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What Causes Itchy Rashes On Back, Arms And Top Of The Legs?

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Posted on Tue, 3 May 2016
Question: I have red skin and and it is itching, I did have had a hep b vaccine injection about 36 hours ago, the second in 21 days (nursing student)
THe rush is all over the back, front, arms and top of my legs and it is itchy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Likely an allergic reaction to the vaccine

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Given the timing, you are probably having a reaction to the vaccine - some component in it.

Consider taking Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 25 - 50 mg every 4-6 hours. Or alternatively you can use Zyrtec (cetirizine) 10 mg 1 - 2 times/day. Both are antihistamines and useful for skin rashes. Benadryl is sometimes more sedating.

If you start to have swelling of the lips, tongue, or difficulty swallowing then get to the ER quickly.

You should call the doctor or health center where you got the Hepatitis B shot and report your allergic reaction.

I hope this information helps. And that what sounds like hives (urticaria) resolves soon. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 minutes later)
It is 3 in the morning here but I have tablets at home from a while ago where I got rushes from sandflie bites.

The medications name is: Fexofenadine 180mg but it has run out 5/2015.
Shall I try to have one of those or is that too far out?

The skin is getting red if anything is touching it, if nothing is touching it, it goes back to normal after a few minutes. But putting a t-shirt on and it is going back to red.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Can you get some fresh antihistamine?

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry I was unable to get back on line for several hours.

I would not take the old medication. If you have already done so, it is probably ok. But it would be best to get fresh diphenhydramine or ceterizine.

Urticaria can come out along areas of pressure and heat. If it is getting worse or terribly itchy, you may want to go in to be seen by a doctor.

Hepatitis B vaccine usually has some yeast in it from being cultured on yeast. You may be reacting to the antigen itself, or a component in it. Engerix - B brand vaccine has yeast protein, aluminum, and phosphate buffers. Recombivax has amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, amino acids, dextrose, formaldehyde, mineral salts, potassium aluminum sulfate, soy peptone, yeast protein. So that brand has the additional soy proteins that you can react to if you are sensitive to soy.

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Itchy Rashes On Back, Arms And Top Of The Legs?

Brief Answer: Likely an allergic reaction to the vaccine Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Given the timing, you are probably having a reaction to the vaccine - some component in it. Consider taking Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 25 - 50 mg every 4-6 hours. Or alternatively you can use Zyrtec (cetirizine) 10 mg 1 - 2 times/day. Both are antihistamines and useful for skin rashes. Benadryl is sometimes more sedating. If you start to have swelling of the lips, tongue, or difficulty swallowing then get to the ER quickly. You should call the doctor or health center where you got the Hepatitis B shot and report your allergic reaction. I hope this information helps. And that what sounds like hives (urticaria) resolves soon. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.