Very itchy pimple-like rash

[sean10]

I have taken Fertilaid multivitamins for 30 days and just before stopping I developed very itchy red bumps like mosquito bites. They seem to be symmetrical on my chest, both underarms, upper and lower abdomen. They itch so much, paritcularly in evenings. I'm applying Sarna lotion but it doesn't take long before the itching comes back...It's been like 4-5 days since I have this awful itchy rash... Anything I could do before seeing a dermatologist...I'm uninsured and can't really afford to see a doctor unless it's an emergency....Thank you  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From the description of symptoms they sound 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.

Take some over the counter oral antihistaminics like benadryl or Claritin,Sometimes they are required for prolonged periods.Since benadryl causes drowsiness so can be 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.Application of calamine and mild steroid cream like dermacort will also help in controlling itching.

If the symptoms become severe,then it can be a case of chronic urticaria which needs further evaluation as it may be due to auto antibodies.A dermatologist’s evaluation is mandatory.

Hope it helps .Take care and pls do keep us posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.