Rash

[April1968]

What can be the cause of a rash that appears at random on skin that looks like cat scratches and icth?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination I am not able to confirm, but it sounds like hives. Hives are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications. Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin and apply some calamine lotion on the rashes. If the symptoms persist then topical or oral steroids may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[laura hs]

I have the same thing but they are brown and do not itch. I consulted a dermatologist who had never seen anything like it.  He took a biopsy which indicated some inflammation.  He had no suggestions as to what to do.  I also get intermittent red streaks and spots that bleed.