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Itchy, Red Rash, Nighttime Cramping In Legs And Knees. Prednisone And Diflucan Unhelpful. Do I See An Allergist, Immunologist Or Dermatologist?

Posted on Sun, 10 Jun 2012

Question: I started with a red, extremely itchy rash in my groin area a week ago. I was taking Omnicef at the time for a u.t.i so my GYN assumed it was an allergic reaction. Also, nightime cramping in my legs and knees began when the rash appeared. The rash has now spread to my neck, scalp, arms/underarms, bra line, abdomen, and legs. I am taking Prednisone, and Diflucan for possible candida. The rash isn't clearing with the steroid. When I wake up in the morning, the rash is at its itchiest and subsides as the day goes on, but I find new areas where its spread as well. What is this? Do I see an allergist, immunologist or dermatologist? I have no clue.

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (2 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Rashes are one of the side effects expected in Cefdinir (Omnicef) intake, but surely will subside soon after stopping the drug and do not take more than a day to subside.

I suspect there should be another cause for the same and has to be ruled out before placing you on any treatment.

Generally rashes due to allergy to a substance taken orally may present generally all over the body. very rarely they could be localized and later spread.

I would suggest you to get a blood test called AEC ( Absolute Eosinophil count ) and consult a Dermatologist. The AEC test will help the Dermatologist to study the condition better.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Raju A.T (4 hours later)

Greetings Dr. XXXXXXX

Thank you for your feedback. I have been wondering why my GYN didn't do some type of blood work when I saw her last week. Of course, she did perform a vaginal swab and I'm still waiting on those results.

I've made an appointment with a dermatologist tomorrow, but I was also wondering: should I request that a skin "scraping" (I know there must be another term for this test) be done in addition to the blood test? Or do you believe the blood test will provide sufficient information?

This will be my third visit to a physician in a week regarding this rash, and I want to be sure that this time around all possible tests are performed. Third times a charm, hopefully.

Again, thank you for your time and assistance. It is very much appreciated.
Kind regards, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (9 minutes later)

Hi ,

Thanks for writing back.

Yes, do go for a skin smear test , it does help to rule out any infective pathology involved. This test adds and makes the problem more understandable to the dermatologist.

Wish you good health.

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. Yogesh D