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What Causes Body Rash?

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Posted on Thu, 3 Apr 2014
Question: I have had a long battle with a rash. It looks different on different parts of my body. Doctors say they don't know what it is or why. Couldn't sleep for two days . Today I took a prednisone . 20 mg lol My skin hasn't looked this good in a year. Why? And what can I take over the counter which has same effect . Im afraid after it wears off it will come back? Honestly Its only been a few hours and the rash which was like poison oak is almost gone. But I had its for months . Just last week or so became un bearable
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Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Allergy testing; Steroids in tapering doses Detailed Answer: Hi there. I hear you & am happy you seem to have at lest found a temporary solution. I am sorry for playing the devil's advocate but yes, the rash is likely to 'reappear' once the effect of the steroids wears off & in some instances it may be worse than earlier...something we allude to as a steroid 'rebound' phenomenon. But these are pure semantics as we need to find an action plan for you. It does appear that you suffer from some sort of an 'allergy'..most likely an airborne or food related contact dermatitis. Please visit a dermatologist nearest you for a prescription of steroids that is 'tapered' over the next 2 weeks or so. This would be better in your current scenario. Then, one has to hope for the best & remain without steroids for a further 2 weeks. At the end of 1 month (2 week steroid free interval), one has to go in for allergy 'prick' & 'patch' testing that is done at a standardised laboratory near your home-I suggest the use of google to get one that suits your needs & budget. This will give you some idea of what you could be allergic to & what to avoid in a scientific manner. Off the cuff, you are the best doctor & a keen vigilance on your activities & suspected allergens may just help point you to the incriminated agents. Good Luck & I do wish you arrive at the 'root cause' sooner than later & wish you a clear skin soon. Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Praveen Rodrigues

Dermatologist

Practicing since :1993

Answered : 1193 Questions

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What Causes Body Rash?

Brief Answer: Allergy testing; Steroids in tapering doses Detailed Answer: Hi there. I hear you & am happy you seem to have at lest found a temporary solution. I am sorry for playing the devil's advocate but yes, the rash is likely to 'reappear' once the effect of the steroids wears off & in some instances it may be worse than earlier...something we allude to as a steroid 'rebound' phenomenon. But these are pure semantics as we need to find an action plan for you. It does appear that you suffer from some sort of an 'allergy'..most likely an airborne or food related contact dermatitis. Please visit a dermatologist nearest you for a prescription of steroids that is 'tapered' over the next 2 weeks or so. This would be better in your current scenario. Then, one has to hope for the best & remain without steroids for a further 2 weeks. At the end of 1 month (2 week steroid free interval), one has to go in for allergy 'prick' & 'patch' testing that is done at a standardised laboratory near your home-I suggest the use of google to get one that suits your needs & budget. This will give you some idea of what you could be allergic to & what to avoid in a scientific manner. Off the cuff, you are the best doctor & a keen vigilance on your activities & suspected allergens may just help point you to the incriminated agents. Good Luck & I do wish you arrive at the 'root cause' sooner than later & wish you a clear skin soon. Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD