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What Causes Itchy Hives On Legs, Arms And Back?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Question: My 8 year old daughter and I have itchy hives approx 40 each distributed around our legs, arms and back mainly. We both feel fine but I just checked my daughter's temp and it is 100.2 in one ear only. I initially thought the first few bumps were flea bites (as our cat had a few fleas which we treated) and then I thought it was an allergic reaction because we changed our wash powder. I am concerned about not knowing the cause and that they are multiplying. I gave her zirtek and nurofen today.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Chicken pox seems to be the likely cause

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through the details as well as the photographs provided by you. I do not think that the rashes are due to hives (allergic) or any insect bite. Rather, it seems to be more likely caused due to some viral infection. There are many viral infections that manifest with fever along with rashes. The rash here seems to be papulo-vescicular (a scientific term saying that it is raised from surface and is fluid filled) which is generally seen in case of chicken pox. Irrespective of the specific virus that is causing the symptoms, if antivirals which are infrequently used, are given, they may reduce the intensity of symptoms to some extent. All you need to do is to continue giving nurofen (ibuprofen) to reduce fever as and when it occurs, and zirtec (cetirizine) once daily for a few days or till the itchiness persists, as it will help in reducing the itchiness. Ask her to avoid scratching the rashes. The rashes might increase in number for the initial few days. The infection may take 5-15 days to subside and it might be worthwhile to keep the child in the follow up of a pediatrician during this time. You may also discuss the option of giving antivirals with you doctor. I would suggest isolation of the child at least till the rashes resolve.

Wish you all the best.

Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (20 minutes later)

Thank you. The spots are not fluid filled and none are crusting as chicken pox spots would. I had chicken pox as a child and I too have the same spots now so it's unlikely to be chicken pox. Can I assume the suggested virus is contagious?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It does not have to be contagious but it is infectious.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

On looking at the image, a few of them seems to be crusted. Pardon me if I was wrong. I might have thought differently on a closer look. Even if it is not chicken pox, it is quite likely to be viral in origin and hence infectious. How contagious it is, is hard to say without determining the exact cause, but I would still suggest reducing contact with external persons for the time being. That might help in infection control.

Hope that helps.

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Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (35 minutes later)

Thank you. At what point should we visit our GP? What symptoms or changes would indicate this?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Keep the child under follow up of a pediatrician anyway

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking back.

I do not expect worsening of the rashes except for increase in number with subsequent waning off. So I would not like to mention any specific presentation to visit your pediatrician (not GP). But still I would prefer to keep the child under follow up with your doctor just to be on the safer side.

Hope that helps.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj