summer rash

Was at a picnic yesterday and never saw an insect, however, the next morning I had red blothes on my chest and back also in the crevice of my elbow. Very itchy. Towards evening the bloth is getting larger. Most of the other adults got the same rash, unknowningly.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

If there was no insect seen in your picnic area, it could be the plants or trees that caused this. Contact with the poisonous, oily irritant urushiol emitted by Poison Oak, poison ivy  and poison sumac may have caused the rash found in your chest and back as well as to the other adults who attended the picnic. The rash starts with itchiness and swelling, followed by a reddish inflammation of tiny pimples. Blisters then form and couple in a chain-like reaction. Sometimes, a clear fluid oozes from the blisters that hardens to a yellowish crust. Washing several times with soap and water may get rid of the oil. If not, redness and swelling will appear in about 12 to 48 hours. Typical treatments are directed at helping to control the itching such as cold compresses and  non-steroidal topical medications, topical steroids, oral antihistamines  and/or oral steroids or a steroid shot. If the rash persists despite home treatment, and infection is present, it would be best to see your doctor for proper management. Take care and keep us posted.