Help me out here,,,,,terrible rash

[Frankie]

I started getting this rash a little over a week ago. Where it started, my legs is some better, but each day it is in a new place, and today it's my face. So I have now just about had it everywhere.

I have no allergies, have not changed a thing, not detergent, softener, shampoo, soap, NOTHING.

Haven't eaten anything different,,,,,,,I like the same ole. Made a list of things, went and checked them, nope, no changes. None in the barn either.

It does itch a ton. It is not poison ivy or oak. 2 doctors do not know. Benadryl does not help. 3 different anti-itch creams later, no better. Oatmeal baths do nothing.

The only other symptom,,,,,my eyes burn and too are dry.

For a description, kind of looks like chicken pox. I've had that. Checked for bugs, maybe bites. Nothing.

I have about 50 on each leg,,,,,25 per arm,,,,,20 on back,,,,,,,,,,,20 on face,,,,,,,and can feel it in my scalp. Yeah, it looks pretty crappy. None in ears, or nose, or armpits.

Soooooo???????

 

[RainSong]

Just a note- things may not have changed, but you could have grown allergic to something you are exposed to.

Not sure what else to say- I've never had anything like it. Hope someone can help you!

 

[Sonya]

Have you been in a hot tub recently??

I got something from our hottub last year...I can't remember the name of it. My husband did not get it. But it looked exactly like what you are describing...my eyes were almost like pink eye, but I also got sick with throwing up and slight fever and just felt god awful.

The chemicals in our tub were perfect at the time and the tub was crystal clear...The doctor said that a hot tub can still carry things even though it's clean and the chemicals are all good.

I didn't go in the tub for months after that...even though we drained the water, etc...

 

[Sue_C.]

Oh I soooo sympatize!!! :new_shocked:

May I suggest trying Benadryl tablets? This won't help tell you what's causing it, but should help with the rash if it is an allery of some kind. I have to take them every day, or else I break out in hives. I have never been allergic to anything before, but a few years ago, all of a sudden, there they were. I haven't had the allergy tests, as this works, so I figure why bother.

 

[Bluerocket]

Hi -- I did a search on RASH on the internet ---

Found this link among others --- about STRESS and rashes..

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art...rticlekey=79117

The main article about Rash are here:

http://www.medicinenet.com/rash/article.htm

I developed allergies in my 40's - never had any until then. I am now allergic to my cats (had a dozen of them now have 7 but will have more eventually) among other things. It is possible you are allergic to something you have always had around you -- possible but maybe not.

Either way - avoid "hot or warm water" -- cooler water will make you more comfortable -- warmer tends to spread the rash.

JJay

 

[JO~*]

Have you had a cold or anything like that? Almost every time my daughter gets anything with a virus she gets hives right after. Doc said some people do this. They come and go and change places and from small to really big.

Lasts about a week or so.

 

[minisaremighty]

Carolyn, knowing a bit about your home life and work life, I would almost bet it was due to stress.

My best friend had a very stressful job that she'd come to hate (along with most of the people she works with) and developed a rash just like the one you describe. Took her several weeks to get over it. She tooks some meds for it (can't recall what) and had to look into herself and start doing some meditation and try to calm her stress down. Talk to your dr. about it. I bet they will concur.

Some of your stress you can't do anything about except have faith. Some of your stress, like your job, you CAN do something about.

((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))

Edited to add: Check this link stress rash You know, I just realized this is exactly what my husband has been suffering from! LOL! DUH. He's mentioned he gets a rash at work, usually in the afternoon, almost daily. I just forgot about it. However, he's been under a tremendous amount of stress with his office moving to a new location, him getting a cubicle after 19 years there and people there less than a year getting plush offices, just general daily resentment. I just sent him the link. He agrees, that's got to be it. He sits there and simmers all day and then the rash appears.

 

[Frankie]

Most stress related hives are not on your legs,,,,,,,but we all know I can never be normal, so just do not know. It has gotten worst through the day today,,,,,but normally, it is much worst in the morning. So we checked our bed for everything known to man,,,,,,nothing. Even went as far as to ask hubby if he had changed anything on him,,,,,nope.

Maybe it is the age thing and now I am allergic tooo?????

I sure appreciate all your help and thoughts. But can you stop the dang itching??????? :ugh:

:

 

[nootka]

it almost sounds like psoriasis possibly, too, which can have stress as a trigger.

I'm sorry, you sure don't seem like you need any additional problems.

Good luck!

Liz M.

