What does this look like to you?

[katherine67]

My 2yo dd is suffering from a REALLY bad rash. She was diagnosed at about 1yr. with Eczema by her ped. but I'm not sure if that is really the issue.  This is manifesting a bit differently.  Started off the same way, but the ringed patches on the back of her legs are new, and she is getting hives (as you can also see in the photo).. the ringed patches do not go away.  The hives come and go a bit-- they got really bad the other day when she started to sweat (We live in Houston)... I currently have her on Zyrtec and that seems to help with the itching, but the rash is just as red and angry.  No cream I've tried (including prescription cortisone) seems to help much.  Now she won't let me put anything on her skin except a spray moisturizer. I noticed this evening it is spreading to her trunk (which up to now has been clear)... I'm trying to determine what this may be... we have an appt. for a dermatologist on AUGUST 29th, but I can't wait 6 weeks while she suffers!  Any suggestions as to the nature of the rash would at least point us in the right direction.  Thanks.  

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Hives are an itchy skin rash -- red, raised bumps with a paler center - triggered by an irritant. They can show up anywhere on your child's body, from the skin to the inside of his mouth, and vary in size from 1/16 inch in diameter to many inches across.

An episode of hives can be over in a few hours, but most take about 48 hours to completely disappear. Some stubborn cases may even last a few weeks.
Common triggers include food allergies, drugs, viruses, insect bites and stings, plants, exercise, heat, and cold.
Unfortunately, finding the cause of your child's hives is rarely easy; many times, you and your doctor will be unable to identify the exact cause. And like most allergic reactions, your child may have been exposed to the irritant in the past without any problem.

You can use cool compresses or a cool bath to reduce irritation and itching, but since hives are a reaction to histamine, antihistamines are usually the most effective treatment. Benadryl  is available over-the-counter in liquid and pills. Follow the dosing guidelines carefully . Give Benadryl every 6 hours until the hives fade. Continue the medication, spacing the doses farther and farther apart, until you are sure the hives are no longer a problem.

If the child develops any difficulty in breathing or the wheals do not begin to subsidi in next 3 days then you should cpntact your doctor immediately.
ref:http://www.myonlinewellness.com/topic/hiveschild

[katherine67]

Thank you for your prompt response... The hives are definitely persistent.  It has been about 10 days so far.  The Zyrtec does not seem to be helping as much as I think it should, so tomorrow I will pick up some Benadryl and we will try that instead.  I've heard it could make her drowsy but at this point I'll take the chance.