itching suddenly and rashes,that turn red

[fara20]

i have been suffering from itching from  3 months ,first it was just itching severely on legs and hand with no rashes etc...and now recently i am getting through whole body except face .it is itching suddenly (like some ants are biting) and when i scrath over there i am getting rashes (long lines,bulging)and red in color,and after some time like 5 min they disappear and itching is becoming severe when i scath but i cant help without scrathing...itching is gone after 15 min....

[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. 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.

The treatment of hives includes antihistamines which may be necessary for prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks).They include cetirizine(zyrtec) or Loratadine(Claritin) 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.Topical application of calamine lotion and mild steroid cream like dermacort also proves helpful.
You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. In case the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist for examination.Internal diseases like a liver or kidney pathology have to be ruled out then.
Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.