how long can i wait?

[rubaz]

i have a red rash spread on my neck,shoulders,hands and a little on my legs
it is about 3-4 days
i went to hospital emergency department and they told me that it is possible to be food allergy
they gave my injections of hydrocortisone,antihistamine then they write a prescription
of loratadine and paracetamol
one day past from going to them but there is still rash
i have normal temperature
they did CBC and they said it is somehow normal
my face sometimes becomes reddened similar to face suffering from warm
am a female 58 years old
what could it be?

[rubaz]

THANKS DR FOR REPLYING
I FORGET TO MENTION THAT AM TAKING PHENYTOIN(ANTI-EPILEPTIC) I STARTED TAKING IT ABOUT 4 MONTHS
AM TAKING HYDROCORTISONE TABLETS AS 2MG 3 TIMES A DAY
I FEEL THAT IT IS FROM IT AND I SKIPPED THE DOSE THAT I SHOULD TAKE NOW TO SEE IF IT IS FROM IT OR NOT
I TRIED TO CONSULT MY DR BUT HE IS NOT ANSWERING NOW
I APPLY CALAMINE LOTION IT REDUCES THE ITCHING BUT ITS APPEARANCE STILL BOTHERING ME
AM TAKING CLARITINE(LORATADINE) ONCE DAILY,BUT STILL NOTHING HAPPENED
I THINK THAT IF IT WAS ECZEMA OR ALLERGY IT SHOULD BE RELEIVED BY USING STEROIDS OR ANTIHISTAMINE
SO WHAT DO U THINK DR?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or urticaria.

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

Let us know if you need any further information.

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.