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Suggest Treatment For Red Splotches On Hands And Legs While On Claritin

Posted on Tue, 9 Feb 2016

Question: I have several small red splotches which have appeared on my fingers, hands and both legs. Two of these red splotches on my legs are about an inch long. I am now in Florida and these have begun to occur in the last few days. I am recovering from a knee replacement and have been very busy and somewhat stressed in moving our belongings in for the season. I have applied a cortisone cream but it has seemed to help one area just a little. The only change in my medication is that I have taken some claritin in the past 5 days because of some sniffles which have now mostly abated. What could be causing this? Should I go to an urgent care center today?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Upload photographs, answer few questions

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic

I have gone through your complaints and would recommend you to upload the photographs of the rash so that I have a clearer picture of the condition and can guide you accordingly.

I would also like to ask you few questions:
Whether the splotches cause itching or burning?
Are you taking medicines for some other ailment?
Are you suffering from any other disease?
Have you used anything new on your hands and legs?
Are you atopic?

Kindly revert back with the answers and the pictures.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Dr. Sawhney,
The splotches cause some itching. There is no pain associated with the splotches.
I have sent a picture under separate cover showing the worst area of splotches which had some hydrocortisone cream applied two days ago.
I stopped taking the Claritin. For years I have taken Cardizem, Toprol, aspirin and Zetia.
I also take a Centrum vitamin, magnesium and one B12.
I use some suntan lotion a couple of days ago on my arms and legs. It was old suntan lotion.
I am only allergic to penicillin which I have not taken in years.
Hopefully this will help. I apologize because I am new to an iPhone as I have only sent you one picture under separate cover.
By the way, we did use a pest control service for elimination of small bugs in our unit several days ago.
Thank you,
Gene Bolanowski.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like eczema, use steroids, moisturisers and antihistaminics

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the attached photograph though it is not very clear.
According to me you have developed eczema. It can be either endogenous in origin due to internal sensitivity of the individual or due to exogenous factors like suntan lotion or allergy to anything else you have used.
If I were your treating doctor I would recommend you to apply high potency steroids like clobetasol propionate cream or betamethasone cream on the affected areas twice daily along with some good moisturising creams on the entire legs, hands and fingers frequently and liberally.
You can use cream containing white soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin as a moisturiser 2-3 times in a day.
For itching I normally suggest my patients to take tablet levocetrizine 5 mg once or twice daily depending on the intensity of itching.
These need to be continued for 7-10 days to see any significant response. These medicines are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.
Besides this avoid hot water for bathing, instead use lukewarm water; don't use harsh soap for bathing and go for oiling of the body.
Wish you good luck.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

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. Raju A.T