Recurring Stomach/arms/neck Rash

[John761791]

I'm not sure why I get this rash but I will describe it:

Starts with a small pink irritated area on my left-front abdomen (left of bellybutton). It grows in size over the course of a day to be about the size of a persons hand. By this time it appears on my inner forearms (the soft/white sides) . Its speckled pink dots that grow in density. As those get more dense, they appear on my inner thighs, the softer areas again. Then they appear on my neck (usually the left side) and again grow.
The rash itches but does not burn. It is very irritating.
I cannot think of anything recent I have come in contact with.
The first time I had it I was exposed to some mold/mildew removing a sink/cupboard from an old apartment. Though I showered immediately after.
I went to my GP after the first time, he said he didn't know what it was but he prescribed some hydrocortizone cream and prednisone to boost my reaction to it. It worked, cleared it up in about 2 more days.
Another time I started to get it, I took antihistamines (benedryl, 2 per) and after a day it was already going away. This lead me to think it was an allergic reaction, but not contact induced, rather inhaled or something.

It has the exact same pattern of formation (stomach, forearms, thighs, neck) every time.

I'm also curious as to the pattern, WHY it goes Left Stomach, inner forearm, inner thigh, left neck.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be hives. 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.

Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications.

Take some over the counter oral antihistaminics like benadryl or Claritin,Sometimes they are required for prolonged periods.Since benadryl causes drowsiness so can be used at night to get urticaria control. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms.Application of calamine and mild steroid cream like dermacort will also help in controlling itching.

If the symptoms become severe,then it can be a case of chronic urticaria which needs further evaluation as it may be due to auto antibodies.A dermatologist’s evaluation is mandatory.

Hope it helps .Take care and pls do keep us posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.