skin rash after time in South Africa

[mother947]

My daughter has recently spent three weeks in South Africa, working in a medical capacity.  During the last few days there she began to develop a terrible rash.  It is on her trunk, legs, arms and on her face. Three dermatologists don't know what it is.  She is presently taking a strong antihistamine which helps the itch of the bumps which are already present.  When they have not erupted, they are extremely itchy regardless of medication. She's using a couple topical medications as well which help the present rash.  New ones began appearing in the past few days.  She's had the rash for a week now. 

[nutnut57]

was she on Mefloquine as a preventative against malaria?  

[Ash987]

Hi, I hope the nasty rash didn't persist to long! I was just wondering if you were able to find an effective treatment, or the cause of the rash..my friend who is in Benin, Africa, just got a rash that is very similar to your daughter's, and no one knows what it is. They just put him on Zyrtec, which I'm sure won't do anything..especially if it is fungal in origin. Thanks so much!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This appears to be an allergic reaction or some kind of fungal infection which has been partially treated.

Since the diagnosis has not yet been reached, a skin biopsy may be required to understand what the cause may be.

Does she have an allergy in the past? any family history?

Did she take any medication or alien substances while she was there?

Anti-histamines and calamine lotion are helpful in such cases.

Keep us posted