rash/hives

[smokeyjoe420]

i am breaking out with hives all over my body. i havent done anything differently lately to cause an allergic reaction, and i am not allergic to anything as far as i know. they seem to be coming and going, not really focusing on any particular spot. ill get an itch, ill scratch it lightly, then it starts to itch more and more, little red bumbs and raised skin start to appear. after a while, if i can keep myself from scratching, it goes away. it just keeps happenning all over my body. what is this rash?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms that you have mentioned can be due to hives which appear and disappear randomly or due to viral infection. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[smokeyjoe420]

if anyone thinks they might know what is going on with me i would really appreciate the help. i am starting to get a little freaked out about it. i was told that this could be the sign of an auto immune disease like hiv or even cancer. if anyone can help, please feel free to do so,

thankyou