patches on skin

[jdee128]

About 2 weeks ago i noticed that i had a collection of small bumps on the back of my upper arms. they are not that raised as they are sort of flat but raised at the same time. They dont hurt or bleed or anything but just really itch! The next day i noticed that they had spread up onto my neck and all over my face whilst still remaining on the backs of my arms. On my neck they still appear the same as they did on my arms but they look like a tan colour and itch even more on my neck then on my face or arms.  As for them on my face, they still itch but also skin seems to flake off the when i scratch them. I have tried taking antihistamines but they have not worked, just subside the ickting for a little while.
So any idea what it could be?
Many thanks

[jdee128]

thank you for the help :)
i carrie don taking the antihistamines as you said and they have seemed to have stopped itching now and have seemed to of disappeared from the backs of my arms and neck but they are still on my face and even though they are not itchy anymore they just seem to be circles of skin that flake off if you scratch them.. but then reappear.
how would i know if it was chronic urticaria? any other symptoms i could look out for?
auto antibodies? is this bad? what would cause this?

thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Yes hives can persist for 3-4 weeks even. The mainstay of treatment of hives is antihistamine which may be necessary for prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks). 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 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.


I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[jdee128]

hello, thank you for your answer,  i thought they were hives at first but wasnt sure, does it matter that i have had them for around 3-4 weeks now?
ive already tried taking oral medicines as i tried piriton and that made the itching go away for a while but then the rash etc has stayed as for your other points i will try them out, thank you!

take care

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These small bumps can be due to contact dermatitis, allergic reaction, sweat dermatitis or hives. Take some Benadryl and apply some calamine lotion. If the symptoms persist then topical and orals steroids may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case. Also wear cotton clothes and use some mild soap like dove.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[jdee128]

oops i meant *itching lol