Prickly skin

Hallo, I'm going on for 19, but for over 2 years now, I've been getting very prickly skin and coming out in pink/redish skin (not spots or any rough skin, just coloring of the skin) in patches on my chest, back, neck and legs mostly, it happens if I'm very warm, or try to work out, or if I was to get a quick fright and jump, or be out of breath from running, things like that, this all started at a time when I was beginning to go through a lot of anxiety/stress, I drink a can of coke a day, and about a pint of milk also. Have you heard of this, do you know how I could get rid of it? if you can help, thank you...

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You might have cholinergic urticaria.  These are hives brought on by heat.  They are not allergic, just annoying.  Try taking an OTC antihistamine like Benadryl or chlortrimeton an hour before you get warm or work up a sweat.  If they block the outbreak, perhaps a doctor can prescribe a nonsedating antihistamine like Claritin or Allegra.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff