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What Causes Rashes All Over The Body In A Cocaine Addict?
Question: I am trying to help a young lady who works for me. she is in my office with what looks like a rash or hives on her body. they do seem to cove the parts of the front and back of her body and arms and legs. some on her face. she is also experiencing some pain palms and bottom (heel) of her feet. she was camping 5 days ago but never left the tent. I know she has used cocaine in the last few days as well I HAVE GIVEN HER BENADRYL THOU THE CHANGE HAS BEEN MINOR OVER THE LAST 5 HOURS. I AM LOOKING FOR A CAMERA TO TAKE PHOTOS
SOME OF THE RASH HAS SUBSIDED AND OTHER AREAS HAVE DEVELOPED. sAYS SHE MAY HAVE HAD A TEMPURATURE YESTERDAY.
I HAVE UPLOADED A PHOTO OF HER BACKSIDE WHICH IS A FAIRLY HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO IF DETAIL IS NEEDED.
SOME OF THE RASH HAS SUBSIDED AND OTHER AREAS HAVE DEVELOPED. sAYS SHE MAY HAVE HAD A TEMPURATURE YESTERDAY.
I HAVE UPLOADED A PHOTO OF HER BACKSIDE WHICH IS A FAIRLY HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO IF DETAIL IS NEEDED.
Brief Answer:
Urticaria most likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
welcome to health care magic,
There is most likely possibility of urticaria or allergic hives here from the picture you uploaded although the image quality is not so good.
I will keep urticaria is the first possibility.
Urticaria or allergic hives can occur due to various causes like,
1) Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
2) Drugs(Pain killers/ antibiotics etc)
3) Certain foods and food additives/preservatives
4) Physical Urticaria:Cold temperature, Heat,Pressure (Prolonged Standing, Sitting), Dermographism etc.
5) A few cases have no underlying cause and are known as idiopathic urticaria.
They generally disappears after few hours without any treatment but needs immediate medical attention when they cause symptoms like itching or burning or sometimes pain or persists longer.
In her case,she may be given,
1) Antihistamines like benadryl or allegra (fexofenadinr 120 mg) twice daily available over the counter for 3 to 5 days.
2) A topical soothing lotion like calamine lotion would help her symptomatically if there is itching.
3) She may need to start oral steroids like tab.wysolone 40 mg once daily initially for 3 days followed by gradual reduction in the dose like 20 mg then 10 mg.
You can continue with hydrocortisone topical cream but I think she will require systemic steroids from orally.
As steroids are prescription drugs and may have some serious side effects, so they must be taken under doctor's guidance for which you should see some local doctor or dermatologist who can prescribe you.
Hope this will help you and if you need more clarifications then feel free to ask.
Regards,
Urticaria most likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
welcome to health care magic,
There is most likely possibility of urticaria or allergic hives here from the picture you uploaded although the image quality is not so good.
I will keep urticaria is the first possibility.
Urticaria or allergic hives can occur due to various causes like,
1) Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
2) Drugs(Pain killers/ antibiotics etc)
3) Certain foods and food additives/preservatives
4) Physical Urticaria:Cold temperature, Heat,Pressure (Prolonged Standing, Sitting), Dermographism etc.
5) A few cases have no underlying cause and are known as idiopathic urticaria.
They generally disappears after few hours without any treatment but needs immediate medical attention when they cause symptoms like itching or burning or sometimes pain or persists longer.
In her case,she may be given,
1) Antihistamines like benadryl or allegra (fexofenadinr 120 mg) twice daily available over the counter for 3 to 5 days.
2) A topical soothing lotion like calamine lotion would help her symptomatically if there is itching.
3) She may need to start oral steroids like tab.wysolone 40 mg once daily initially for 3 days followed by gradual reduction in the dose like 20 mg then 10 mg.
You can continue with hydrocortisone topical cream but I think she will require systemic steroids from orally.
As steroids are prescription drugs and may have some serious side effects, so they must be taken under doctor's guidance for which you should see some local doctor or dermatologist who can prescribe you.
Hope this will help you and if you need more clarifications then feel free to ask.
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
Answered by
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