Mysterious rash

[ripko07]

I need help please. My face gets hot patches and then my skin starts to itch, and it stays for about 6 minutes or so and goes away. Or it could start on my back, legs arms, wherever. It doesn't have a rash until I itch it and then it swells up where I itch it and gets really red. It is irritating. I have not had any changes at all in my everyday routine, I even quit drinking Coke zero thinking this may be it. If there is anyone who knows anything please let me know. I really can't afford a doctor unless I have to. Thanks so much for your time.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without external examination it is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis,but it can be due to sweat dermatitis or hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications.

Pls do not use any cosmetic product at the site,maintain a good hygiene and apply calamine lotion on this rash.It will help in soothing the skin.Wear cotton and free flowing clothes and take some antihistaminics like benadryl or Claritin and apply some anti itch cream or mild steroid cream on the area.Severe cases sometimes may need oral steroids.Pls don’t apply any cosmetics on that site.

If the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist for a complete clinical examination.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts

[lynn5966]

hey...I have something very similar going on!  After lots of allergy tests and blood work (all which were normal) My doc put me on Claritin and tagament.  It is helping but not completely! She thinks it may be a reaction from something I am eating but I am 34 and have never had this type of reaction before and nothing I am eating is out of the ordinary! So...bottom liine she dont know! Try some claritin and see if this may help you...you can buy it over the counter! Best of luck to you!!