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What Causes Rash On The Middle Of Chest Area After Having Benadryl?

Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015

Question: I developed a slight rash commencing in the middle of my chest, then it gradually spread out to the rest of my 'trunk' mainly on the sides of my stomach and lower back. I took Benadryl twice within a 4-5 day (1 pill per day) time frame, and the other days I would take a daily Claritin-D pill. I am afraid the Benadryl might have worsen my condition. I went to see a doctor who gave me a shot (I believe cortisone). He cleared me for step throat, nor do I have any other symptom of a viral infection (i.e., fever, pain, body aches, sore throat). He said the shot would diminish the rash. I decided to increase my increments of Benadryl. So far I took two pills twice every 4-6 hours. I am wondering if I should lay off any anti-histamine or particularly Benadryl as I could be allergic to it and it may be counter the effect of the shot. I am thinking of ceasing the dose of benadryl and perhaps getting another shot a day after. Your thoughts? I would greatly appreciate it.

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
An allergic rash not responding to Benadryl

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Well, it appears that the rash is of allergic origin as there is a history of it being responded to cortisone injection and as cleared by the doctor.
a detailed history about the appearance of rash, detailed information about its progression and if associated Itching and fever etc… needs to be considered. Here you can provide me with the information an if possible an image of rash would help.
Though the presentation is consistent with a rash of allergic origin
I suggest your treating doctor to change the antihistamine to tab hydroxizine three times a day, instead of Benadryl as I some people may respond variably to different drugs. It may cause lead to moderate sedation.
I would need to know, if you have had such rash before as well. It is associated with itching and how rapidly has it progressed.

Thank you
Dr Pankaj Borade

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Pankaj Borade (9 hours later)

Thanks for your response. The only previous history of this was last year around this time of the year. At that time I had a sinus infection, and I am thinking the cause of it was due to: a)aspirin pill b)use of Benadryl c) combination of multiple drugs. That one vanished within a few days and was more mild. I do have a history of allergies (sinus), but none to a body rash, other than the one mentioned above. This morning it seems the flaring has diminished and it is not extending. It commenced Tuesday morning, but I am afraid the use of Benadryl and/or Claritin-d to combat it might have been worse off. There is minor itching. The doctor cleared me for step and thee are no other signs or symptoms of a viral infection.

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
attergic rash it is

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Allergic rashes are known to have a seasonal pattern, and the precipitating cause can be varied.
it is usually self remitting.
Anti histaminic can help it resolve fast.
prevention by avoiding the triggering factors is the only way ahead.

regards
Dr Pankaj Borade

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T