hives

[ckirwer]

My daughter just got a tattoo and for the first 3 or 4 days everything seemed fine and then she used some unscented lubriderm lotion on it and broke out in a rash around the area which looks like hives. Could there be something in the lotion which made her break out or do you think it is from something else.  what can we use to heal this?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

She could take some oral antihistamine or antiallergic medications like loratadine or cetrizine and see if it helps with her symptoms. Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions to help soothe the itching.

Has she had allergic reactions in the past? Is she allergic to any specific substances?

You could read more about the condition at the following link -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urticaria

You would still need to consult a doctor about the symptoms and to rule out any vitamin or mineral deficiency or bacterial or fungal infection or hormonal dysfunction and whether she needs a course of antibiotics or other medications.

Let us know about how she is doing and post us about what the doctor advises.

Post us if you need any further information.

Regards.

[Dr Santos]

Hi ckirwer,

How is your daughter?

Does she have any allergic reactions in the past?  Or is she allergic to any specific substance? Or is this her first time?

Hives are red and sometimes itchy bumps on the skin. Usually, an allergic reaction from a drug or food usually causes them. Allergic reactions cause the body to release chemicals that can make the skin swell up in hives. People who have other allergies are more likely to get hives than other people. Other causes include infections and stress.

Hives are very common. They usually go away on their own, but of course, it still strongly recommended having it checked by a doctor who can look at the lesion as well as the tattoo for proper evaluation. If difficulty of breathing is observed this is a medical emergency and patient should be brought to the hospital.

You should try to keep the area dry and clean. Do not manipulate the lesions since this could result to secondary infection. Your daughter could take some oral antihistamine medications for the rash.

I hope this helps.  Keep me posted. Take care and regards.