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Suggest Treatment For Skin Rashes On The Arms, Hands And Face

Posted on Thu, 4 May 2017

Question: yes, I developed a skin rash on my arms, hands face and head, for past 6-8 months. I have seen 5-6 doctors over the past several months to no avale.
Drs gave me Hydrocortisone cream 2.5 % and Triamcinolone Acetonide cream 0.1% but none seams to help much. A friend of mine who is an EMT recommended I try Benadryl oral tablets, 25mg. I did and got relief almost immediately. I have taken about 4-5 a day, 2 of them at night to help me sleep. Now my grandson, who is close to getting his medical license tells me that I should stop taking them as they are very dangerous for a man of my age (85) and try some different. I stopped last night and had a very hard time going to sleep and staying a sleep.The rash was on my nerves ends not sores. The rash is mostly gone but my nerves are still a problem as I still feel hyprotension inside. Who should I believe? What are the side effects of long term use?
Thank You, Ray.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Side effects of benadryl detailed below

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Thank You for trusting HealthcareMagic

Benadryl contain diphenhydramine, an antihistamine as active ingredient.
Diphenhydramine is not recommended for long term use and have several side effects especially in elderly.

Side effects of diphenhydramine are
-difficulty urinating and urinary retention
-constipation
-dry eyes and mouth
-blurred vision, headache
-liver and kidney dysfunction
-memory loss
-sedation, drowsiness
-confusion, agitation, delirium
-cardiac rhythm abnormalities

It is not ideal to take benadryl long term and benadryl is not approved for treatment of insomnia (lack of sleep)

Here are few things you can try to help sleep better
-Try to go to sleep almost same time everyday
-turn off all the light in bed room
-do not use phones, laptops etc in bed
-Exercising daily can help sleep better
-Have dinner atleast 1-2 hours before bedtime
-Warm shower few hours before bed also helps with sleep

If you still find difficulty sleeping, I recommend consulting a Primary care provider to undergo sleep study and evaluating the need for medications to help with sleep.

Hope I was able to help you
Please address further questions
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi

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

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (22 hours later)

What would you consider long term use, and at what rate of use. I take 1 or 2 during the day and 2 at bedtime, and I have been for the past 5 days. My Doc appointment is still about a week away. thanks

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Information regarding dosage and length of benadryl use

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for following up

Taking banadryl 3-4 weeks in a row, especially as a sleep aid is not recommended and can be considered long term in people over 65.
The dosage of benadryl does not matter.Long term use can cause dangerous side effects and even dementia in people over 65.
Maximum allowed dose of benadryl is 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours.
Since you have been taking it only for 5 days, benadryl can be continued until your doctor appointment. During the appointment, discuss with your doctor regarding sleep problems and safer treatment options.

Hope I was able to answer your question
Please address any more concerns
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng