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Severely Itchy Rash Lasting Over 2 Months Now
I have had a severe rash for over 2 months now. I have been to 2 dermatologists, an allergist and my pcp. No luck. I am miserable and this is affecting my daily life. I have missed numerous days of work and I can not go anywhere with my family because I am just miserable and scratching the entire time. This is so very humiliating.
Here is a history:
In June 2008, I noticed some slight itching on small bumps on my upper arms. Those bumps have been there for years, but never bothered me until May/June of 08.
In early July, I woke up and my eyes looked like they had aged about 20 years. The were itchy, dry, and scaley. I went to the opthamologist and he just told me to wash and moisturize my face daily and use Restasin (sp?). The eye irritation went away after about two weeks. During that time, I noticed that the itching on my arms was becoming worse and I also began getting the small bumps on the back of my thighs and they itched as well.
I went to the dermatologist and he diagnosed eczema and gave me some prescription petroleum jelly looking ointment. This DID not work, so I went back. This time I saw another Dermatologist in the same practice and she diagnosed hives, but also did a biopsy and some blood work. The biopsy came back clear and so did the bloodwork. She gave me some Prednisone and Dioxepin. This combination also did not work. Meanwhile, this rash has spread to my stomach, back, breasts, neck, collar and rear end - not that I wasn't humiliated enough already. SO... I went to an allergist who wasn't sure, but seemed okay with the hives diagnosis and put me on Zyrtec (1 every night), Allegra (1 every morning) and Zantac (One twice daily). Still not working. The itching is so bad that I have bruised almost every square inch of my upper legs and some of my arms.
I called the doctor back this morning and am awaiting orders. Can ANYONE tell me what to do? I have tried: Aveeno baths, Dreft washing detergent, Cetaphil soap, fragrance and dye free shampoo, not to mention the myriad of drugs the doctor's have prescribed
In the last five years, I began gaining weight at an alarming speed (about 15 pounds per year), except for this last year I have put on almost 40!!! I put on an additional 6 pounds taking the Prednisone and Dioxepiin.
Someone PLEASE help! I can't deal with this for much longer.
Here is a history:
In June 2008, I noticed some slight itching on small bumps on my upper arms. Those bumps have been there for years, but never bothered me until May/June of 08.
In early July, I woke up and my eyes looked like they had aged about 20 years. The were itchy, dry, and scaley. I went to the opthamologist and he just told me to wash and moisturize my face daily and use Restasin (sp?). The eye irritation went away after about two weeks. During that time, I noticed that the itching on my arms was becoming worse and I also began getting the small bumps on the back of my thighs and they itched as well.
I went to the dermatologist and he diagnosed eczema and gave me some prescription petroleum jelly looking ointment. This DID not work, so I went back. This time I saw another Dermatologist in the same practice and she diagnosed hives, but also did a biopsy and some blood work. The biopsy came back clear and so did the bloodwork. She gave me some Prednisone and Dioxepin. This combination also did not work. Meanwhile, this rash has spread to my stomach, back, breasts, neck, collar and rear end - not that I wasn't humiliated enough already. SO... I went to an allergist who wasn't sure, but seemed okay with the hives diagnosis and put me on Zyrtec (1 every night), Allegra (1 every morning) and Zantac (One twice daily). Still not working. The itching is so bad that I have bruised almost every square inch of my upper legs and some of my arms.
I called the doctor back this morning and am awaiting orders. Can ANYONE tell me what to do? I have tried: Aveeno baths, Dreft washing detergent, Cetaphil soap, fragrance and dye free shampoo, not to mention the myriad of drugs the doctor's have prescribed
In the last five years, I began gaining weight at an alarming speed (about 15 pounds per year), except for this last year I have put on almost 40!!! I put on an additional 6 pounds taking the Prednisone and Dioxepiin.
Someone PLEASE help! I can't deal with this for much longer.
I am in the same situation. My rash started on my legs in June, then the rash came to full force in July and it seems to keep getting worse. Have seen 7 doctors, 3 rounds of prednisone, all kinds of creams, gels, meds with th chance of healing. I will follow your situation - you are not alone.
