Question: A week ago Friday I developed an itchy right eyelid and my lips developed little bumps and felt somewhat raw. The next day a rash began developing on my left cheek - raised bumps and itchy. Sunday my eye was swollen and discolored and the rash was spreading down my neck so I saw physician. He prescribed a steroid believing I was experiencing an allergic reaction. My anus was also somewhat itchy. A week later my rash returned - I was no longer taking the steroid as the seven day dose was complete. I returned to the physician and he prescribed a stronger and longer dose. Everything cleared quickly however I noticed as I got out of the shower this evening that I have two blue veins protruding around my temple and hairline. I am also experiencing some numbness/tingling under my left eye and down my jaw bone. My upper teeth may be numb as well.
I am 46 and consider myself to be in good health - up til a week ago the last time I saw a doctor for anything beyond annual check-ins was 9 years ago. I am closing in on menopause - it's been nine months since my last period - but that has been pretty easy from the horror stories I hear. The only supplement/RX I take is probiotics and the current RX - prednisone 10mg for ten days....tapering off the pills every two days 5,5,4,4,3,3,2,2,1,1 (the last round was 4mg starting with 7 pills tapering a pill each day )
I did recently introduce a new artificial sweetener to my diet the week I experienced the first break out and had quite a bit of it when my eye began itching. I had more the next evening but have not touched it since that evening.
How concerned should I be? Do I need to head to the ER, wait til tomorrow and get an appointment, or wait it out? Is this related to the suspected allergy or could this be something entirely separate? Is an allergy perhaps an incorrect diagnosis?
Thank you! XXXXXXX
A