What Causes Recurrent Itchy Rashes All Over Body?

Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 Answered on

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am extremely concerned about an on going itchy rash I have been having for about 3 months. It comes at different times all over my body but as of right now, mainly my hands and forearms. I have gotten a full blood test when this first happened and everything came back normal. ( I did have a little protein in my urine sample.)The doctor also said that this is not scabies. I have bumps on my knuckles accompanied by redness inbetween my fingers and top of hand. My hands are also for the most part very cold but I have had this problem before the rash. On top of this rash I had a slight almost fainting experience in the shower one morning. I am not sure if this is due to the high level of stress this problem has been causing me. I have attached pictures below of different parts of my body. These pictures were taken on different days. The little red dots on my forearm also seem to have a darker dot in the center that looks like a scab. Please help me as this problem is driving me crazy!!

Answered by Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Allergy

Detailed Answer:
Hello Welcome to HCM Forum

I have gone through the photos and it appears that either these are rashes due to some urticarial rash or allergy. We can keep scabies also as diagnosis but it has been already ruled out in your case. I would like to know few things like-

- If the position of rashes remains same or they appear and disappear?
- If you are taking any medicines?
- If you have recently had episode of fever?
- If you have started using any new skin product or not?
- If you have started taking some new food in last 2-3 months?

The fainting episode we can explain simply by severe anxiety due to persistence of rash. As per my opinion these are urticarial rash either due to some allergy or due to some insect bite. I usually prescribe cetrizine or fexofenadine, levocetrizine to my patients in such situations. Consult your doctor for reevaluation.

Thankyou. Ask again if you have more questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (13 minutes later)

Thank you for the response. The rashes appear and disappear mainly on my stomach,arms and hands. I do remember having a fever a few months ago but my 2 yr old niece also was sick and thought it was just a bug. The rash is not always as severe. I am going to follow up with my doctor but the anxiety of thinking I could have a terrible disease has been interfering wirh my every day life .
I also suffer from Bulimia but saw nowhere that this could cause a rash.

Answered by Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please don't panic

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking again

As the position of rashes appear and disappear and not fixed it can be due to some allergy. Some time without any definite antigen individuals may show urticarial rash. There is nothing serious and no need to develop anxiety. You have mentioned about Bulimia so I would also suggest you to start taking supplements of Iron and Vitamin B12. Low vitamin B12 can potentiate such symptoms. The rashes should go with anti-allergy medicines.

Thanks, ask again for any follow up.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (5 minutes later)

Thank you so much and I will start taking supplements and allergy medicine. Hopefully it clears up. Thank you again!

Answered by Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you a speedy recovery.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking again

It will clear up, pleasure to help you.

Thanks

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. Prasad