Red itchy rash

My fiance (22 yr old male) gets these little red itchy rashes on his arms and sometimes his legs.  He has used benadryl and ... something, and the problem goes away a little, but then comes back.  Any idea what that could be and how to get rid of it?

He's a student, no job, no insurance, so actually going to the derm. will be expensive.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

You fiancé seems to be having hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes.

The mainstay of treatment of hives is antihistamine which may be necessary for prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks).You can take non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Loratadine(Claritim).Sedating antihistamines such as Benadryl are 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.
You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. Also apply calamine lotion and a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the itchy rashes.
If the symptoms persist, then you can consult an immunologist. He may start with allergy shots.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.