What is the difference between a RIBA rash and an incivek rash?

Can anyone out there tell me the difference? This is all new to my doctor and he will treat me according to the guidelines, I'm sure... but since this treatment is so new, I was concerned if we stop the incivek ...that it might have really been the RIBA that was the culprit. So that would mean I will have this consuming rash for the next 14 weeks and baled out early on my incivek. I just want the chance of SVR to be greater. Thanks for a little more advice on this matter.
Carolyn

[toby47]

I can't tell you the difference , but I can tell you what mine is like.I got this in the 11th week of incivek, 4 wks ago,and it hasn't gotten better, so I guess it has nothing to do with incivek.Upper body big irregular red blotches and most other places there is enough fat under skin, on upper chest just red and felt like sunburn ,very sensitive. Legs looks like mosquito bites raised red bumps.Nothing on face.One thing that helped minimize the rash somewhat was Clobex spray a steroidal spray I got from dermatologist,also started taking claratin and atarax for the itch.The last three days the itching has subsided so that I don't need the atarax. Also after I put on the spray and rub it in ,let dry and then add your lotion on top. Hope you can get some relief.

[MsDragonSlayer]

Spoke with the Doc, he says you can't tell the difference. I REALLY do appreciate all the support that I get on this forum. It has been a God sent.
I will keep everyone posted to my status, blessings to all!
Carolyn

[nygirl7]

The riba rash is actually caused by the interferon.

[MsDragonSlayer]

It's now spread to the palm of my hands, crap

[suezeeque]

I absolutely notice the itching starts the day following my interferon shot.  Then somewhat subsides over the next couple of days til the next shot.

[MsDragonSlayer]

Took my shot last night too. If my face starts to swell I will go to emergency

[Bill1954]

There was a twelve minute span between posts just now, and in that time the rash spread to your palms? It sounds more as though you’re experiencing hives; is the rash actually migrating that quickly? Hives will be managed differently than other rashes I think. Do they currently have you on an antihistamine such as atarax?

Bill

[MsDragonSlayer]

No I have some benadryl, it makes me sick but I guess I should try it again. yea, it just spread. Little red bumps are now on my hands. They itch, the doc he says the next step would be to prescribe me steroids, then if that doesn't work, we  can reduce the ribvi. now I hear it could be from the interferon!!! I am more confused!

[Bill1954]

Hives can result from emotional/psychological stress and often resolve with antihistamines. They can also migrate rapidly (in minutes) from one part of the body to another. You should probably ask to be seen and perhaps consult with a dermatologist who is qualified to determine what’s going on.  Maybe try contacting your GI doc’s office and see if they can get you into a derm’s office today?

I’ve personally had hives a couple of times in my life, and they’re absolutely miserable; you have my complete sympathy. The good part about them is they subside nearly as rapidly as they arrive once properly managed. Good luck-

--Bill

[suezeeque]

I've read that steriods such as prednisone, etc are not recommended while treating HCV.

They are immunosuppressant drugs.  I don't see the logic in suppressing your immune system while having it attempt to fight HCV.  But I'm not a doctor.  There's lots of stuff I don't get.

[MsDragonSlayer]

Bill, These are little cluster bumps, hives are larger, swelling occurs with itching usually with hives... this is more like how poison ivy looks when it first starts. I have taken two benadryl, so for now I will wait. I will give myself through the weekend to get the incivek out of my body then we can go from there. If I start to swell up throat I will seek immediate medical attention. Drink my water till then. Thanks for the love,
Carolyn

[MsDragonSlayer]

Hey there, yea your right, my doc has a lot to learn, thank God my pharmacist, he works with my doctor and tells him what I can take. Doctors are going to have to really step up to the plate on these new drugs. They require a lot of research, I don't want to end up at the hospital because they will be clueless too. So, I will hang on and perhaps try a better antihistamine. Thanks guys!

[suezeeque]

The trick with antihistamines is to take them *before* you are covered with a nasty rash.  They block the histamines from being released.  So if you're already covered in a rash, they don't do anything to reverse that...  But do prevent histamines from being released further.

[MsDragonSlayer]

GREAT !!! Maybe I won't get worse! I suppose that should be a little comfort, right now I'll take all I can get...thanks suezeeque