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Dry Skin, Rarely Acne, Red Itchy Bumps, Taken Methylprednisolone, Bactrim, Hives
Question: i am 23 years old. i have dry skin and i rarely have acne, i may get a few pimples on my face when it gets close to that time of the month but that is all. 5 days ago the right side of my neck started itching while i was at school and i felt a bump or two thinking it was a few mosquito bites. The next morning my entire neck was covered in red itchy bumps. I went to a walk in clinic where the NP told me i had Pytoriasis Rosea a viral infection. They administered a steroid shot for the itching (which didn't ease up) and prescribed methylprednisolone and bactrim. 5 days have passed and my condition seems to be getting worse. I am taking benadryl to help me sleep as the itching has turned to itching and burning and these hives are now on my arms and legs and i have more on my neck. I am thinking of getting a second opinion, i am miserable. I have not ran any fever that i know of but last night i had the chills so bad i had to go outside, the temp inside was 73 and i felt like i was freezing to death. I have not done anything different in my daily routine besides we took in a cat about 2 weeks ago which is in the house and i have never been around cats in my life.... the NP didn't seem to think it had anything to do with the kitten, i am clueless. After doing tons of research trying to find google images of something similar to what my rash looks like i have become more confused then i already was, it looks most like chicken pox but i had that when i was very young. Any advice is greatly appreciated :(
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
Red itchy rashes with a burning sensation and hives spread all over your body as seen in the photograph are most likely an allergic skin reaction.
Such a wide spread reaction needs an immediate attention of the dermatologist as it often causes plenty of fluid loss from the body leading to dehydration.
You have already been given systemic steroids and anti allergics and these have not helped much. This means you are still getting exposed to the allergen.
Stay away from your pet cat as long as possible.
You can help the improvement by
* Avoid scrubbing your skin.
* Use as little soap as possible. Use gentle cleansers instead.
* Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly on the rash.
* Use warm (not hot) water for cleaning. XXXXXXX dry, don't rub.
* Eliminate any newly added cosmetics or lotions.
* Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.
* Try calamine medicated lotion.
* Hydrocortisone cream like Caldecort(1%) is available without a prescription and may soothe many rashes.
The rashes usually take 5-7 days to disappear. Other possible causes that need to be excluded are-
1. Erythema multiforme.
2. Dermatitis- due to skin infection, allergy,etc.
3. Dry skin- Xerosis.
I would suggest to go for a second opinion from a dermatologist as early as possible.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Regards.
Thanks for writing to us.
Red itchy rashes with a burning sensation and hives spread all over your body as seen in the photograph are most likely an allergic skin reaction.
Such a wide spread reaction needs an immediate attention of the dermatologist as it often causes plenty of fluid loss from the body leading to dehydration.
You have already been given systemic steroids and anti allergics and these have not helped much. This means you are still getting exposed to the allergen.
Stay away from your pet cat as long as possible.
You can help the improvement by
* Avoid scrubbing your skin.
* Use as little soap as possible. Use gentle cleansers instead.
* Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly on the rash.
* Use warm (not hot) water for cleaning. XXXXXXX dry, don't rub.
* Eliminate any newly added cosmetics or lotions.
* Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.
* Try calamine medicated lotion.
* Hydrocortisone cream like Caldecort(1%) is available without a prescription and may soothe many rashes.
The rashes usually take 5-7 days to disappear. Other possible causes that need to be excluded are-
1. Erythema multiforme.
2. Dermatitis- due to skin infection, allergy,etc.
3. Dry skin- Xerosis.
I would suggest to go for a second opinion from a dermatologist as early as possible.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Regards.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Radhika
Answered by
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