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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Rash on my body
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Rash on my body
by llenod, Mar 26, 2002 12:00AM
Hello Dr.
For three months now, I have had this rash on my body that itches like crazy. To explain it, it will be red in one area and begin to itch. I will scratch it, and it will itch some more. It will begin to raise from the scratch marks and get really red, and actually be hot. After fifteen minutes it goes away. If the climate is hot, indoors or outdoors, then I become itchy. Sometimes if I just rub my face or something, I will begin to itch. After a shower and running the water in my hair, my scalp will begin to itch really bad. Other times I will be fine, and then just start to itch. If I scratch one area on my back, then my entire back will begin to itch. Same with any other part on my body. At night I take two benydrls. That usually allows me to get to sleep. I usually do not wake up afterwards until the following morning. I have changed all soaps and detergents. I have also stopped using dryer sheets. This still has not solved the problem. I have searched this site to find common answers, but seem to get the universal answer of seeing a dermatologist. Unfortunately, I work for a small company and do not have insurance. With a newborn on the way, I can only afford to support my wife's bills. Any advice on what I can take or do would greatly be appreciative. Also, would a prescription antihistamine be better than an OTC? I was thinking Clarinex.
Also, I have developed a terrible burning rash under my left armpit from scratching I believe. It is very bothersome. I assume I should put hydrocortisone on it for a week twice a day.
Please let me know of the possible skin conditions this could be, so that I can further research each. Also, your professional opinion on what prescription drugs would be favorable to my itchy problem.
Regards,
Terry
For three months now, I have had this rash on my body that itches like crazy. To explain it, it will be red in one area and begin to itch. I will scratch it, and it will itch some more. It will begin to raise from the scratch marks and get really red, and actually be hot. After fifteen minutes it goes away. If the climate is hot, indoors or outdoors, then I become itchy. Sometimes if I just rub my face or something, I will begin to itch. After a shower and running the water in my hair, my scalp will begin to itch really bad. Other times I will be fine, and then just start to itch. If I scratch one area on my back, then my entire back will begin to itch. Same with any other part on my body. At night I take two benydrls. That usually allows me to get to sleep. I usually do not wake up afterwards until the following morning. I have changed all soaps and detergents. I have also stopped using dryer sheets. This still has not solved the problem. I have searched this site to find common answers, but seem to get the universal answer of seeing a dermatologist. Unfortunately, I work for a small company and do not have insurance. With a newborn on the way, I can only afford to support my wife's bills. Any advice on what I can take or do would greatly be appreciative. Also, would a prescription antihistamine be better than an OTC? I was thinking Clarinex.
Also, I have developed a terrible burning rash under my left armpit from scratching I believe. It is very bothersome. I assume I should put hydrocortisone on it for a week twice a day.
Please let me know of the possible skin conditions this could be, so that I can further research each. Also, your professional opinion on what prescription drugs would be favorable to my itchy problem.
Regards,
Terry
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 26, 2002 12:00AM
, Mar 26, 2002 12:00AM
It sounds as though you have a form of hives. Most hives are not allergies to foods, soaps, or detergents. Scratching brings out histamine and can induce more itching and scratching.
It is therefore essential that you not scratch. To help you with this, you should consider:
1. Applying Sarna lotion every time and everywhere you feel an itch. (over the counter)
2. Taking chlortrimeton 4 or 8 milligrams at bedtime (also non-Rx)
3. Using an oatmeal bath at bedtime in warm water for 15 minutes.
If these measures don't significantly reduce or eliminate your symptoms in a couple of weeks, you will need to consider seeing your regular physician for evaluation, perhaps a blood test (liver enzymes), or referral to a skin specialist.
It is at least possible that the stress of becoming a father, having money problems, and trying to research your own diases is contributing to your situation. How much are relief and reassurance worth? You may have to ask yourself that.
Best of luck.
Dr. Rockoff
It is therefore essential that you not scratch. To help you with this, you should consider:
1. Applying Sarna lotion every time and everywhere you feel an itch. (over the counter)
2. Taking chlortrimeton 4 or 8 milligrams at bedtime (also non-Rx)
3. Using an oatmeal bath at bedtime in warm water for 15 minutes.
If these measures don't significantly reduce or eliminate your symptoms in a couple of weeks, you will need to consider seeing your regular physician for evaluation, perhaps a blood test (liver enzymes), or referral to a skin specialist.
It is at least possible that the stress of becoming a father, having money problems, and trying to research your own diases is contributing to your situation. How much are relief and reassurance worth? You may have to ask yourself that.
Best of luck.
Dr. Rockoff
I also wanted to mention that three years ago, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I was put on Levoxyl. I stopped taking the medication two years ago, thinking I could overcome it without meds. Could this be a cause of the hives. Can hypothyroidism raise liver enzyme levels?
Terry