 

[Pandora]

it almost sounds like psoriasis possibly, too, which can have stress as a trigger.

I'm sorry, you sure don't seem like you need any additional problems.

Good luck!

Liz M.

I suffer from psoriasis and I agree that could be it after rereading this thread. Mine started out in red spots and eventually scaled. Psoriasis is worse on the scalp for most people. I know mine is. Stress is ah uge trigger for it. If it is psoriasis you will want to get into a dermo ASAP for treatment. Once ti starts it never stops. Sunlight also helps it go away.

 

[sedeh]

Most allergic dermatitis type rash(can be poison oak/ivy or exposure to soaps/chemicals, something your body doesn't like) respond really well to oral steroids like prednisone. Most people don't like taking them because they have side effects, but for short course treatment they do really well. If benadryl doesn't work for the itching maybe your doc can prescribe ativan or hydroxizine(or both). Even hives respond well to steroids.....I'd talk to my doc about a combination of prednisone, ativan and hydroxizine. If the rash doesn't respond to that you might need to see a dermatologist. One other thing it could be is scabies, which is mite that burrows into your skin(makes me itch just thinking about it).

 

[Pepipony]

Sounds similar to the rash I had years ago, Drs couldnt figure it out, even 3 Dermatologists. Kinda like rough sandpaper with tiny 'pimples', that moved around. Would go away then come back. Turned out it was Ehrlichia ( 2 types, mine was Monocytic, there is also Granulocytic) Can be bad if not diagnosed, but easily treated with Amox or Doxy for a few weeks. Ehrlichia is a Rickettsial infection from tick bites and this time of year quite often the ticks are nymphal, really tiny and easily missed. Generally if a Dr thinks about this as being a cause, they will start antibiotics right away and not wait for test results. Good luck!

 

[Sonya]

I agree prednisone will help it...that is what they gave me when I had my hottub rash along with antibiodics.

 

[lovinarabs]

it almost sounds like psoriasis possibly, too, which can have stress as a trigger.

I'm sorry, you sure don't seem like you need any additional problems.

Good luck!

Liz M.

Sorry if I didn't read everyone's post, but I definitely agree here. I have stress induced psoriasis and that was the first thing that went through my mind when I read your post. I know that it isn't very helpful to say, "reduce your stress". God knows I've tried for years!

 

[Sue_C.]

Almost every time my daughter gets anything with a virus she gets hives right after. Doc said some people do this.

That has happened to me as well, only I get the hives instead of the cold or flu. the Doc said it has something to do with some people's immune system, and how it works. the body fights off the virus, but it must manifest itself somehow.

I surely do hope you get rid of whatever this is...there is nothing gets you down faster, than feeling just plain miserable 24/7, especially when you don't even know why.

 

[Frankie]

Well, it is worst again this morning. Have another doctor appt. in an hour.

It is in my ears now and my eyes are burning something fierce. My scalp now has a bunch and is itchy to the point of making me nutso.

I have looked up pictures of things you have mentioned, don't see exactly what I have.

thanks for your thoughts

 

[Pandora]

I hope they can help you. Eyes usualy don't burn with psoriase. Hope they can figure it out. Good luck!

 

[AppyLover2]

If your doctor isn't helping/desn't know what it is, find another doctor. No point being miserable while he stumbles around looking for a diagnosis, then finds an effective treatment. Good luck with it. I know rashes can be miserable. Taking some kind of antihistamine should help with the itching.

 

[Frankie]

Well, I learned more than I wanted to.

They strongly believe I do have Ehrlichisis HGE form. In the moderate stage.

On my way to get antibiotics and 2 different other things, can't remember, doc called them in.

Also am being sent to have a biopsy.

Black mole in funny shape.

thanks to you all. gotta go get medicine, I feel kind of cruddy.

 

[Pepipony]

I was afraid of that

But SO very very glad they got you diagnosed and on meds. HGE is the more worrisome of the 2 types. DO be vocal if your symptoms persist after treatment and it may not be such a bad idea to be tested for Lyme. Though its possible the Lyme wouldnt be in detectable amounts on the blood ( takes 6 weeks or so for antibodies to build up) and being on the abx for HGE is a good start on the Lyme, if its there. If this rash changes shape, maybe goes into a bulleye, let your Dr know

Since HGE can cause anemia, be aware when your cycle starts. Might want to start taking some supplemental iron. Course, you can always chow down on some nice rare steak

:

Do take care of yourself! Been there, done that, know how much is shtucks! Heather