Swelling of extremities and uncomfortable rash

Two mornings ago I awoke with a rash much like a measles rash on my legs, feet and arms. This rash is very itchy and feels much like walking through nettles. I went to the Dr., who thought I was having some sort of allergic reaction to something, put me on medications like Benadryl. Last night I was unable to sleep with the constant itching and stinging. My hands are now very swollen and I cannot make a fist with them. This is spreading up into my elbows. My feet are swollen as well and I can feel the achiness moving into my knees. The back of my neck and shoulders is also very sore, and I feel dehydrated. Is this something I should be concerned about, or just attributed to some sort of allergic reaction.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or eczema. Are you on any medications currently?

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for the symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how she is doing.

Regards.