Two small red itchy bumps day one, full blown rash/swelling day two?
My neice is pregnant and said she noted two small red bumps that itched on her arm and then the next day a full blown rash. After two weeks of benadryl and steroids she is still waking up with facial swelling. She hasn't eaten anything new or been exposed to anything new that she is aware of but wonders about the possibility of spider bites? Any answers?
Hi Julie,
It is difficult to say with certainty what the diagnosis of a rash is without a complete history and physical exam. The size, shape and appearance of a rash are crucial to generating a diagnosis.
The rash may be a form of hives and swelling (urticaria and angioedema) sometimes associated with foods, drugs, pregnancy and other triggers. There are also other possible causes of skin rash and swelling.
The fact that your niece is pregnant raises some other unique possibilities. There is a very itchy skin rash associated with pregnancy called Pruritic Urticaria and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP). This rash occurs more often in the third trimester of first time pregnancies. The rash is usually intensely itchy. It usually resolves after delivery. I don't think swelling is associated with PUPPP.
It is important for your niece to have further follow-up with her doctor. An allergist may be helpful if she is not responding to treatment from her gynecologist or family doctor.
Best Wishes
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