What Causes Sporadic Outbursts Of Painful Itchy Rashes On Wrist And Chin?

Posted on Tue, 9 Feb 2016

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

Tue, 9 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 30 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am not sure if I need a dermatologist or an internal medicine doctor. I am 42 and do take anxiety medication. However, this is not stress, not an allergic reaction. I have been experiencing this sporadic bursts of very painful burning itchy rash like areas. It started on my wrists a few weeks ago as a burning sensation. It has graduated to where different parts of my body feel like my skin is on fire - from the inside out. Its very random in nature but I am noticing more and more under my chin and down my neck will become really hot and burny and red blotchy. Also there were areas on my cheeks and forehead yesterday that like blistered up - really red raised areas on my skin - painful. Right now it feels like my neck under my chin is very sun burned. RA does run in my family - I had one positive test a few years ago and then when it was redone it was negative and has been negative ever since. This is becoming so painful. Its not the winter skin itch that I am familiar with. When its on my wrists I have notice the raised areas seem to have lighter oval shaped pockets.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of Hives; post a few pictures

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have read your query and I have noted your concern.

You seem to have Urticaria i.e Hives. Urticaria or Hives usually begin as an episode of wheals and is red, raised, itchy rash which is distributed widely on body. The rash subsides within a few hours and may recur again.
I would suggest you to take a few pictures whenever next time you experience this of rash and post it to me at "Reports Section" so that I can have a look at Or you can post me now if you have any pictures of it.
In the meantime I suggest you to take a tablet of cetrizine 10 mg once daily for a few days. Cetrizine is otc.
Topically you may use a soothing lotion in case you develop the rash.

Regards

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