hives rash on chest and neck

A rash started on my chest resembling hives about a week ago. They only itch when they first appear. It spreaded to my neck bad, and slightly on my stomache and back. It is only on my torso, and not bites. What could this be from? It has been over a week and the chest markings are lightening but joining together but the neck rash is getting worse. (No new soaps or anything else in the house.) My shirts feel like fiberglass, or wool. I live in WI, and normally not allergic to fall issues.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be contact dermatitis or hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes.
Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin and apply some calamine lotion on the rashes. If the symptoms persist then topical or oral steroids may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.