Neck Rash

[JulieAnn67]

I have had a rash like small hives around the neck and upper chest, very itchy I have gone to the doctor several times and have gotten steroid injections and have only helped for a week and then its back, currently he put me on Predisone 40 mg and have tappered to 5mg and now the rash is back. It seems to surface at night and I noticed that I am real sweaty at night not to mention very itchy. I do have Rheumtoid Arthritis. Could there be a connection? Doctors don't seem to know why I have this rash

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Chronic systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can present with chronic hives.In case of chronic hives antihistaminics have to be taken for a longer period of time. prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks). Double conventional doses of these non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine, Loratadine, Acrivastine and Fexofenadine may be needed to get symptom relief. Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine or Hydroxyzine 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.
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.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Wy dont you take a course of antihistamine with external steroid application?Connective tissue disorders and hive like rashes are wellknown.