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Suggest Treatment For Itchy Rash And Vomiting With Loose Motions

Posted on Tue, 10 Feb 2015

Question: Hello,

I am an adult woman who contracted a GI virus a week ago (classic symptoms of nausea/vomiting on day 1 followed by 4 days of loose/watery stools). I've been symptom free from the GI virus for 3 full days. I developed a rash 3 days into the GI virus-intially was isolated (looked like mosquito bites), then progressed to cover most areas of my body-including my face where I have had some swelling of my lips and eyelids. I began a course of steroids 3 days ago after visiting an ER on the weekend and have been taking benadryl around the clock. I was delayed @4 hours taking my steroid dose (had a doctors appointment follow up front he ER visit today and wanted to be seen off steroids). Tonight I developed a worsening of symptoms I can only attribute to being somewhat delayed with the steroid administration. How long do such rashes last? I am now 5 days in and I feel as if I've gotten worse not better. The rash is extremely itchy-feels like hives, but does not look like classic hives. Much appreciated!

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need some details to guide you better

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your complaint. I would be in a better position to guide you if you answer following questions please:
1. is itching also present between inter-digital clefts & groin area?
2. Does itch more severe at night?
3. Is anyone in the family also having such symptoms?
4. are you allergic to some particular food?
5. does itch start again/worsen after going to bed or eating something?
6. are you diabetic or hypertensive?
7. can you share an image of the rash? you can upload it on the top right corner.

I'll be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (38 minutes later)

It does get worse in the nighttime-however I'm hotter at night sleeping and by then the prednisone is taken at noon and is worn off by going to sleep around 10:00. No itching in the groin or inter-digit areas. No issues around food that I have noticed. I am not a diabetic or hypertensive. I cannot update an image as the rash is quite calm to nil having taken prednisone only 5 hours ago.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably Urticaria(allergic rash)

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the answers. I have gone through them. Your rashes are most probably due to allergy. Allergy could be due to any cause like insect bite, dust, pollen, etc. It normally takes 5-7 days for improvement. In some cases it heals completely earlier while in others it may prolong (varies from body to body). As you mentioned that your rash is improving so i would suggest you following things:

- Remain calm and observe it.
- Levocetirizine one at night for 5 days. It will prevent itch and reduce the allergic component.
- Change your bedding. Clean them thoroughly for dust/insect.
- Avoid scratching the rash else it might leave scar.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health!!

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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