I am having the same problem. Started with a 5cm long herald patch and now there is not a single inch on my back and trunk that is not cover with brownish and reddish scaly patches. Been to 3 different GP and they all believe that it is pytiriasis rosea but its been almost 8 weeks since it started and its just getting worse. Im not sure how long I can take this as it is mentally and physically very disturbing. I feel like a rabid dog that keeps on scratching and hence avoid going out to socialize with my partner.
1 Comments
If you believe that it is a PR rash, you should ask about topicort which is a topical spray, your spray it only on the affected area and use it no more than 4 weeks, it should start healing the patches within a couple of days. I hope this helps and if not try natural concoctions like shea butter and black soap (just make sure you follow it with a fragrance free moisturizer because black soap does tend to dry out your skin from day to day).
The same problem. One month by now. I'm going do all blood test for ovarian cancer, syphilis, HIV, liver, gallbladder and kidney. I don't care I will pay or do them for free, but I will take action. Firstly, one spot came up on my right breast. After three weeks spread over all body, no legs and face. I was diagnosed with skin infection, scabies and allergy. Rubbish. To me seems to be pityriasis rosea, as I had the herald patch and 'Christmas Tree' on my back but the treatment I've got worsened it. These GP's incompetence has no limits. I will see the dermatologist on next week and following the test I said. I will let you know the outcome.
5 Comments
I've been having a similar problem. Almost exact to a lot of y'alls comments. Around April (maybe the middle), my friend got this problem where she had small clusters of bumps and they itched, it would spread to all of her body and the bumps also spread. I wasn't getting it after hanging out with her a few times so I figured I'd be fine but no...I got it around the middle of end of May and its only gotten worse from there. I only had a bump here or there at first but the itching was everywhere. Then this itching problem spread to my mom. It wakes her up at night and disturbs our daily life. My friend no longer has the itching problem or bumps, but recently the bumps and itches have spread to my neck, chest, and a little on my stomach. They are embarrassing and noticeable and makeup doesn't fully cover them up enough. I've been to the doctor about three times, my mom has been to the doctor and the dermatologist, as well as my friend (hers is gone though) and we have gotten multiple different suggestions of what this might be, such as a virus, scabies, allergies, other big words (something to do with the work rosea or Something like that idk I'm stupid) I'm sick of these bumps on my neck that are visible and I'm tired of scratching, someone PLEASE IM BEGGING YOU HELP! I usually don't trust Internet diagnoses' but I don't know what else to do. I've tried Rid cream, a scabies treatment, yogurt, peppermint oil, and probiotic pills. I've had a history with anxiety so I'm worried this is something (that webmd has suggested) leukemia, liver disease, kidney disease, lymphoma, or just any other disease that I should be worried about. I'm hoping someone will know what's happening!! I'm desperate
Every #39 thing or whatever it says is an apostrophe btw
Mine started on my left breast and now is all over my body! Did you ever find out what this was?
Mine started the same way- left breast. It then went from each side then started in various places of my body. Does anyone know what this is???
Hi Guys. Just to let you know that I had pitiriasis rose.
Have you found a solution? I have been treated for all the things you have and my rash continues to spread. I go back to the doctor tomorrow.
I am having the same problem. Have been treated for shingles, scabies and eczema and the rash has only become more widespread and itchy. Have had biopsy done and the results just came back as perivascular dermatitis - drug reaction. The rash did start about the time I took Augmentin for an ear infection which didn't go away, so was treated with a round of Ceftin 14 days after completing the Augmentin. It has now been 30 days since completing the Ceftin and the rash continues to spread. It is constantly itchy and I am unable to wear clothes to go anywhere. I have tried oatmeal baths, prednisone, hydrocortisone, calamine lotion and even corn starch. I have scratched to the point that my body stings and hurts to touch, yet still itches. ANY help greatly appreciated! Going back to dermatologist this week.
I am having the same problem. Have been treated for shingles, scabies and eczema and the rash has only become more widespread and itchy. Have had biopsy done and the results just came back as perivascular dermatitis - drug reaction. The rash did start about the time I took Augmentin for an ear infection which didn't go away, so was treated with a round of Ceftin 14 days after completing the Augmentin. It has now been 30 days since completing the Ceftin and the rash continues to spread. It is constantly itchy and I am unable to wear clothes to go anywhere. I have tried oatmeal baths, prednisone, hydrocortisone, calamine lotion and even corn starch. I have scratched to the point that my body stings and hurts to touch, yet still itches. ANY help greatly appreciated! Going back to dermatologist this week.
I know this is an old post but I am having this exact problem and am wondering if anyone ever found out what the cause was or found a treatment for their rash. I am miserable and I too have been on all of the treatment mentioned above and nothing is taking it away. I would appreciate any and all advice!!
I was wondering if you ever found the root cause of your symptoms. I, too, have had a rash and hives covering my body for 2 months. They are separate and the rash comes with extremely horrific flare-ups that cause severe itching. My doctors have treated me with : Prednisone, Medron, Zyrtech, Benedryl, Steroidal cream, over-the-counter anti itch creams, lotions, and gels,Doxepin, etc... Recently I have had numerous blood tests done and am waiting on the results. This is NOT eczema or psoriasis. As I am already on thyroid medication, I know that is not the cause. Recently, I met a 13 year old girl who has the same type of rash and was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease. If you have any further information, please post it. Thank you
2 Comments
I have the same thing going on. Small bumps started on waist and back in February. Treated for mites as it got worse around March. Two rounds of Ivermetin, creams, and sulfur cream (which I had reaction to with another rash). Taken antihistamines, allergy meds and all types of cream. Itches so bad I can't go outside and bleed from scratching. Worsened in June and July. It covers my body from neck to thighs. Don't know who to see next. Does anyone have any answers??? Thanks.
I have had a long history of eczema and contact dermatitis. I have always been a little insecure about my skin, however when I reached the ending of middle and all throughout high school my skin started to clear it up. I rarely use to break out and when I did, it use to be small rashes when I would go a long time without taking triamcinolone for a while. I got accustomed to having normal to slightly sensitive skin. I feel normal because I was able to use fragrance everything. However the ending of my second year of college, I started having itchy bumps on my stomach. The bumps on my stomach spread quickly to my torso to my arms and eventually all over my body except my face and only a few bumps on my neck. The bumps were hives, they were elevated, itchy and red. I went to the doctor, they prescribed me with prednisone, radnidine, loridadine, and hydroxyzine (might help in your case with the itch but it makes you extremely drowsy and lazy). The meds did not really work. I started using shea butter and my mom bought a duo from our local African store with black soap and shea butter moisturizer which cleared up my hives completely for a while. When I returned to college, I started breaking out periodically but not as bad as the last time. I went to the dermatologist and was diagnosed with dermatitis and was prescribed Topicort (topical spray, med was cheap and it worked pretty good). I ran out, currently I have some hives throughout my body but its not elevated or super bad and its healing, I started back using the stuff from the African store and it should be going away soon. I know this is a lot to read and I do apologize but I read your post and I wanted to be as detailed as possible so I can help you find a solution. I truly hope you try the black soap and shea butter or ask the dermatologist to prescribe you some topicort. Your skin will heal, do not worry stay strong! : )
Your post interested me as I have been itchy for the past few months with a rash, that I believe may be chronic urticaria. Upon some research, something I've noticed is that it is possible that your body may be protecting itself by producing histamine - resulting in the breakout of hives. The question is what is the offending agent your body is protecting itself against ... some articles suggest that your body may have something completely unnconnected, such as Thyroid Disease. Research has shown positive response with some patients who have had chronic urticaria, AND were diagnosed and treated for their thyroid diesease. The urticaria went away. Here is a link, but please google "chronic urticaria"
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic443.htm
You mentioned you have been gaining weight at an alarming speed - weight gain is a symptom of Hypothyroidism. Weight loss is a symptom of Hyperthyroidism. Maybe you should do some research on thyroid disease and possibly get tested.
Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes!
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic443.htm
You mentioned you have been gaining weight at an alarming speed - weight gain is a symptom of Hypothyroidism. Weight loss is a symptom of Hyperthyroidism. Maybe you should do some research on thyroid disease and possibly get tested.
Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes!
1 Comments
I have had the same problem for 3 months. Been to the doctor multiple times and have tried numerous prescriptions. The rash is still spreading all over my body.
It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or eczema.
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
You could talk to your doctor about getting a thyroid function test for the weight gain and skin problems.
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.
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
You could talk to your doctor about getting a thyroid function test for the weight gain and skin problems.
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.
1 Comments
i have the same problem mines been for 4months it gets me down
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