HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Itchy Rashes On Feet And Hands, Reddish Eyes, Numbness On Cheek Bone, Blurry Vision. CT Scan Report Normal. Allergy?

Posted on Wed, 3 Oct 2012

Question: yesterday I had a rash breakout that came on quick and left quick. It started with the bottoms of my feet and hands. Very itchy and looked like sunburn. The whites of my eyes also turned red.
Today, I have a strange sensation on the left side of my face, by the cheek bone. It feels almost numb or pinching feeling. My vision seems off. some drainage in the back of my throat.
I had this 3 weeks ago and ended up in the ER. They did blood work and CT scan and everything came back "normal".
I started to take a horsetail extract Silica for my hair and nails. This is the only thing I can think of that is different. I also quite smoking 9 weeks ago.

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (1 hour later)

Hello there,

Thanks for the query.

The one thing that comes to my mind in this case is an allergy. Allergy to what; I do not know. Since you have been taking horsetail extract silica,probably that is what is causing the allergy.

The next thing is a stroke, but since you have already been evaluated 3 weeks back with CT scan and blood work,it is less likely. Has your electrolyte levels been checked?

Any history of anxiety /depression?

I would suggest you discontinue horsetail extract silica .Please visit your physician if symptoms persist.

I hope I have answeres your query. Feel free to ask any further queries you might have.

Have a nice day.
Get well soon.

Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (2 hours later)

I did have my electrolyte levels checked also and that was good also.

I do not have a history of anxiety/depression.

The rash has gone, but the strange sensation around the cheekbone has not. How long can an allergic reation last?
I have not received an updated answer. The pain by my cheekbone and nose area is not going away. It is almost like a pinching feeling. I cant tell if it is under the skin or on. The area looks totally normal. Slight blurred vision, more like the vision is just off, like foggy.

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (5 hours later)

Hello there,

Allergic reactions can last upto one- two weeks after the offending agent is removed.

I would like to know if you are on any medication for your anxiety or depression?

Another possibility I can think of with the additional details you have provided is Trigeminal Neuralgia/Facial pain.The trigeminal nerve is involved in your case; which explains the symptoms on your cheek, nose and eye.
Is your pinching pain in the cheek and nose triggered by movement of the jaw, like chewing , talking or cold air blowing on your face? These are symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. But before diagnosing that you might want to visit your dentist and ENT doctors to rule out dental conditions , TMJ temporomandibular joint disorders etc.

Please feel free to ask any further queries you may might have.

Have a nice day,

Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (8 hours later)

I am not on any medication for anxiety or depression. The pressure in my face does not seem to be brought in by movement, or cold. When I apply pressure it seems to help. My vision seemed a little off, it's better today. It seemed to take a little longer for things to come into focus, almost foggy like. Reading was the most difficult. I do wear contacts for nearsightedness. I do not need reading glasses.

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (8 hours later)

Hello XXXXXXX,

Thanks for the additional details.

Based on this, I would conclude that this is a case of atypical facial pain. Atypical facial pain(ATFP) is basically a diagnosis of exclusion. We have to first rule out infections of the sinuses and teeth . That is why I suggested an ENT and Dental examination. If both the above specialities cannot find a cause,then we can say for sure this is a case of atypical facial pain.

In Atypical Facial Pain ( the trigeminal nerve is involved), and it might get resolved on its own. Continue to apply a little pressure if you think that helps.

Another thing you can try is applying cold compress. Apply ice pack wrapped in a thin towel on the affected cheek intemittently for 10 minutes. For some people cold pack and applying a little pressure helps. In others heat application works. You will have to find out by trial and error method, which one of these is suitable for you.
In your case, you have found out on your own that applying a little pressure over the affected cheek helps. If pressure application is good enough, don't bother trying cold/ heat application.

If these home remedy measures don't work for you, your physician might prescribe you drugs like amitriptyline or gabapentin.

If you have sensitive teeth, it would be a wise idea to brush your teeth with sensodyne toothpaste.

Hope I have provided you with some useful information. If you have any further queries, I will be happy to answer them.

If you have no further queries, kindly accept the answer.Any reviews are welcome.

Have a wonderful day.

Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar