Horrible hive-like rash on face

[lynmal]

I'm a 46-year old female in good health and have recently developed a horrible rash that is only on my face. The rash started on a Saturday evening and by Sunday my whole face was red, with raised itchy welts covering most of my face.  No new lotions, soaps, foods, meds, etc.. I did put on a fast-acting self-tanning lotion the Wed. before the rash began, but I didn't use the lotion on my face and I washed my hands thoroughly.  I saw a PA the Monday after the rash began and she prescribed a medrol pack (steroids) and benadryl, which I started taking on my own on Sunday.  The PA thought it might be an allergic reaction to an herbal supplement I had been taking for 2 weeks.  I've stopped all lotions, vitamins, etc., and I'm afraid to eat.  This is the 4th day I've had this rash, and it's not improving.  It's still raised, feels very dry and is almost purple in some spots.  I feel like a leper and don't want to be seen in public, it's so bad.  I am desperate to find out what this is and make it go away.  I have a 10-year old son with upcoming talent show and science fair and don't want to miss these events but can't deal with the staring and questions.  Please help.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the suddenness of the appearance of the rash it looks like an allergic reaction only. Keep on taking the antihistaminics and steroids that your doctor has prescribed and apply some calamine lotion on the rash. 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 are severe then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist as oral steroids may be needed.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[lynmal]

I just want to thank you for taking the time to respond to my "Horrible Hives on Face" post.  I also thought a follow-up comment may be helpful to others with a similar problem.  After a week of misery with the hives covering my face, I finally got some relief by seeing an allergist who prescribed prednisone (oral steroid) which he said was stronger than the medrol pack, along with a prescription hydrocortisone cream to be used 2x day.  Within 2 days of using these prescriptions, the hives began to clear.  I finally have my face back...yay!  Almost 2 weeks after the hives began, I discovered the cause. The allergist recommended I test my products on the inside of my arm once I finished the medication. I'm allergic to a product called Vivite Vibrance Therapy, an "anti-aging" skin brightening cream which has been given to me by a doctor.  I'd been using the product for over a month with no reaction, so I was quite surprised.  But I put a little on my arm last night and this morning the hives are in that area...very red, swollen and itchy. I'm so relieved to know the cause.  Who knew that something that was suppose to help improve my appearance would turn me into a monster.  I hope this information turns out to be helpful to someone.  Thanks again for your help.