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What Causes Severe Itchy Rashes On The Body?

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Posted on Sat, 3 Dec 2016
Twitter Sat, 3 Dec 2016 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 23 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : I recently have been having a rash all over my body and itching a lot. Water (hot)tends to exacerbate this issue as well as help help to ease this issue over my skin.
Should I see a dermatolgist for help or a Allergist to see if I'm allergic to something
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

How many days have you had the rash?

Does the rash look like wheels - like hives?

Depending on the severity of the reaction you are experiencing, you can try to treat it at home while waiting for an appointment with an allergist, or, if you are also experiencing throat, lip, or tongue swelling, or having difficulty breathing, you should go directly to the ER where they can give you epinephrine, corticosteroids such as prednisone, and a shot of antihistamine.

If those symptoms are not part of your reaction, I recommend:

Zyrtec (cetirizine) which is an antihistamine, 10 mg. But take it twice a day every day until this resolves.

Hot water can cause hives to temporarily get worse and then get better for a few hours.

Do you recall eating any foods or taking any meds that you aren't used to?

I can tell you more about treatment options after you let me know how long this has been going on, and what the rash looks like (uploading photos under "upload reports" will help too.)

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
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Causes Severe Itchy Rashes On The Body?

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX How many days have you had the rash? Does the rash look like wheels - like hives? Depending on the severity of the reaction you are experiencing, you can try to treat it at home while waiting for an appointment with an allergist, or, if you are also experiencing throat, lip, or tongue swelling, or having difficulty breathing, you should go directly to the ER where they can give you epinephrine, corticosteroids such as prednisone, and a shot of antihistamine. If those symptoms are not part of your reaction, I recommend: Zyrtec (cetirizine) which is an antihistamine, 10 mg. But take it twice a day every day until this resolves. Hot water can cause hives to temporarily get worse and then get better for a few hours. Do you recall eating any foods or taking any meds that you aren't used to? I can tell you more about treatment options after you let me know how long this has been going on, and what the rash looks like (uploading photos under "upload reports" will help too.)