[33F] Experiencing persistent hives after outdoor activity

Patient Description

A 33-year-old female developed a moderate to severe itchy rash characterized as patchy, red, and raised, covering her chest, back, and neck. The rash appeared 2 weeks ago following a day of outdoor activity involving leaf collection. Temporary relief is achieved using children's Benadryl gel. The patient has no history of allergies and has not been exposed to anyone with similar symptoms. She has no other symptoms and no pre-existing medical conditions. Currently, she is using an Advair inhaler and has recently completed a course of prednisone with no improvement in the rash.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, the possible causes of your symptoms include:

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This is a skin reaction caused by contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction. In your case, this could be something you came into contact with while working outside, such as a plant or an insect.
- Treatment typically involves avoiding the allergen and using topical creams to relieve symptoms.
Urticaria (Hives): This is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts, which can range in size from small spots to large blotches. It can be triggered by many things, including exposure to certain plants or insects, certain medications, or even stress.
- Treatment usually involves antihistamines to reduce itching and inflammation.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): This is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It's common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long-lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically.
- Treatment involves moisturizing the skin regularly and using medicated creams or ointments.

What you can do

You should definitely see a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do:

Avoid scratching the rash as much as possible. This can make the rash worse and could lead to an infection.
Try to identify and avoid any triggers that seem to make your rash worse. This could be certain plants, insects, or even stress.
Over-the-counter creams and ointments may help to relieve itching. Look for products that contain hydrocortisone.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

Your rash spreads or becomes more severe
You develop other symptoms, such as fever or difficulty breathing
The rash does not improve after a few weeks of home treatment

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare provider.

1

Hugs

0

Comments

Save

1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Eczema: American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines