulation.

Please discuss this possibility and these options of treatment with your neurologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks so much for your reply. I have suffered terribly with this skin problem, and sleep deprivation is getting to me! I feel that this is Chronic Urticaria, or at least it's latest form acts much like it-Intense itching, bumps or raised red areas that are gone the very next day. The itching is so intense at night, that I've not found ANY remedy to help me sleep. I've taken so much Benadryl and Atarax that even 75 mg does not phase me. Why is this itching so much worse at night?

I have suggested being tested for Lymphoma and Hepatitis, but was told by 2 Dr.'s that I have absolutely none of those symptoms (other than this rash). I have had an Executive Panel drawn, and the only thing that was slightly elevated was my Cholesterol-only by 4 points.

I also asked about Lupus testing, but was told my thinning hair was a result of heavy Doxepin doses as well as Prednisone and stress.
Any recommendations to help me sleep or relieve the itch are greatly appreciated. This does come and go by the way-It will last about 6 weeks, then disappear for 4 weeks, only to return again.
Do you think I should have Allergy testing? Ive been told it's very expensive and only reveals the cause of hives about 20% of the time.

Thanks so much-I do appreciate you :)
Joli

Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Two possibilities are coming to my mind that need to be evaluated, first is of chronic urticaria. It is defined as urticaria that persists for longer than 6 weeks. In most of the cases of chronic urticaria, the underlying pathology is idiopathic i.e it is not linked to any cause. It is essential to rule out the presence of serious illnesses of which recurring hives can be a symptom. Examples are hepatitis, hyperthyroidism, lymphomas, collagen vascular diseases, and cancers of the rectum, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. The second possibility is of neuropathic itching in which the cause lies in the functioning of neurons. My sincere advice would be to discuss these two possibilities with your dermatologist/neurologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

Helpful - 0
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