Rash and Peeling After Cold/Flu

Hello,

For a couple years now I have noticed a trend with my colds and/flus. It all began when I developed strep throat for the first time. Immediately after the worst of the strep throat was treated with antibiotics, my hands and the bottom of my feet "broke out". They became red, hot, extremely itchy. Eventually they died out and peeled in long strips.

My hands and feet always do this now after every cold/flu. I'm used to it because this is how my whole body has an allergic reaction, but it brings out various degrees of surprise and disgust among friends and family and coworkers. It's also annoying. From the time it becomes red and itches, it seems to take forever for it to peel and then the new skin to be used to sensation.

I'm using Aloe Vera right now to soothe the heat and some of the itch, and later I plan to use it for the new skin, so it doesn't become too dry and irritated.

I suppose I just want to see if there's anything I can do to prevent this from happening, or if my hands and feet are merely trying to dispose of the virus/bacteria inside of me....

Thank you for your time,
Kahlan Nightwing

[al271]

I have the same thing, which started about 12 years ago. I'm 52 now. I have also discovered that it can also be triggered by taking an antihistamine.
Al

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be hives or eczema. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They 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.

Take some oral antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin and apply some calamine lotion on the rashes. If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist as steroids may be needed. Also consult an allergist as it may be due to some allergic reaction.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.