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What Causes Itchy Rash On Both Arms, Along With Constant Chills?

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Posted on Sat, 15 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 15 Mar 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 4 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : I am suffering from severe itchy rash on both arms, along with constant chills and general ill feeling. This has been happening over the last several months during which I have made repeated visits to my PCP, as well as several emergency room visits. Nobody seems to be able to pinpoint the cause. My PCP has prescribed Prednisone for 5days, as well as Diphenhydramine. The prednisone helps, but I am afraid to take the Diphenhydramine as I think it causes a reaction. The hot, red, sore to the touch rash is driving me crazy! Have you any help? What can I do for chills? Is there any salve you could recommend? I am desperate!
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Answered by Dr. CS Narayan (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Blood tests needed, allergy work up. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for your query. I shall make an effort to provide you with good professional recommendations specific to your questions. Your long standing condition with chills (assuming your spikes of increased body temperature) and rash - would require a good comprehensive work up of blood tests including eosinophil count and IgA to rule out allergy if that is the primary concern. But, chills makes pure allergy in the diagnosis remote - and other causes likely. Infections need to be reviewed if you are not on any long term medications. Prednisolone does take care of rash and will need some time to act, but chills may require over the counter anti-pyretic medication if your liver status is good. I use Diphenhydramine for some allergic cough conditions in my patients, and I would offer some non-sedative antihistaminics that are free from side effects if rashes is a concern. You need to have a little bit of patience, until prednisolone peaks in its action, but once it does - you should feel a world better. Talk to your doctor of the options as you may need a legible prescription. Let me know if I have missed out any other concern in your question. Yet again, I duly appreciate your query to me, I do hope that you have found something useful to help you and I shall be glad to answer any further apprehensions. Sincerely, Dr Sujeet N Charugulla, MBBS, MD. Consultant Physician.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. CS Narayan (32 minutes later)
Dear Dr., Thank you. Could you please suggest some anti-pyretics for me to get over the counter? Diphenhydramine scares me as I do believe it causes a reaction. Do you recommend Witch XXXXXXX or Hydrogen Peroxide for relief of the misery of the rash?
doctor
Answered by Dr. CS Narayan (14 hours later)
Brief Answer: Options OTC available. Detailed Answer: Thanks for the followup. Some commonly available antipyretics OTC (Over the counter) include compounds containing acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen etc. Dosage and duration will be indicated on the label and may vary with brand. I would recommend my patient in here, to try loratadine or chlorpheniramine containing preparations OTC, since you have reservations for diphenhydramine. Moisturizing lotions, and Calamine preparations also help soothe the rash area. Hope this helps. Thanks,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. CS Narayan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

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What Causes Itchy Rash On Both Arms, Along With Constant Chills?

Brief Answer: Blood tests needed, allergy work up. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for your query. I shall make an effort to provide you with good professional recommendations specific to your questions. Your long standing condition with chills (assuming your spikes of increased body temperature) and rash - would require a good comprehensive work up of blood tests including eosinophil count and IgA to rule out allergy if that is the primary concern. But, chills makes pure allergy in the diagnosis remote - and other causes likely. Infections need to be reviewed if you are not on any long term medications. Prednisolone does take care of rash and will need some time to act, but chills may require over the counter anti-pyretic medication if your liver status is good. I use Diphenhydramine for some allergic cough conditions in my patients, and I would offer some non-sedative antihistaminics that are free from side effects if rashes is a concern. You need to have a little bit of patience, until prednisolone peaks in its action, but once it does - you should feel a world better. Talk to your doctor of the options as you may need a legible prescription. Let me know if I have missed out any other concern in your question. Yet again, I duly appreciate your query to me, I do hope that you have found something useful to help you and I shall be glad to answer any further apprehensions. Sincerely, Dr Sujeet N Charugulla, MBBS, MD. Consultant Physician.