Friday, February 10, 2012
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 cynda asks

Q: Itchy rash on legs and arms

For 3 months,I have had a reacurring rash on my legs and arms. The doctor seems to think this is an allergy. I am 55 years old, never had allergies. When this started 3 months ago, I was planting a small garden. I don't know if this has anything to do with it. I went through 2 rounds of prednizone (steroids) and both times when treatment was finished, the rash came back. I am not covered with the rash. It started on the front of my left leg. Then it went to the top of my legs. It was cleared up with the steroids, but then came back aft er the treatment on the top of my legs and forearms. I have changed to laundry detergent that is free and  clear. I have not used any thing different such as perfumes, lotions, etc.

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Answers (118)
6/ 3/09 9:19pm

Oh my gosh.  This is the EXACT same thing that has just happened to me.  I am 33 and have never been allergic to anything either.  I just completed my first round of prednizone and am going back to the dermatologist tomorrow in hppes of figuring out what is going on.  My rash came back after about 5 days after I quit taking the medication and like yours, when it returned, it spread up my thigh and is now on my arms.  I'm so worried that I will have this for the rest of my life. :-(

 

Can anyone advise please?!?  Thanks!

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6/17/09 8:17pm

I have the same thing it sounds like. I am 28. Started as itchy flesh clored bumps on my arms, treat it with steroids and it went away. However it came back after I stopped and thi stime on my legs too! I have been on 3 rounds of steroids now an dam going to the dermatologist in 2 days. I have no idea what is causing this - I have no allergies that I know of.

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6/23/09 10:59pm

Well I am in the same boat! Yet I am 29 and this has been going on for 3 or 4 summers now. It seems to really get itchy when I am in the sun or have been sweeting alot. It is worse in the summer yet I still have it in the winter. I live in Arkanas and the weather is forever changing. It seems to be itchy at night time as well. I have been to several doctors and they have all tried different things and can not give me a name for it! All I know is that it started on the front of my legs and now moved to the calves and the bend of my arms. I hope all of you that have written have better luck than I have.. May God Bless!

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6/10/10 7:05am

It sounds like the same thing i have only my started as little pimple's like then turned into a rash on the back of my calfs and fore arms.  This also itches more at night and when the area is covered by pants or blankets.  I a have been to the walk in clinic and the dr.s. They have both said that it looks like either a food alergy or some other sort of allergic reaction to maybe laundry soap which i have not changed. I'm on my first round of steriods which do not seem to be helping along with an antihistomine. Help this is driving me crazy and no one has an answer.GNY

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9/16/10 10:14am

hi im the same problem with you starting i move here from filippines, i went to dermatology and they told me its a weather in va. but now im so happy that they almost gone i scrub my self with coffee and any kind of oil, i used grape oil then massage it to my body especially the skin u have rush leave it 45mins to 1hr then use any oil or lotion try it and u see what happen to your skin. i have a really pretty skin now all my rush almost gone dermatology never help me but these works. hope these could help u god bless

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9/16/10 10:19am

hi im the same problem with you starting i move here from filippines, i went to dermatology and they told me its a weather in va. but now im so happy that they almost gone i scrub my self with coffee and any kind of oil, i used grape oil then massage it to my body especially the skin u have rush leave it 45mins to 1hr then use any oil or lotion try it and u see what happen to your skin. i have a really pretty skin now all my rush almost gone dermatology never help me but these works. hope these could help u god bless

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9/16/10 10:19am

hi im the same problem with you starting i move here from filippines, i went to dermatology and they told me its a weather in va. but now im so happy that they almost gone i scrub my self with coffee and any kind of oil, i used grape oil then massage it to my body especially the skin u have rush leave it 45mins to 1hr then use any oil or lotion try it and u see what happen to your skin. i have a really pretty skin now all my rush almost gone dermatology never help me but these works. hope these could help u god bless

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7/ 5/11 12:17pm

Heyy...iWent To My Doctor Theyy Took A Biopsy On Mine No Name For It But,Theyy Saidd It Mayy Come From "Scratching",Because When Youu Scratch Your Rash Your Finger Nails Have Bacteria Under Them And Its Probably Making It Worse! -Brisha Godd BlessSmile

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12/ 7/09 11:46am

LOOK AT MY POST DOWN BELOW FROM THIS SAME DATE. Theres a good chance this could be from SPLENDA. I'm serious...google "Splenda intense itching".

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12/19/09 10:27pm

OMG. Thank you so much Kathyrn. You could be right. How did you figure this out.

I will google this right now. I was using the brown sugar Splenda after just buying a bag on Sat. Dec 13th. I kept using it daily not realizing.

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12/21/09 11:20pm

I've been desperate for an answer and somehow stumbled across it...i have quit anything with splenda or sucralose (there is a TON of items that have it...even my whey protein powder) and the itching has stopped!

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2/24/10 12:04am

Thank you so much, I just realized that I chewed gum with sucralose in it and I have a horrible rash on my legs, arms and stomach.  It's mostly on my legs and I am currently on prednisone steroid, hopefully it will work.  I will keep this in mind when purchasing my gum!  Thanks again.

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4/14/10 2:11pm

Hey, I live in Delaware and I am 43.. for three months now I have had these horrible bouts of rash on the front of my lower legs, the creases of my inner arms and around my neck ... I have had prednisone, steroidal cream, tar ointments, i've tried benadryl cream, peroxide, neosporin and nothing works - I am actually embarresed b/c my legs used to be so pretty and smooth now I won't go out in shorts or even capris .. did you ever find anything that helped you - i have a dermotologist appt on May 12th, but that is weeks away and I am so embarressed and uncomfortable - my boyfriend is wondering "what the heck" bc its so sudden...

 

 

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5/26/10 5:41pm

My symptoms are very much like your's.  Extremely frustrating !!!!  This has been going on now for about 3 months.  Started on the lower front of legs, now the tops of my arms and near my arm-pit on the right side and is moving across my neck and uppper chest area.  My Dr. prescribed a cream called "Mometasone Furoate Cream USP, 0.1%.  Took the itching away and calmed the rash down quite a bit !  However, symptoms still continued and kept spreading.  I did find something very interesting on the internet while searching for some answers.  "Splenda" has been reported by some to cause some if not all the symptoms I have been experiencing. I have not used this product or have ingested anything with splenda or aspertame in it for 3 days now, and my rash, itching, headaches, and even joint pain is subsiding.  Please consider this possible culprit.  Check desserts, drinks, candy, chewing gum, mints and even cereals that may contain these chemically made sugars.  Also all diet products.  Good Luck and God Bless.

I'll be praying for you to find your answer.  As for me...  I will stay away from these sugars and hope that I have finally found the answer myself.  Will report back in a few days.            

 

 

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5/27/10 7:35am

Very interesting... i had a slight relief and the rash even went away for about a week - now its back full force - mostly just on the fronts of my legs .. i have been using the Deprolene cream and the other ointment that i was given and it seems to have stoped working.   I use Splenda in everything!!! i have been using it for over 4 years though, so i don't understand why it just now started to cause a reaction.  I hate the thought of not using Splenda b/c real sugar gives me migraine headaches and I hate Sweet n Low ...  i guess i will give it a try, but its hard b/c most of the foods i eat have splenda b/c i have been on low-card diet for 4 years and its my new life style of eating.  thanks for the information though i will see if i can make a change.

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6/ 5/10 9:36am

Try Stevia for your sweetener.  It does have a taste that takes getting used to because it's so different than what you've been consuming.  However, it is plant based.  Be sure to read ingredient lists because some have additives.  For example, Truvia.  My husband doesn't like Stevia so he uses organic crystal sugar.

 

Also I got a bad case of Shingles several years ago.  At the time I was under a great amount of stress.  It is very interesting how the body reacts when one is under stress.  For stress I recommend Calm.  It will soothe your nerves very quickly. http://www.calmnatural.com/

 

Finally, I do a body cleanse.  It helps immensely with all that you've been experiencing.  If you'd like to know more about this email me at evajean880@msn.com.

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5/27/10 11:23pm

I having been using splenda for a long time and never had a reaction to it before.  Had you just begun using it or had you been using it for years also?

 

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4/14/11 7:32am

Thank you SO much for the tip about sucralose!! For the past 2 weeks I have been plagued by excrutiating itching on my arms and lower legs - small little hard light- red bumps, and a burning itch that forces me scratch uncontrollably.

So I tried to work out what I had changed recently? I had gone back on my fitness regime, and instead of fresh juice in the morning, I was drinking a purchased cranberry juice. Lo and behold - one of the ingredients is 'Sucralose'. Within 2 days - symptoms had almost disappeared!!

I am a fit mid 50's lady, always take pride in my appearance and presentation, and this bloody aawful condition has really knocked me. And I am POSITIVE it is due to this sucralose! Thank you so much! 

