Unexplained Chronic Rashes/Hives

[tiflis]

Let me preface this with information that Ilive overseas in eastern Europe; therefore, my access to western style care is somewhat limited.

Since January, I have been experiencing periodic rashes/hives on my hands.  These come and go.  In the summer, I was getting some rashes on my feet, especially when I work socks and shoes (not so much with sandals). The past couple of months (and I even remember one case back in July), I get periodic rashes on my thighs around my underwear line.  Sometimes, these rashes/hives appear around my bra line.  They come and go as well.  The hives on my hand appear every day without fail, even when I take the antihistamine. Sometimes the allergies go away in an hour, and other times, they last for a day.  

I have taken Claritin and Benadryl to help alleviate the symptoms, but the problem is that these outbreaks of hives are becoming more frequent and less responsive to the antihistamines.  I went to the doctor where I live, and she just said for me to take Claritin every day for a month to see if that helps.  

At the same time, I have some kind of vaginal irritation.  I saw my obgyn in atlanta in august, and she said I had a yeast infection, which cleared with medicine.  I now have red itchy area around the external portions of the vagina (which have been there over two weeks).  It is basically like a red ring, with no bumps.  I have taken diflucan, which has not helped ease the problem.  I have an appointment for a obgyn visit next week.  However, I am also wondering if this might be related to the other skin irritation/allergies I am having.  

Do you have any ideas what these problems might be? Also, could you suggest some possible tests I should ask the doctors to run to help narrow down the problem?

Thank you.

[loiloi]

you can develop an allergy to practically anything and some of these triggers can't be avoided so taking a one a day anti-histamine is a good idea. You may find your chosen brand becomes less effective after a few months use, so it may be helpful to change to a different brand for a while. x

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

First, I can think of no connection between the vaginal irritation and the other eruptions.  Second, I agree with your doctor's suggestion about taking Claritin for a month.  Your description sounds like dermographism ("skin writing"), in which the skin leaks histamine when rubbed and produces welts.  This happens for no special reason (mast cells in everybody's skin have histamine in them.)  Tests aren't needed, because they don't show anything useful.  I usually address the issue just as you say your doctor has.  Almost certainly, you're dealing with an annoyance, nothing more.  In time, it shoud go away on it own.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff