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What Causes Dark Red Rashes On Arms?
Question: I have had dark red blotches pop up in different places on my arms. They disappear in two or three days and then another pops up in a different place. What are they and do I need to be worried about them?
Brief Answer:
? Urticaria
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you are having rashes on your arms and I hope I will be able to help you find a solution to the same.
Based on your history, the possibilities I could consider include Urticaria and insect bite reaction.
Urticaria is an allergic reaction which presents with itchy hives and blotchy red rashes which are transient, i.e, they typically last for a few hours, disappear and reappear elsewhere. They are usually triggered by new foods, medications, infestations and infections like sore throat.
Insect bite reactions are itchy, discrete red rashes which appear on the exposed parts of the body usually after some outdoor activities.
Could you give me some more history so that I can assess better?
1. From how many days are you having these blotches?
2. Do they itch?
3. Do you have any associated swelling of your lips/ eyelids?
4. Have you been on any new medications for other problems at the same time as you noticed the rashes?
You have a feature to upload the images by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that I can answer your query better. You can also send the image as attachment to YYYY@YYYY , with the subject as 'Attn: Dr. Johny Chacko'.
Please revert back with additional details and clinical picture.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
? Urticaria
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you are having rashes on your arms and I hope I will be able to help you find a solution to the same.
Based on your history, the possibilities I could consider include Urticaria and insect bite reaction.
Urticaria is an allergic reaction which presents with itchy hives and blotchy red rashes which are transient, i.e, they typically last for a few hours, disappear and reappear elsewhere. They are usually triggered by new foods, medications, infestations and infections like sore throat.
Insect bite reactions are itchy, discrete red rashes which appear on the exposed parts of the body usually after some outdoor activities.
Could you give me some more history so that I can assess better?
1. From how many days are you having these blotches?
2. Do they itch?
3. Do you have any associated swelling of your lips/ eyelids?
4. Have you been on any new medications for other problems at the same time as you noticed the rashes?
You have a feature to upload the images by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that I can answer your query better. You can also send the image as attachment to YYYY@YYYY , with the subject as 'Attn: Dr. Johny Chacko'.
Please revert back with additional details and clinical picture.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The blotches don't itch. The only new medicine I am taking is an over the counter thing called Dona for my aching joint. I'd guess I've been having the blotches for a couple of weeks.
I don't have swelling in my lips or eyelids, but my forehead and my eyes have been itching
I don't have swelling in my lips or eyelids, but my forehead and my eyes have been itching
Brief Answer:
? Drug related rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your clarification. It would have been better if you could have uploaded a picture as well.
I checked online for the contents of "Dona" supplement which you have started. It contains Glucosamine sulfate, a substance found in the joint space. However, since it is from an external source, there is a possibility that it could cause rashes.
I would suggest you to stop the medications for 2 weeks and see if the rashes improve. If they do, then it could be related to the medication.
You could, in the meantime take and oral antihistamine like Benadryl at bedtime for 5-10 days for the rashes to subside.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any further queries, I will be glad to answer.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko
? Drug related rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your clarification. It would have been better if you could have uploaded a picture as well.
I checked online for the contents of "Dona" supplement which you have started. It contains Glucosamine sulfate, a substance found in the joint space. However, since it is from an external source, there is a possibility that it could cause rashes.
I would suggest you to stop the medications for 2 weeks and see if the rashes improve. If they do, then it could be related to the medication.
You could, in the meantime take and oral antihistamine like Benadryl at bedtime for 5-10 days for the rashes to subside.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any further queries, I will be glad to answer.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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