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1/19/10 8:47am

the sucralose/splenda omitting worked...im itch free

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4/13/11 7:57am

Omg that is so crazy I have the same thing and just assumed it had something to do with my exzema.  Now reading this I never started getting the rash until I started using splenda, almost 3 years ago.  It also seemed I would break out with this right before my monthly cycle started.  This is so weird, because I quit using splenda 1 year ago and never had the rash until I started using it again 4 months ago.  This is so crazy!

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10/ 1/11 12:31pm
Omg! I hope you see this and can email me; I have same effects! I use splenda, the breakout gets worst rt before my cycle...I can stop using splenda, but what about these spots? Will they go away on their own? Reply
7/ 6/09 7:09pm

Hi there...I have the exact same thing that all of you are describing and I am 26.  It started a couple years ago and usually leads to me going on a dose of prednisone which only temporarily relieves the problem.  I have noticed it seems to happen every time I go on vacation but some of them have been in the heat and some in the cold, so I don't see any coralation there.  Did any of you ever find a solution?  Did the biopsy show anything?  Or the second trip to the dermatologist?  Unfortunately my doctors have been no help and this rash continues to flare up every couple of months on just my arms and legs.

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7/10/09 9:08pm

OH THANK GOD I FOUND THIS PAGE.

 

I am a 31 year old female who has history of sporadic eczema, but no other skin issues or allergies. I have had intensely itchy, slightly raised, light pink bumps on my arms for nearly 4 weeks. I also have intense itching on my lower legs, but no rash or bumps. It itches worse at night than during the day. I have not made any changes to my soaps, eating habits, etc. I have scratched in several places until I bled, and it wakes me up at night. I cannot figure it out, but it sounds like I will be going to my doctor soon, as I have tried Benadryl, Benadryl cream, oatmeal baths, changing to an even milder soap, new shaving cream, you name it. My skin looks awful on my arms and I'm about to lose my mind over this.

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9/ 2/09 12:56pm

take antrax 10 mg three times a day... take allegra 180 once in the mornin... apply calosoft or veroka lotion three times in the day and once while sleeping... everything`l be back to normal in a week... 

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10/26/09 6:45pm

Do I need a prescription for antrax? or any of the other 2?

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9/ 3/09 10:32pm

same with me!!  and it is really embarrassing (my arms especially)...hey if you want to bounce a few ideas back and forth, don't hesitate to email me at: anesta1973@gmail.com.  Also, I just started working as a Pharmacy Tech, so hopefully i'll learn more about it very soon.

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9/ 7/09 11:55pm

i did email anesta what i have found that helps...is diaper rash paste. You know, that comes in a tube. one brand is called butt paste.

Seriously. it may not get rid of it as it may have something to do internally but it dries it up and helps with the itch alot. good luck

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7/24/11 10:57am

try using pure bleach on your  skin, it will burn three or four days,and your skin will turn dark ,but will clear up.  I know about the shame and the embrassment of wearing long sleeve clothing in the summertime, so try it and let me know, and god bless.

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8/24/11 12:48am

I wouldnt use bleach, can cause something similiar to a chemical burn, make the skin more irritated than help it, with the rash, the skin is already in distress.

 

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8/24/11 12:48am

I wouldnt use bleach, can cause something similiar to a chemical burn, make the skin more irritated than help it, with the rash, the skin is already in distress.

 

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1/19/10 8:49am

look at my posts on this age about splenda/sucralose...i was desperate for an answer which is why i keep reposting on this page...i am finally cured of the itching

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5/17/10 2:16am

is this the same as yours??? i'm 26, never been allergic to anything, and suddenly my lrgs itch like fire and burn after i scratch them. there is a fine rash that comes up after scratching, but it's almost flesh colored. it's much worse at night and keeps me up....HELP

 

~Megan

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11/19/10 5:42am

I definitely have the same symptoms you describe, with the exception of our ages, i'm 45. Never had an alergy, I don't recall using any artificial surgar substitute at all, let alone as long as the itchies have been attacking me in my sleep 

 

Oh, you describe the fine rash & burning to the T.  The other day, my leggs started itching in the tub, and after I scratched long and hard, (actually felt good), the hot water sizzled my legs (felt like)

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9/ 4/11 6:04am

I started with a red itchy rash on my forearms last year. The doctor said it was to do with the weather. It went away for a few weeks but has now returned with a vengeance. It is now on my feet, legs and arms. Despite using Betnovate and itch creams it just gets worse.

It drives me mad and can happen at any time, starting with a small red spot that tingles like a cold sore and I can actually watch it spread. I have medication for underactive thyroid and asthma. Mo

 

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1/10/11 9:34pm

I have Exactly what you are describing.    Do you know what it is?  

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12/19/09 10:29pm

Have you been using Splenda products? I just started using last week and have the same symptoms as you.

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3/21/10 10:11am

I am a 57 year old woman who started having flare-ups 4 years ago.  After a tag sale I came in and took a shower and shaved my legs.  As soon as I got out of the shower I could feel this intense itch on my shin - on the front of my lower right leg.  It continued to itch and the rash spread to about 6 inches around.  I usually break out 2 times a year, but the rash lasts from beginning to end for about 2-3 months.  I have been to a few dermatologists and even had a biopsy.  They "really couldn't" identify what it was.  Whether it is a form of Exema or the general term Dermatitis, which covers a lot, or if it could be in the Pityriasis Rosacea family; basically I think I'm stuck with this forever.  The treatment is what I am most interested in.  I have been using a steroid cream which helps, not much, but using that for extended periods can cause your skin to thin.  On my own I discovered that cold compresses relieves itching.  It gets worse at night because you are under the covers heating up and the heat makes you itch "worse". (don't scratch - get up and put on a cold compress)  My doctor said that when the skin is not irritated, to use Vasoline as that keeps your skin moist.  I put it on and it absorbs pretty quickly, too.  Creams with perfume and alcohols will dry it out even more.  Maybe Vasoline Intensive Care as a cream...  I think that's all we can do.  I don't think doctors know exactly what causes it, otherwise we all wouldn't be up here with the same continuing problem.  Good Luck to you all...

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9/27/10 8:03pm

I am 72, always had great skin, but now, I scratch at night and bleed. First, the legs & now arms.  Absolutely no bugs. I had biopsy (said possible bacteria)  & used various lotions & creams.  I stopped swimming & now gained weight. I have gerd & now gain more weight becausde I'm afraid to work out.  Any Help??? Marge 

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3/21/10 10:12am

I am a 57 year old woman who started having flare-ups 4 years ago.  After a tag sale I came in and took a shower and shaved my legs.  As soon as I got out of the shower I could feel this intense itch on my shin - on the front of my lower right leg.  It continued to itch and the rash spread to about 6 inches around.  I usually break out 2 times a year, but the rash lasts from beginning to end for about 2-3 months.  I have been to a few dermatologists and even had a biopsy.  They "really couldn't" identify what it was.  Whether it is a form of Exema or the general term Dermatitis, which covers a lot, or if it could be in the Pityriasis Rosacea family; basically I think I'm stuck with this forever.  The treatment is what I am most interested in.  I have been using a steroid cream which helps, not much, but using that for extended periods can cause your skin to thin.  On my own I discovered that cold compresses relieves itching.  It gets worse at night because you are under the covers heating up and the heat makes you itch "worse". (don't scratch - get up and put on a cold compress)  My doctor said that when the skin is not irritated, to use Vasoline as that keeps your skin moist.  I put it on and it absorbs pretty quickly, too.  Creams with perfume and alcohols will dry it out even more.  Maybe Vasoline Intensive Care as a cream...  I think that's all we can do.  I don't think doctors know exactly what causes it, otherwise we all wouldn't be up here with the same continuing problem.  Good Luck to you all...

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5/13/10 1:13pm

Hello, I am a 32 female with what sounds to be the same thing, only on my left shin, I have another doctor appt next week...trying to get a referal for a dermatolgist. This has been on and off for a few years now, tired different cortison creams, changed soaps etc.....nothing works. I would like to say I have very slim attrative legs.....well till this started....if I put shorts on everyone thinks it's a bad burn....I have some pics but not sure where to post. Any advice you could provide would be helpful, I don't want to live with this. I enjoy the nice weather but am to embarsed to show my legs now from all the comments.

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7/17/09 9:58am

Are any of you from Virginia by any chance?  I have this same issue going on and to be honest, I am kind of freaking out!  Mine dont itch and I keep finding them in more places... I am going to the doctor on Monday.  I dont like this at all.

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7/19/09 1:19pm

I have had the same issue ging on since winter, on one calf.  It started as an itchy shin, that I have had for years in the winter.  But as the calf stopped itching the calf looked like it had poison Ivy (that I have never been allergic to) and now has turned into an small itchy bumps that are the worst at night.  I keep meaning to go to the doctor, but then it fools me into thinking it is getting better.  And yes, I live in Virginia.

