Urticaria post Mexico trip

[Newlife76]

I returned from Mexico and day 2 after my return I have had progressive urticaria from my scalp to base of my feet. I was treated on day 4 with I'm corticosteroid, medrol dose pack, Pepcid 40mg, and atarax. Now dose pack is complete and it is day 8 of urticaria and  severe itching and symptoms persists. I am unable to identify the triggering factor. Is it possible that the urticaria could be related to something I was exposed to in my travels?

[Newlife76]

Urticaria persists, itching is driving me crazy. I have the advantage of working in healthcare so had a cbc with diff and thyroid panel drawn today per my requests. I have become a person of interests for peers. I will continue to keep my status updated.

[maatson]

Indeed one needs to rule out stomach parasites like Gnathostomiasis especially post mexico or south east Asia trip especially if you took under-cooked meat.Eosionophil count would be high in these cases.
While this is quite rare,this is just an information i would like to share.
Best wishes.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Urticaria can be due to allergens or can be idiopathic also. Since it started after your return fropm Mexico, so it can be related to your Mexico visit. Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating. Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken. also conitue taking the steroids under medical supervision.
If the symptoms persist then get it evaluated from a dermatologist.
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.

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hi there,
It is very difficult to detect the allergen. If you had been to the beach there may be some micro-organisms in the sand and water that might have caused this severe urticarial reaction. Chronic urticaria most often results from idiopathic causes and autoimmune disorders. It is already 8 days and you should get evaluated. A complete blood count and differential white cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate should be performed routinely. Eosinophilia will help detect a parasitic disease, and an elevated ESR may suggest the possibility of an underlying systemic disease like urticarial vasculitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Thyroid auto antibodies and thyroid function tests may be performed for all patients with chronic urticaria not responding to antihistamines. The third line therapy for chronic urticaria is dapsone, ivig, leukotriene receptor antagonist etc.Consult an experienced physician with expertise on these issues. Do write to us again.
Best luck and regards!