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Suggest Treatment For Rashes On Ears, Scalp And Swollen Ears

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Posted on Mon, 18 May 2015
Question: I have had a rash since last question, four days ago. Background: husband has what looks like ringworm for the last month, about a week ago applied anti-fungal over the counter medicine to his rash with a Q-tip and touched rash with my finger, then quickly washed with alcohol. Also, about a week and half ago, used neem oil to condition my hair, used a stronger application then usual and kept on longer then usual. About six days ago, rash began, around ears, nape of neck and entire scalp, very itchy, red bumps, around the ears, swollen ears that are hot and bumpy, and nape of neck the same. Tried over the counter cortisone, calamine lotion, only got partial relief, remained very itchy and spread to my back. My doctor called in Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream 0.1% - because I thought I had poison oak. Applied the Rx cream to my ears, nape of neck, not my face, and itchiness decreased. I was also taking Allegra for the last 2 weeks due to allergies. Currently, stopped the Allegra the past day. However, my rash has now spread to my entire upper body, began with back, then chest, now my both arms are covered with red bumps but not as intense as my ears were, however the rash on my face is very bumpy and red. I do not know what I could be allergic to, thought it was poison oak, used the Rx cream but the rash continues to spread, yet decrease in certain areas (ears, nape of neck), scalp remains very itchy. Also been applying over the counter Ivarest to parts of my body that I can reach, seems to cool the heat, and take away some of the itchiness. Appears, that about every 4 hours, the itchiness returns and I reapply the medications. Just took a Benadryl. I think I may have to go into the doctors office, I do not understand why this rash is spreading, yet decreased in certain areas, thought maybe allergic to Allegra? Am I contagious? My husband does not have this rash. No new laundry detergents, cosmetics, or foods.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Photograph required

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.

It appears to be an allergic reaction with eczematous change. Your description matches with that.
As the area involved is much only topical steroid creams won't help.

I treat such cases with a combination of oral and topical Steroids. It gives relief within a few days.

I would like to see the rash. Please upload a photograph of the involved area. This will help me in giving a closer diagnosis. There is an option to upload photographs on right side of query page, please utilize it.

Waiting for your response.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (12 hours later)
I called up my doctor last night because the rash had begun to spread rapidly and this frightened me so. My doctor gave Rx Predinosone, for a 10 day supply. Taken first dose, 12 hours ago and rash has stopped spreading and appears much better. Looking back, maybe it could of been the Red Clover plant I drank as a tea, this was a new food to me: however still a mystery as to what caused the intense allergic reaction.
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Allergic reaction

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
It must be an allergic reaction as rash in infections spreads slowly.
Any change in diet can be a predisposing factor for allergy.
It's good you have started taking prednisolone.
Continue it for at least 3 days then start reducing the dose in consultation with your doctor.
Also take anti histamine tablet for a week.
This should relieve you.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 6635 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Rashes On Ears, Scalp And Swollen Ears

Brief Answer: Photograph required Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query. It appears to be an allergic reaction with eczematous change. Your description matches with that. As the area involved is much only topical steroid creams won't help. I treat such cases with a combination of oral and topical Steroids. It gives relief within a few days. I would like to see the rash. Please upload a photograph of the involved area. This will help me in giving a closer diagnosis. There is an option to upload photographs on right side of query page, please utilize it. Waiting for your response. Thank you.