face and neck rash

[sugar137]

Last wek I got red and itching eyes, since then my entire face has become red, itchy and burning with some swelling. My neck now have become red and blotchy and is starting to itch.  I've chanaged to new cosmetics incase something was old or wrong with them, this has not helped.  Last year I had an allergy test and was told I wasn't allergic to anything.  My diet has not changed. Please Help.

Thank You!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction. The mainstay of treatment is antihistamine which may be necessary for prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks).You can take non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine(Zyrtec) or Loratadine(Claritin) may be needed to get symptom relief. Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine(Benadryl) 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.Also apply calamine lotion on the rashes.If the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.