What is this? - picture

Last summer, I suddenly started to have this very itchy rash. I just went outside to walk my dog, and my back started itching so much that I had to go home.

It felt fine during the winter and thought that it was over, but now that it's getting warm again ( I live in Florida), my symptoms have come back (although it's not as itchy as the first time). Small spots are also starting to show up on my torso.

Things that seem to trigger my problems: Exercising, sweating, feeling embarrassed, taking hot showers(which I now avoid).

Also, when I get up in the morning, there's no itch and the color of the affected area is almost the same as my normal skin color. It just gets worse during the day.

Here's a picture of my back right now:
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5903/skin041709.jpg

Any idea what it could be?

Thanks!

[afdg]

Any idea?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You seem to be having hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications.You can take antihistaminics like Zyrtec which is available over the counter or Claritin which is available on prescription. Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine(Benadryl)is 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.You can also apply calamine lotion or mild steroids like Dermacort on the itchy areas.
You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.
In case the symptoms persist then oral steroids may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.