Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes A Swollen Rash On The Upper Lip?
I have a rash that started yesterday with swelling of my upper lip. It occurred after a brief contact with a dog. I have been mildly allergic to pets and will sometimes get a rash on my wrist after petting a dog. I had a dog for 15 years and never had this reaction. The swelling is now over 3/4 of my lips which are now protruding. My cheeks and chin are swelling too. They are firm to the touch but not red. Additionally I now have rashes developing on my scalp, under my breast to my underarms, a spot that just started on my abdomen and my buttocks. They are lines of red puffy, irritated skin and almost feel like a sunburn. I ve been on antibiotics for several weeks due to a sinus infections that won t clear up.
Fri, 31 Mar 2017
Hello,
Thank you for your query. I understand your concerns.
I think you are right in suspecting that your brief encounter with the dog could result in the rash. You mentioned that you are mildly allergic to pets, and the encounter with the dog triggered a generalised allergic reaction in your body leading to a possible urticarial rash. I am assuming that you had your dog with you in the past, and the reason that you did not get a rash from him could be because you were not allergic to him.
For your current problem, you can take an anti-histamine straight away and continue it for the next few days until the rash settles. You can either take Cetirizine 10 mg once a day or Fexofenadine 180 mg once a day. Anti-histamines will start working within 30-60 minutes.
If by 1-2 days you feel that the rash is not improving, rather the rash has worsened then you will benefit by taking a short 3-5 day course of oral steroids like Oral Prednisolone 30 mg once a day. This is a prescription only medication; hence you need to see your doctor for this.
I hope this answer has been helpful to you.
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
Thank you for your query. I understand your concerns.
I think you are right in suspecting that your brief encounter with the dog could result in the rash. You mentioned that you are mildly allergic to pets, and the encounter with the dog triggered a generalised allergic reaction in your body leading to a possible urticarial rash. I am assuming that you had your dog with you in the past, and the reason that you did not get a rash from him could be because you were not allergic to him.
For your current problem, you can take an anti-histamine straight away and continue it for the next few days until the rash settles. You can either take Cetirizine 10 mg once a day or Fexofenadine 180 mg once a day. Anti-histamines will start working within 30-60 minutes.
If by 1-2 days you feel that the rash is not improving, rather the rash has worsened then you will benefit by taking a short 3-5 day course of oral steroids like Oral Prednisolone 30 mg once a day. This is a prescription only medication; hence you need to see your doctor for this.
I hope this answer has been helpful to you.
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....