Rash/Bug Bite Appear and Disappear

[AnneHIjme]

Basic Question: What is it and how can I stop getting it?

Last few weeks been getting what looks like a bug bite: red, very itchy, slightly warm, firm to touch quarter size that barely raised bumps. First appeared when on my bike. Didn't paid much attention till home, it was on my lower back left side, a single bump. I used benadryl, though it still itch. As it fades, I get one on my left leg in middle of night and woke up to it. Same look and feel as first. Later as third, as the first is nearly faded to be gone (when fading it lose itchiness), appear a bit below the second on the leg.  When the leg ones were nearly gone another appear on lower back on opposite side of previous (aka right side). After a bit all disappeared and figure it was done. Each takes several days to disappear, there are few days between appearances.

After several days with all them gone-just two or so days ago, one appear on ankle, same look and feel. Just today, one appear on left ear lobe.

So in total 6 never more then 3 at one time with one active(aka very itchy) and other(s) fading. All but one have been on left side. They have appeared different times of day. Most have appeared while I was indoors, but not all. They are slightly different sizes: from nickel to inch and half. Live in North Carolina, and it's winter. Weather has been bouncy (aka very cold, then warm, very warm, cold again, switching back and forth).

On the side I've been getting on and off sore throat and feel tire, which for me is usual symptoms of getting sick. I rest up a day or two and feel fine. This happened sometime during the leg rash ones back late November or early December. Now once again had the symptoms with a light fever and feeling better again. This may be completely unrelated.

Another note, I'm a picky eater and take a multivitamin. Mentioning that in case it's a vitamin deficiency or something.

Picture of ankle with it fading
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/AnneHijme/Skin%20problems/IMG_20131224_213816.jpg

Picture of one on ear, just appeared
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/AnneHijme/Skin%20problems/IMG_20131224_213844.jpg

[Erin4747]

Dermographism urticaria is the best answer I've found. I have lost hours of my life scratching and researching. The bad news is there is no cure and it can last for years.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This itchy rash can be due to insect bites, allergy 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.
So check out the medications, clothes or toiletries that you are using as these may be triggering the hives.
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.