Fast Moving Rash

[adw722007]

This afternoon I noticed a rash on both of my hips and the top of one of my legs.  Several hours later, the rash has progressed across my stomach and almost down to both knees and now I also have places on my arms, back and neck.  At first the rash didn't itch or have any other symptom, but now as it spreads it has an intense itch and there is a buring degree with it.  I have not been in contact with anything other than sunblock and as soon as I noticed the first rash, I took a shower in baby soap to try to get anything off of me.

The rash is bright red, almost like a sunburn.  please help me

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to contact dermatitis or hives.

Take non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine(Zyrtec) or Loratadine(Claritin to get symptom relief. Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine(Benadryl) are used at night to get urticaria control. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms.Also apply calamine lotion and a mild steroid cream on the bumps.
You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.

If the symptoms persist then pls get it evaluated from a dermatologist.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have ant additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Drug rash typically presents like this,sometimes a viral rash,the earlier would itch more.Stop all medications,unless you have been asked to continue.Calamine lotion external,antihistamine at bedtime should help till you meet the doc.