Please help...I've had a rash and itchyness for over 6 mo.

[kapn]

I am a 47 year old female.  I had a history of psoriasis as a child.  My rash started in December of 2009.  I saw a dermatologist who diagnosed the rash as hives and possible eczema.  He placed me on Prednisone 40mg daily for almost 3 mo with little improvement.  The rash is bilateral and is migratory.  I have used several otc and prescriptions for antihistamines and lotions with little to no improvement.  The rash is currently on my upper back, neck, scalp and hips.  In other areas I have itching but no rash.  I have also had allergy testing, lab work, light therapy and biopsy's with very little information obtained.  Please help.  Thank you...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Such a migratory itchy rash can be due to hives. They are of two types:acute and chronic(when hives persist for more than 6 weeks). The most likely triggers for acute urticaria are allergies to pets, horses, latex and foods, such as shellfish and nuts,bee or wasp stings,allergies to medicines,Viral infections, such as glandular fever and herpes, dental and sinus infections, fungal infections, blood transfusions and vaccines.

The cause of chronic urticaria is often more difficult to identify. Most cases are called chronic idiopathic urticaria, which means they're caused by the body's unexplainable development of antibodies to itself (auto-antibodies).
I suggest you to consult an allergist and get hives evaluated after through investigations.
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.

[Charetti]

Are you on any meds?  I was on pain pills for years and was also itchy alot, to the point of being painful. I quit the narcotics and now I dont itch!!  You might also want to experiment with cutting out various foods, scents, soaps, etc.  You might not be allergic but just sensitve enough to cause this to happen.