How Can An Intermittent Itchy Rash On The Back Be Treated?

Posted on Fri, 25 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 Answered on

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I have been getting a rash that itches pretty bad. It comes & goes. It covers most my back. I did start new medication but I was getting the rash before that. I haven't changed my laundry detergent either. I will attach a picture.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Urticaria/ Hives

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I an Dr. Kakkar(Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have viewed the image.

These are wheals and the rash is in fact Urticaria i.e Hives. Acute urticaria can happen in response to an infection (e.g common cold or viral flu, bacterial, fungal etc ), drugs, food or food preservatives etc. Urticaria is evanescent i.e it comes and goes in a few hours.

I suggest you to take an oral antihistamine e.g tab. cetrizine 10mg once daily for a week or 10 days. Cetrizine is available OTC. Topically you may use a soothing lotion e.g calamine lotion.

Regards

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