red dry itchy patchy rash!

i woke up a few weeks ago with a slightly raised red dry circular rash. i thought it would go as quickly as it came but no instead this week i have been getting more of these patches, alot smaller and more of a general red ras but all over the trunk of my body. We have been decorating and plastering and the house is very dusty but none of the other 5 family members have anything! Any cluesany one?.They are not three in a row like dustmines ,they are not blisters. Can this be done to stress or must i get to a doctors sharpish!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Contact dermatitis and allergic reaction is one possibility. Oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl can also be used. You should take a comfortably cool bath and wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. Application of calamine lotion also helps in soothing the skin. You should choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes and use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding.

Please take a second opinion from a dermatologist if the symptoms persist. 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.