What Causes Red Rashes On Chest, Arms And Legs?

Posted on Sun, 24 May 2015

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

Sun, 24 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I woke up yesterday with a red-spotted rash across my chest, arms and legs. I had been fairly achey all week and had had some chills indicative of a slight fever, but otherwise felt fine. This morning I woke up and the rash progressed to the point that most of my body is red with a few white spots left. The redness goes away when pressed. I do not have much of an appetite. My urine is very dark and I am pretty thirsty.

Initially I thought it was an allergic reaction so had taken a Benadryl, but it didn't make the rash get better. I have taken advil which got rid of the chills, but still same rash.

The only other time my body has had a similar reaction is when I was taking the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole and I found out I was allergic to sulfa. I have not been on any medications or contacted sulfa to my knowledge.

Answered by Dr. Goswami Debopom (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be due to viral fever or Henoch Sconlein purpura or porphyria.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thank you for posting your question. I can understand your concern.

I have gone through the entire post. I can understand that you have a history of allergy to sulphur drugs.
It would have been great had you posted a picture of the rash itself.

Rash all over the body with dark coloured urine could be due to
- a sequeale to a viral fever
- Henoch Schonlein purpura(inflammation of blood vessels)
- SCarlet fever(strep throat infection)
- Porphyria
- Urinary tract infection

Let me ask you a few questions
1. Is there any pain in the abdomen?
2. DO you have any joint pain?
3. Did you have any throat infection in the recent past?

I would suggest you to
- not to worry
- Get a blood Hemoglobin , ESR , CRP (to detect inflammation in the body) , Total count (for infection) , serum bilirubin , serum iron, Total iron binding capacity , ferritin ( Porphyria workup) , platelet count , ANA , Rheumatoid factor done
- Get a urine routine examination and culture and a test for urinary porphyrin done .

I would also suggest you to visit a clinician . He/she can examine you and correlate clinically.

Hope this helps.
Post any other question.
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. Vinay Bhardwaj