On Tetracycline And A Retinoid For Acne. Suggest Some Effective Cure

Posted on Sat, 13 Oct 2012

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

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 Answered on

Sun, 4 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : have a 14 yo boy that has acne. On tetracycline and a retinoid. He is very active and on the wrestling team. After wrestling practice he gets a red rash across his chest. Rash is raised and looks a little waxy or shiny. It blanches, itches and goes away with topical steroids in a day or two. If untreated and he continues to wrestle it becomes very inflamed. Have tried different cloths, soaps .... Happened prior to him starting the acne meds and has not changed. any ideas for prevention?

Answered by Dr. Sudarshan (1 hour later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing in.

The problem you are describing can be cholinergic urticaria .It occurs due to release of Histamine in the body.It is provoked by sweating.That is why in your Son it may be appearing after while practicing.

Also If you can upload a photograph of the rash it would be very helpful to predict the condition.Photos can be uploaded by UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES on right side of this box.

Prevention of this type of rash can be done by taking a Non sedating antihistaminic tablet 30 minutes before beginning of practice.Such antihistaminics can be Levocetirizine ,fexofenadine, loratidine etc.

Hope this helps.

I will be available for follow up.

Regards
DrSudarshan
MD
Dermatology.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar