Itchy skin rash

[putomayo]

Hi,  I have had an itchy rash over my legs for the last two weeks. I had mild bruises initially after coming off my bike, and then later itchy patches nearby. They were round patches that were red, darker on the outside of the patch, getting lighter inwards.

I had a patch test for a hair dye on my right arm around that time, and my arms have had with raised areas that itch since around then However I did not get any skin changes or itching around the site of the patch test itself! I had also used a new hair dye (unrelated to the patch test a week before, with no itching or problems with my scalp.

The itchiness on my arms seem to be worse at night, and are not there constantly as they seem to come and go during the day.

My doctor has given me an antibacterial medicine mixed with a topicl steroid, but the itching keeps moving around and is unbearable; it gets better when I put a cold towel over it but that is all I can think to do.

I am very confused about whether this has anything to do with that hair dye I used, or the patch test, or whether these are unrelated. Can you get allergic reactions away from the site tested on? What else can I do to relieve the itching? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks :-)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms the possibility of hives needs to be ruled out. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.

Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications. You can apply a mild steroid cream and take some antihistaminics.
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.

[putomayo]

Just to add the dark red patches seem to be changing location around the top of my feet (near the toes, to the ankles, etc over a few days). Hope someone can help with this.