itchy,red,bumpy skin

[rubylisious]

I worked this past weekend cutting trees and the other day my skin was itchy, bumpy, and it looks like im getting swollen where the bumps are located they are in different parts such as my hands, arms, and face.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

It may be possible that you were exposed to the poisonous sap of  some plants such as poison ivy, oak or sumac. The usual symptom of poisoning is a severe itching of the skin. Later, a red inflammation and a blistering of the skin occurs. In severe cases, oozing sores develop. The rash spreads by the poisonous sap or urushiol, not as the result of contamination from sores. The sap may be deposited on the skin by direct contact with the plant or by contact with contaminated objects, such as shoes, clothing, tools and animals.

It is important to wash the skin thoroughly several times with plenty of soap and water. If poisoning develops, the blisters and red, itching skin may be treated with dressings of calamine lotion, Epsom salts, or bicarbonate of soda. Antihistamine medications may help. If it persists, it would be best to have this evaluated further by your doctor for proper diagnosis and management. Take care and keep us posted.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Your symptoms are suggestive of allergic contact dermatitis. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.Application of topical steroids like dermacort will also help.

If the symptoms become severe,then oral steroids are needed for whih prescription of a dermatologist is required.

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