Wellness

[depglass]

There seem to be different "branches" of dermatology these people specialize in.  I once went to a large practice to have keratoses removed (sunspots), and I observed some seemed to specialize in growths, especially cancerous, some were strictly cosmetic, as in skin care, and some focused on allergies.  Try to get a reference to an allergy specialist, not saying this is what you have.  On a down note, I have a friend who went to every specialist under the sun.  It was not until she went to Marshfield in WI (like Mayo) that she was told "search for cancer," your rash may be a manifestation of cancer.  Sure enough, she had long standing breast cancer that only showed with an MRI.  She is now finished with aggressive chemo and radiation after a double mastectomy.  So keep looking.  Again, don't panic, this is one person's experience. 

[bosmamaa]

Oh that is scary but thanks depglass. I was also wondering about gluten sensitivity. Who knows.. could be so many things. I am going to just go to regular doctor.

[tsavorite]

I suffer from chronic prickly heat...fighting a nasty out break right now...it's 32degrees out here so it's not from living in a warm humid climate!  It looks like little red bumps....feels just like the name...prickly/itchy and HEAT....do you have any issues with the area feeling warm or it you get warm water on it does it make it even worse??  Mine is on my ribs front of abdomen...can't wear a bra...have to have a super loose thin shirt...nothing can touch that skin.  Keeps me up at night even.  I have been going around house spraying the skin with plain water...letting it air dry all day...shirt rolled up exposing my belly (what a site LOL) the air is cool and keeps the area clamer.  This is the only thing that has helped me.....any lotions or creams trap the heat in and make the rash flare up even worse...I also use cool packs.  Don't know if this could be what you have....I am pretty miserable right now so I can sympathize with you

[happycat]

About 2 years ago, after walking my dog on an unusually warm day in winter, I broke out with a rash on the palms of my hands and soles of my feet. It spread. I only use unscented laundry detergent and fabric softener as dd has allergies.

I saw a dermatologist several times, who did a biopsy and thought it was 5ths disease. Then i had allergy testing done, the only thing that showed up was cat dander and it was a small reaction. I ended up seeing a rhumatologist. Basically, the only thing that helped was rx dapsone and over the counter allergy meds, which I would take up to 4 times a day, per drs recommendation.

I still get this intermediately. The rhmatologist says no way its still 5ths diseare and he doesn't know what it is.

Good luck, OP. This can be miserable. Is it keeping you up at night? Thats just the worst.

OH, and I had steroids too. That cleared it up wonderfully while I was taking it, but the rash came right back afterwards.

My rash seems to act up if I get hot, or if I am under stress.

I was also tested for lupus and they don't think I have it either

[NativeJax]

I have not read all the replies but I would ask, do you have any autoimmune disorders? Has your primary physician checked your liver enzymes? You could have an autoimmune disease or liver disease with rash...

[bosmamaa]

Happycat01, yes I had steroids also,, cleared it up but not all the way. The derm suggested Dapsone too but I'm not crazy about having to get my blood checked frequently. At times it keeps me awake. Yes it is miserable!!!! I hope yours gets better !! What allergy medicine do you take?

[LilacTree]

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@bosmamaa wrote:

Hi, I am wondering if any of you have experienced a rash that has tiny red itchy bite looking marks. I've had this for a couple of months and have been to dermatologist twice. They did biopsy and said it looked like a reaction to medication but I don't take Any at all. They gave me steroids which helped alot but not totally. Now after 2 weeks it is worse again. It did clear up the welts I had though. It is driving me crazy!  My derm just doesn't know what it is. Anyone ever experience anything like this?? TIA!!

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@bosmamaa

Yes, I know a lot about itching all over.  If it's chronic (not due to an allergic reaction to something) then it's probably due to one of the autoimmune diseases.  Most regular docs don't know much about autoimmune diseases.  You should see a rheumatologist.

[happycat]

@bosmamaa

I take claritin or zyrtec. When it is real bad and I need to take several a day, I take the claritin.

I understand about not wanting to take the dapsone. I quit several times, but desperation ended up changing my mind. Does the itching keep you up at night? It did me....just absolutely miserable. I feel for anyone that has anything like this...Its so frustrating to go to dr after dr, have tests after tests.....and they still can't explain it.

[bosmamaa]

Happycat01 yes it does wake me at night and you are right, it is awful. You know you shouldn't . Scratch but it is just about impossible not to! Thanks for the response and I do wish you well!!

[Imadickens]

Any chance you are diabetic? I have heard this happening when someone's sugar is elevated!