What Causes Joint Pains And Rash On Chest And Back?

Posted on Mon, 22 Sep 2014

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 Answered on

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My son had some joint aches and a large rash on chest and back a few weeks ago he is 21 years old and at college. he was put on antibiotic for suspected Lyme. However, he went to infectious disease specialist who took many blood samples, did many tests etc. he rules out Lyme as well as many other things. Blood tests normal except for increased evidence of inflammation. Doc thinks most likely explanation-viral illness. Since then the large rash has gone away and so has jonit aches. However, a few days ago he got a much smaller rash on forearms. This rash is now also fading. He is going to see a dermatologist in a couple of weeks.
What could be going on?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Upload photograph

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query.

Kindly upload a photograph of the rash

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 hours later)

Enclosed please find the uploaded photos of his forearm rash that you requested. My question I sent you last night is above. Look forward to your thoughts.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Urticaria/Hives

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I would keep a possibility of Urticaria/hives. It presents as skin welts/swellings, which can be distributed all over the body. Itching is subjective in individuals. The rash is evanescent and may last just a few hours before completely fading. It might reappear again.

Urticaria OR hives can occur due to various causes like(to name a few):
--Infections(bacterial, viral, fungal)
--Drugs(Pain killers/ antibiotics etc)
--Certain foods and food additives/preservatives
--Physical Urticaria: Cold temperature, Heat, Pressure(Prolonged Standing, Sitting), Dermographism etc.
--Cholinergic Urticaria: in response to strong emotions, exercise, spicy food etc ---Autoimmune disorders like SLE, RA etc.
--A few cases have no underlying cause and are known as idiopathic urticaria.

Urticaria can last a few days even after the inciting factor is removed. In his case the inciting factor is most likely a 'Viral infection' itself from which he has recently recovered or 'Drugs' which he was prescribed for illness. Antibiotics are a common cause of Drug induced urticaria

Treatment: An oral antihistamine like Tab. cetrizine 10 mg once daily for a week would be suitable for him.

A topical soothing lotion like calamine would help him symptomatically.

take care
regards

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