Small itchy red spots

[Twolf896]

Hi,

For many months now I've been experiencing a rash that comes and goes in about 10-15 minutes.  The rash involves tiny red spots, not raised, that show up on my ankles and wrists, and to a lesser extent the rest of my body.  They are VERY itchy and painful!

They seem to flare up when I start doing movement - going walking, running, working out.  They also flare up when I get nervous or excited.  Last week I was working with an electric sander and my ankles were breaking out.  When I stopped, it would stop itching.  I felt my legs and noticed that the temperature of my ankles was cool while the temperature of my caffs was very warm.  

I am taking medication and believe the rash to be related to the medication.  I read on e-medicine help that :

"Treatment of a rash due to a drug allergy includes stopping the responsible drug. Sometimes, a short course of oral steroids may be required in severe cases to help clear the rash."

The problem is that discontinuing the drug is not a very easy option.  Is there anyway to treat this rash long-term, with perhaps a different oral medication?

Thank you so much.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Such a rash which appears and disappears is most commonly due to hives. The most likely triggers for acute urticaria (hives) are allergies, allergies to medicines,Viral infections, , dental and sinus infections, fungal infections, blood transfusions and vaccines. But sometimes hives may be idiopathic.
The standard treatment of hives is oral antihistaminics and topical steroids. Oral antihistaminics relieve itching and you can get them over the counter but some of them may cause drowsiness and moreover since your child is just 2 years old, hence it should be taken under a medical guidance. Topical steroids is available by prescription from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Twolf896]

Bump :)

[Twolf896]

One thing I forgot to mention:

After noticing the difference of temperature between my ankles and calfs, I soaked my feet/ankles in warm bath water.  Then I put on slippers and went back to sanding - the itchy rash went away (that time).