Aa
body rash
I have had a red blotchy itchy rash for almost a year and a half.I've used benadryl, cortaid , cortozone, antifungal cremes and spray. While all of these help the itch, the rash doesnt go away. If it does, it ends up showing up in a different area. Its mostly on my arms and back.Went to the doctor and he didnt think it looked like an allergy. He gave me a prescription for an antibiotic, but that hasnt worked either. I dont believe its anything contagious because my husband doesn't have it. Any suggestions
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Without examination it is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis,but it can be hives or eczema.
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.
Eczema It is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).
The mainstay of treatment for both is antihistamine like Claritin,zyrtec which may be necessary for prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks).Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine or Hydroxyzine 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.
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.You can also apply calamine or mild steroid cream on the rash.Calamine soothes the skin.
I sincerely advise you consult a dermatologist and get the diagnosis confirmed.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.
Without examination it is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis,but it can be hives or eczema.
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.
Eczema It is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).
The mainstay of treatment for both is antihistamine like Claritin,zyrtec which may be necessary for prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks).Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine or Hydroxyzine 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.
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.You can also apply calamine or mild steroid cream on the rash.Calamine soothes the skin.
I sincerely advise you consult a dermatologist and get the diagnosis confirmed.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.
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