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What Causes Allergy Like Rashes All Over Body?

Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2015

Question: I will like to have a diagnosis of what is wrong with my friend. She came over from overseas and cannot afford the medical bills here. I have attached the images of a sudden rash and skin disorder that has come over her body in the last week. She presumes she must have been bitten by an insect but two doctors we visited could not say what they think it is. They refered her to get a blood test of skin test done and for this she cannot afford. I will love to help her out here and was wondering if you have any ideas what this could be.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. R.G. Joshi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Acute allergy,lupus,oral steroids.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.I can understand your concern for your friend.

In my opinion rash is most probably from allergic cause.

Insect bite,severe sun exposure,bathing in sea water,change in soap and body creams along with drug induced rash are probably some causes responsible for such kind of allergy.

Other probable diagnosis is lupus and this will require blood investigations.

In any case she will require higher dose of oral steroids(like wysolone 40 mg with tapering accordingly) along with antihistaminics like cetrizine.A soothing lotion like calamine will also help to reduce itching and burnning.It will be better to get this treatment under the guidance of your doctor.

Ask her to avoid sun exposure,wear loose cotton clothes.It will be better if she avoids soap and hot water bathing as far as possible.It will be important to stop any other medications which she is taking for other reasons.

I hope this will help you.If you have any concern you can ask me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. R.G. Joshi (12 hours later)

The doctors were not able to determine the cause without a blood test. From what you said it appears only in the case of lupus is a blood test required. She was put on anitbiotics like amoxillin.

Can she take it with the antihistamine you described above? She also complained that she feels pains in some parts of her joints.

I just want to be sure that whilst she can't take the blood test nothing is affecting her internal organs. Are there signs she should be classifying as emergency.

And based on your experiences how long does allergies(if) like this take to clear.

Thank you for being very helpful.

Answered by Dr. R.G. Joshi (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
antihistamincs longer duration

Detailed Answer:
Hi,Thanks for follow up.

First of all it will be better to stop amoxycillin,as it can worsen rash,if in case it is drug induced.

Antihistamincs are safe and she can surely take it.A longer duration of dose up to 20 days will be required to clear allergies..

In case if she is having high grade fever,rash in mouth and in genital areas,redness of eyes,severe joint pains,headache consider it as an emergency.

I hope this will help you.Take care.

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. Sonia Raina