Suggest Treatment For Itchy And Spreading Rash On The Body

Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015

Question: I have a rash that poped up recently and i dont know why? It itches and is spreading and not going away.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
need some details to guide you better

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your complaint. I would be in a better position to guide you if you answer following questions please:

1. since when are you having this problem?
2. did it start after taking some particular food or after going to bed?
3. are you allergic to some food?
4. did such problem occur in past?
5. do you have diabetes, hypertension or any other illness?
6. are you on any medication?
7. on which areas of the body is it now?
8. Are you able to feel the rash with your fingertips or not?
9. is anyone else in the family also having similar complaint?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

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

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (23 minutes later)

It started about a month ago. Im not sure about when it started or if it was from food but i dont belive so. It started out very small on my shoulder but it has spread down my chest and my back and now my whole shoulder. I dont belive i am allergic to any food or anything for that matter i never have been before. This is the only time i have had this not in the past. I dont have and illness that i know of. Im not on any medication currently but i was on an antibiotic this winter for a tooth infection but this started months after i finished taking it. I can feel the rash but its very light it dosnt stick out much at all very smooth. I only live with a roomate and i dont belive he has any rash that he has spoken of. Thank you for your help it is becoming embarassing .

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably Urticaria

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for the answers. I have gone through them. You most probably having Urticaria. It usually gets resolved in 7-10 days. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:

- cetirizine one at night for 5 days.
- avoid scratching rash else it might leave scar.
- Try not to take very warm shower.
- apply hydrocortisone 0.1% ointment in small quantity over the rash at night.

Hopefully you will see an improvement in 2-3 days. If condition remains same or aggravates then you need to visit hospital and get an appointment for a "Consultant Dermatologist" for further workup.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

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

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (2 hours later)

Is there anything i can take or use to treat this woth going into the doctor for a perscription? Or is it a over the counter perscription only?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cetirizine is OTC medicine

Detailed Answer:
hello

Thank you for the follow up query.

Cetirizine is OTC medicine so you won't find difficulty. You might need prescription for hydrocortisone 0.1% ointment. You can start with cetirizine at the moment. If condition starts to resolve with it only then no need for hydrocortisone 0.1% ointment. Else you can visit a doctor to get prescription for hydrocortisone 0.1% ointment.

Thank You

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