[27F] With chronic rash and itchy eyes
Patient Description
A 27-year-old female has been experiencing a continuous rash with welts all over her body for almost a year, occurring daily. The rash is exacerbated by stress, and Benadryl has not provided relief. Additionally, she reports persistent itchiness in her eyes and eyelids throughout the day, with no associated swelling or redness. There are no difficulties with breathing, facial swelling, or known medication allergies. The patient has a latex allergy but no recent exposure. Family history is significant for lupus, though she has not been evaluated for autoimmune conditions. She was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2009. Currently, she is not on any prescription medications but takes Tylenol and Benadryl daily, with an unspecified dosage.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on your symptoms, here are some possible explanations:
- Chronic Urticaria (Hives): This condition involves persistent itchy welts on the skin. Stress can be a trigger, and it often requires management with antihistamines or other medications prescribed by a doctor.
- Allergic Reaction: Although you haven't identified a specific trigger, ongoing exposure to an allergen could cause these symptoms. Latex is a known allergy, but since there's no recent exposure, consider other environmental factors.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Given your family history of lupus, it's possible that an autoimmune condition could be contributing to your symptoms. These conditions can cause skin rashes and other systemic symptoms.
Typical treatments might include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other medications to manage symptoms. Testing could involve allergy tests or blood tests to rule out autoimmune conditions.
What you can do
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: It's important to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation, especially given the duration and persistence of your symptoms.
- Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, noting any potential triggers or patterns. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.
- Stress Management: Since stress seems to worsen your symptoms, consider stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or counseling.
- Avoid Known Allergens: Continue to avoid latex and be mindful of other potential allergens in your environment.
What you should look out for
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- New or worsening symptoms
- Any signs of infection, such as fever or redness around the rash
Remember, this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
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2 mo ago