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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Itching Rash On/off?

for the last two months i have a rash that comes and goes. some are red and clustered together and others are like welts. i thought it was poison ivy and got a steroid shot and week worth of medication but they still come and go. it is not painful but i wake up at night from the itching. creams do not work. Calvin
Wed, 25 Mar 2015
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Thank you for asking at HCM.

I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:

1. As you have rash for more than 2 months, I would first think of "chronic urticaria".

2. There are many possible causes of chronic urticaria and I usually suggest my such patients investigations like complete blood counts, ESR, CRP, serum total IgE, urine and stool examination.

I also add tests like serum SGPT, serum proteins, thyroid tests, serum ANA etc if patients detailed history suggests they could be useful.

3. For treatment purpose, I usually suggest my such patients antihistamines like cetirizine or levocetirizine in morning and hydroxyzine (causes more sedation) before going to bed for 2-4 weeks, depending upon response.

4. I would also suggest you regular application of calamine lotion over dry skin as well as rash regularly.

5. Please do not scratch the itchy areas as scratching would aggravate itching.

6. I would also suggest you vitamin supplementation like vitamin D which might help.

7. Please avoid wearing tight-fitting or skin irritating clothes (like woolen clothes). Usually comfortably fitting/loose fitting clothes are very good for urticaria patients.

Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.

Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.

Wish you the best of the health ahead.

Thank you & Regards.
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What Causes Itching Rash On/off?

Hello, Thank you for asking at HCM. I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows: 1. As you have rash for more than 2 months, I would first think of chronic urticaria . 2. There are many possible causes of chronic urticaria and I usually suggest my such patients investigations like complete blood counts, ESR, CRP, serum total IgE, urine and stool examination. I also add tests like serum SGPT, serum proteins, thyroid tests, serum ANA etc if patients detailed history suggests they could be useful. 3. For treatment purpose, I usually suggest my such patients antihistamines like cetirizine or levocetirizine in morning and hydroxyzine (causes more sedation) before going to bed for 2-4 weeks, depending upon response. 4. I would also suggest you regular application of calamine lotion over dry skin as well as rash regularly. 5. Please do not scratch the itchy areas as scratching would aggravate itching. 6. I would also suggest you vitamin supplementation like vitamin D which might help. 7. Please avoid wearing tight-fitting or skin irritating clothes (like woolen clothes). Usually comfortably fitting/loose fitting clothes are very good for urticaria patients. Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you. Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM. Wish you the best of the health ahead. Thank you & Regards.