itchy red spots that are getting worse

[spreadingrash]

4 days ago I developed a patch of tiny red bumps on my left arm that was very itchy and the next day I also noticed a couple dots near my right elbow.  With each passing day it seems like there are new spots and now my right arm has tiny light red raised bumps all along the underside of my forearm.
More details: it goes in "spurts" of being itchy.  I have ONE dot on my ankle area and a couple on my abdomen that are itchy sometimes.  I am not on any medication.  However, I DID have Strep throat a couple weeks ago that I had taken antibiotics for (Augmentin)  - so the rash would have developed 5 days after I stopped the antibiotics.  I think it is coincidental b/c the rash is not anything like the "scarlet fever" rash and of course came on after the Strep cleared up and 5 days AFTER discontinuing the Augmentin (so it shouldn't be a reaction to the antibiotic)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be hives. Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications.
The mainstay of treatment of hives is antihistamine which may be necessary for prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks). Double conventional doses of these non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine, Loratadine, Acrivastine and Fexofenadine may be needed to get symptom relief. Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine or Hydroxyzine are 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.

If the symptoms persist, then you can consult an immunologist. He may start with immunosuppressive drugs.

If the hives don’t go after 6 wks of treatment also, then it can be a case of chronic urticaria which needs further evaluation as it may be due to auto antibodies.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.