What kind of rash is this?

[MegRostollan]

Two nights ago while lying in bed with my husband I noticed my eye was itchy. My husband said that the skin around my eye was red and slightly swollen. I started feeling itchy all over, and eventually had what looked like bug bites or something all over me; on my back, my elbows, and knees, and around my eyes. I took benadryl which relieved the itching somewhat, and went to bed. Woke up the next morning and the spots and itching was worse! Now I've had all these same spots for over 48 hours and got a few new ones this morning.  The spots are on both elbows, both knees, around my eyes (to a lesser degree), on my right hand, and around and under my hairline.

The picture shows the worst of the rash, on my right elbow.

[MegRostollan]

Thank you so much for the response! I appreciate the input a lot. I had been taking Benadryl and only experienced mild relief with it -- the itching and spots continued for the rest of that day, and into Saturday, but by Sunday morning it was all almost completely gone. I haven't been bothered since then, and washed all my bedding and clothing I'd worn that day just to be on the safe side.

I've had Lyme disease in the past, and have had some symptoms seeming to come back lately. Do you have an experience with atypical Lyme rashes, and if so, do you think this could be one?

Thanks again so much!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like contact dermatitis, allergic reaction or hives. Apply some calamine lotion and take some antihistaminic like Benadryl. Also apply a mild steroid cream on the rash. If the symptoms persist then please get an evaluation done 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.