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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Raised rash/welts on face for several days
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Raised rash/welts on face for several days
by marksgal, Jul 08, 2007 12:00AM
Hello - I'm a 31 year old female w/ a 4 week old newborn & am b-feeding. About 2 wks ago I developed a fever along with chills, aches, etc. My OB prescribed Cephalaxin suspecting a developing breast or uterine infection (I delivered via c-section). I took this for 8 days & the morning after stopping the meds (July 5), I woke to what looked like a large bug bite on the left side of my face. As the day progressed the "bite" site grew larger and more like a welt and it was clear that this was some type of itchy rash. I also noticed more welts developing on the right side of my face & 1 on my neck. My PCP(not a dermatologist), isn't sure of its nature or cause (she suspects a delayed reaction to the antibiotic). Because I'm b-feeding she couldn't prescribe me Benadryl or any antihistamine. I'm currently using a prescribed topical cream "Triamcinolon" to relieve the itch. I am applying cold compresses & washing twice a day w/ Cetaphil. I've posted links below w/ 2 photos of this rash (the shiny appearance is the anti-itch cream I had just applied). It hasn't changed much in the past 2 days & doesn't appear to be spreading any further. I'm concerned that it doesn't seem to be healing. Do you have any ideas on what this is & I can do to get rid of it? I have no history of acne or any skin issues & haven't been using any new products on my face that would have caused a reaction. Thanks so much. Photo links: http://www.boxingpickem.com/rash.jpg http://www.boxingpickem.com/rash1.jpg
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 10, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 10, 2007 12:00AM
The appearance and distribution of these patches suggest a contact dermatitis, that is, an allergic reaction to something that came in contact with your skin. This is not the pattern you'd get from a reaction to an internal antibiotic. I don't think these are infected, so I doubt that the antibiotic has been relevant one way or the other. Having said that, I'm not at all sure what would cause such a contact reaction in such an unusual distribution (it isn't poison ivy, for instance.) You should see a dermatologist as soon as you can. I have little doubt that this can be treated and that it will leave no scars, since contact dermatitis, no matter how blistery, is just in the epidermis, so when it goes away it's gone.
Congratulations on your newborn.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Congratulations on your newborn.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
