Spring Allergy Rash or not?

Just turned 60 and still jog everyday in winter as well (slow like turtle now). Live in Illinois and weather just went to 50 degrees and wore my shorts (but have worn them in cooler weather down to 30 degrees) on a sunny nice day and spring was breaking. Next day I woke up with like 7 rashes (dime to quarter size) on the buttocks area & sinus congestion & watery eyes etc. Had this 5 years ago and was allergy based and Zyrtec kicked it out but Zyrtec really makes me super sleepy. Placed benadryl creme on rashes & so-so. Claritan has relieved the nasal symptoms and eye symptoms etc. Seems like allergy because of time of year but usually get the rash on the legs.
Thanks for anything

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms they look like 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. The treatment of hives consists of antihistaminics, calamine lotion and steroids. So please get the diagnosis confirmed 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.