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Purple Itchy Rashes Appeared On Neck And Chest. What Could Be Causing This?

Posted on Sat, 20 Apr 2013

Question: I am 36 years old, 5'6' and about 176LBs. almost all muscle. I have a purple in color rash which goes from the right neck/ chest area to around left neck. One particuliar spot is highly clustered around the right bottom base area of my neck. I can send a picture of it, if you need it. It gets really hot and itchy someitmes

Answered by Dr. Nirmala P (5 hours later)

Hi, thanks for asking in Healthcare Magic. I have seen the uploaded image.

The most common condition that usually occurs in persons like you with existing atopy (allergy to various factors like pollen, mold) is "urticaria". It can also occur suddenly as a reaction to insect bites, drugs or food.

The rash is pink in color with small areas of edema and is highly itchy in nature.
You have not specified the drugs you are taking. Some anti depressant drugs (those taken for depression) can result in utricaria. However, do not stop any drug without your Doctor's advice.

You can take antihistamines like Tab. Levocetrizine two times a day. This drug concentrates in skin and will be most useful in preventing the itching. Topical steroids like Beclomethasone ointment will give you additional benefit by virtue of its anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive action.

If the rash does not subside after 48 hours of using these medications, you can consult your treating Doctor.

I hope this helps.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Nirmala P (1 hour later)

Thank you doctor, but I have been on the same type of medication for over 15 years. I figured it out. It was an allergic reaction, but it is a purple rash. I have had light pink and red rashes , I accidently put Snuggle into my clothes. I don't ever since I AM ALLERGIC to it. I was talking to my brothers when we discovered our deceased mother never put snuggle on our clothes since we were highly allergic to it.
ANy way, I took some benedryl, and it is almost all gone now. I thank you for your help and wish you a great day. Thank you once again for your help.

Answered by Dr. Nirmala P (3 hours later)

Hi,

Thank you very much for coming back to Healthcare Magic and for giving your review.

I am very happy to learn that your allergic rashes have subsided completely.
As you correctly say, your rashes seem to be due to snuggle and not due to drugs.
Drug allergy is variable. An individual who previously tolerated the drug can develop allergic reaction to it.

Benadryl is also an antihistamine and that is the reason for the disappearance of rashes. Benadryl contains diphenhydramine. It is very effective but it causes drowsiness. Levocetrizine belongs to the same group. It has similar efficacy (therapeutic benefit) and is a non sedative (does not cause drowsiness). Both drugs are safe.

Please feel free to express your opinion and come back to this forum if you have any other query. I would be really glad to assist you in any way.

I wish you a great day and good health.

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. Vaishalee Punj