Extremely mysterious rash

[itchaluffagus]

I have developed an itchy rash and have done tons of research on the Internet and have found no answers.

My stomach, chest, and back are covered with flat, pinprick-sized pinkish-red spots that DO blanch when I touch them. I also have the dots on my arms, legs, hands, and feet, but not as badly. The rash, since it is flat, seems to be caused by something going on inside of my body. The itch waxes and wanes on the different parts of my body, but something is constantly itching. Showers really aggravate the itch, epsecially with hot water. Yet, I workout several times a day (vigerous running, boxing, etc.) and do not experience increased itching while I'm working out. I'm not sure, but I also think a couple of glands where my shoulders meet my neck are swollen, but they are not sore.

Today is the 9th day of the rash, and it appears to slowly be getting worse.

My research has led me to believe that it is either an allergic reaction or a viral rash, but neither one of these possibilities completely add up. I'm a 26-year-old woman and have never experienced allergies before, other than I do react to poison oak/ivy. I eat an extremely bland/healthy diet (whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and haven't eaten anything out of the ordinary. I did start taking a supplement that contains various extracts (gardinia cambogia, guarana, citrus aurantium, white willow bark, L-carnitine, and chromium) 3 days before the rashstarted, but I haven't taken that supplement in 6 days, and the condition is continuing to get worse.

I also feel 100% healthy besides the rash. No headache, no sore throat, no flu-like symptoms. A few weeks before the rash, I did have what seemed to be a minor cold (tickle in throat, sneezing, runny nose, mucus coughed up).

Is it possible that I'm still suffering from an allergic reaction to the supplement? Or is it possible that I have some sort of viral infection/illness that is causing no other symptoms? Or, could there be something else inside of me that is causing this rash?

Thanks so much!

[night2b]

I am not a Dr. but cetaphil may help. Wal Grens brand is same & less costly;sounds more like reaction to your herb to me.  Also Dorwers Disease----not sure of spelling);is hard for Drs to diagnose;is a genetic disease & no cure (antibotics relief for short time.) If u have had chicken pox (herpes virus) usually  makes it appear.  smt

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One of the possibilities for your symptoms is pityriasis rosea.
Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and itching. Topical and oral steroids are needed. Water, sweat, and soap may cause irritation and should be avoided in the disease. Topical zinc oxide and calamine lotion are useful for pruritus.
I suggest you to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.