Itching skin that leads to welty rash

[Linlana]

After spending nearly a year in winter weather, I moved to Hawaii and have been experiencing skin discomfort that I assume is related to sun/heat exposure.  For the first 2-3 weeks I was here my skin would frequently itch all over (most concentrated in my hips, stomach and thighs).  Sometimes there seemed to be an initial little bump that would itch, but most often the itchy feeling wouldn't come from a place on my skin that looked any different.  When I scratched my skin, rash-like patches of large welts would appear in the area and last about half an hour, maybe more, and would continue to itch.

This problem finally went away, but now its back today about a month later!  I did just spend a couple hours in mid-day sun yesterday, but I have since been spending lots of time in the sun so I don't know why its hit me again now.  I try to soothe the itching with aloe or a cold shower, but both only seem to help a little.  

I have fairly sensitive skin, a fair complection, and tend to burn easily, so I'm not very surprised that this has been happening.  But still, i would like to know more about what exactly is going on and what I can do to alleviate it.
Thanks.

[Linlana]

Thanks for your responses.  After doing some online research, I too found that it is most likely dermograhic urticaria.  Unfortunate, since the cause it not usually obvious or determinable and it can take several years (or more) till it goes away.  But I match the common demographic (female in 20s with sensitive skin).  So now i'm in search of some proper antihistamines to take during the times when it gets worst.  I'm also interested in natural remedies, and I've heard that quercetin could be helpful.  
Hopefully this particular spell won't last much longer and in the meantime i'll try to find some good remedies.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You could be suffering from a condition called Dermographism. Nothing can be said with surety without a clinical examination. What does your doctor say about the diagnosis?

'Patients with simple dermographism are asymptomatic and require no therapy. Recognition of the problem, avoidance of precipitating physical stimuli, reduction of stress and anxiety are important factors in medical care. Also, scratching because of dry skin can be reduced with good skin care and emollients. H1 antihistamines are the drugs of choice.'

You could read about the condition at the following links -

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

and

http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic446.htm

You should read this and let us know if you need any further information.

Regards.

[Rashy2]

I just posted with a similiar condition.  Mine will always start as a small dot which resembles an insect bite.  Even if I do not scratch it, it will run its course.  Meaning, I'll get the same red, raised, smooth "welt" you described.  Genrally lasts about 12 hours or so and then goes away.  Always happens in the same area: Below arm pit towards my lat, and inside of bicep area.  I've even had it on my foot, hands, (genital), and buttocks..  Swelling is a little different in those areas, but always lasts the same amount of time.  About 12 hours.  Zertec works best for me.  I've seen countless doctors and they all gave it the same term.  I forgot the term but basically means "unexplained".  They said my body just sort of reacts on itself.  Lupus, and other conditions were ruled out.  Good luck.

[Linlana]

I don't think it's eczema or dermatitis because my skin looks pretty normal if nothing disturbs it, but itches greatly in numerous places on my body at once, and then only when I scratch it (or if i accidentally rub up against something) will the patches of welts appear.  Usually the welts follow the same course of my scratch, so I end up with streaks of welts (raised bumps or lines, somewhat like mosquito bites only not so firm) wherever I had scratched.  However, the rash that develops isn't dry, leathery, scaly, or filled with pus.  It has the same texture as the rest of my skin, only more swollen.

My guess is that this is just my body's odd reaction to heat and sun exposure (which it had become unaccustomed to) but it does seem strange that it would come back again a month later.  Any thoughts?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or insect bites.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

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

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.