Suggest Treatment For Hives On Lower Legs

Posted on Sat, 22 Aug 2015

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

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 Answered on

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, i have broke out in hives on both my lower legs- i cant get out of work to go to the doctor. Is it ok to keep taking benadryl? It has been less than 48 hour

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (3 minutes later)

Yes continue to take benadryl but you may also may want to try zyrtec instead as it causes less fatigue and requires less dosing

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

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (0 minute later)

Here is a picture it exactly follows a XXXXXXX line from earlier this summer- that was a little burnt at first but did not bluster or peel.

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Thank you contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You show from your picture that you have significant sun damage and the hives is related to that damage. Taking benadryl and antihistamine will help the itching but will not help the overall rash. To help the rash and allow for healing I recommend using topical steroid cream or ointment like hydrocortisone. This will also help sooth the itch. A little trick to help the steroid to get better skin penetration use the cream after a bathing and then cover the area with a warm washcloth then wrap the leg in saran wrap or other plastic wrap. This helps trap water into the skin and allow for better penetration of the steroids. Do this for 15-30 mins daily until the rash resolves.

I hope I answered your question.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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