Unexplained rash

[rashtar]

Hello - I am a 45 yr old male with an undiagnosed rash/hives.

7 yrs ago I had a complete colectomy for colon cancer. No radiation or chemo was needed. Following my surgery I was on opioids for 3 yrs for continuing pain.

For the last 4 months, I have developed a severe rash that is unresolved.

Been to the doc many times:
1) Was found to have low testosterone, low thyroid, low b12.
    Treated with b12 injections, b12 nasal spray, testosterone cream, and a round of T3 (and then T4)

2) Was treated with 3 weeks of Ketokonizole pills + Ketokonizole Cream for the suspicion of Candida

3) Benadryl and other antihistamines are of minimal help

4) We live in southern oregon, very little sun in the winter. I took a week to sunny san diego to see if the sunshine would help. Minimal difference.

5) A number of years ago, immediately following cessation opioids, I had this same condition for about 4 months. At that time, I saw 2 different dermatologists. One gave me a steroid shot that seemed to help, but then I developed a basal cell cancer on my arm. (I suspect it is from the steroids, but of course don't know for sure)

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,

Thanks for accepting the advice. Best wishes and God bless.

[rashtar]

Thank you for your time to comment on my condition.

I am taking your advice and will be seeing a immunologist/allergist.

Best wishes -

David

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You seem to be having chronic urticaria. In most of the cases of chronic urticaria, the underlying pathology is idiopathic i.e. it is not linked to any cause. It is essential to rule out the presence of serious illnesses of which recurring hives can be a symptom. Examples are hepatitis, hyperthyroidism, lymphomas, collagen vascular diseases, and cancers of the rectum, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.

Please consult an immunologist for the exact diagnosis and treatment as an allergy specialist/immunologist can only handle such kinds of cases. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[rashtar]

A couple additional symptoms -

When the rash/hives are at their worst, my lower eyelids swell considerably and my left eye has a slight tremor.