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10/29/09 4:08am

I have this too and I'm 20.  I keep going to the doctor and no one can ever tell me what it is.  But I will wake up in the middle of the night and scratch my arms and legs raw because the itch is so terrible and I have no immediate relief.

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11/26/09 4:07am

i am in the exact posistion! it started on the back of my right leg calf (mediem patch of skin colored/pinkish tiny bumps) then moved up my legg ....behind my knees and on my forearms are the worst i scratch so bad it looks like a shoot up or like on crack scratchin my skin till it bleeds. the continued to both legs(ankles,calves,knees,thighs and unfortunately my butt and the prom my arm pits down to my wrists and i've only had it for a week but if your going through the same thing you understand its like hell. :[ please doctors dont know cuz none of my eating, meds, soap....nothing changed. e-mail me at KaylaKaylaaa@yahoo.com

 

 

only if your serious with answers

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12/19/09 7:33pm

Hello I have the same skin rash on my legs and arms. The doctors say its just a allergy. Here is what my doctor tells me to do, when taking a shower tone down the temperature just a little bit because hot water aggrivates the rash. as soon as you (pat dry) your skin  apply a lotion that contains cocoa butter and let it soak into your skin before getting dressed. The lotion I use is made by Queen Helene Cocoa butter hand and body lotion. One thing you must stop doing is scratching the rash I know its hard to do but believe me scratching it makes it worse not to mention it burns like crazy when putting on any lotion. Also take a small bottle of lotion with you for flare ups. One thing that makes the rash worse is STRESS.  DO NOT use a lotion, soap etc with a strong fragrance, strong frangrances aggrivate the rash. At times you will need to change lotions due to it seems not to work as well as it did before, but you can use it again in a couple of months. I hope this helps releive the pain and itching for anyone that suffers with this rash.

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4/29/11 1:15pm

Wow! I am suffering from the same thing on my lower legs usually my shins. I feel the itch starting (intense), then bumps start and it is really hard not to scratch. My doctor thought it was folliculitis and ordered Fluocinimide cream which cleared it but it returned several weeks later. As soon as I feel the itch I put the cream on and it stops it, also I take a couple of Benadryl which helps the itching. Also don't laugh but I found that Aloe gel with lidocaine (usually used for sunburn) helps with the itching the lidocaine numbs the area and the aloe gel helps moisturizer the skin. I have found that it resolves more quickly if you can control the scratching. I too have scars on my legs from my bouts with this problem. It's amazing that so many people of different ages are having problems with this and doctors are at a loss about exactly what this is.

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10/20/11 3:59pm

I have had this same problem on my right arm for a couple of months now.  No joke, I used sunburn gel with lidocaine and it did sooth and relieve the burning and itching for a while.  Now that doesn't help me at all.  I took prednisone for a week and it helped.  About a week and a half after taking the meds, the arm started itching again and the rash has came back.  So far it's not as bad of an itch as before, but that could change and it freaks me out.  My doctor said that it looked like scabies but it probably wasn't because no one else in my family has it and it's only on one arm.  It's aggravating, frustrating and I just want it to stop!!  Cold compresses do help tremendously as it numbs the area and relieves the itching.  Steroid cream has been helping as well, but continuous use causes skin to think and bruise easily.  Wish doctors would figure out what it is as so many of us suffer from the same problem.

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11/ 4/10 1:34am

honestly...it sounds like ur sufferin from scabies. u need to go to the drug store and get sulfur and vaseline. at some drug stores u can have sulfur compounded n to soaps or ointments..but if u get just vaseline and SULFUR, make a paste by mixin the 2 2gether and cover urself from neck 2 toes each night b4 bed and wash off n the mornin. do it 4 3 nights and and change ur bedsheets and wash ur clothes n borax. vacuum ur bed and couches and carpet really well. u can even sprinkle the borax on the mattress and carpet and let it sit for a few days then vacuum it off. this should work. repeat after a week & again a week later 2 b sure

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11/26/09 4:08am

i am in the exact posistion! it started on the back of my right leg calf (mediem patch of skin colored/pinkish tiny bumps) then moved up my legg ....behind my knees and on my forearms are the worst i scratch so bad it looks like a shoot up or like on crack scratchin my skin till it bleeds. the continued to both legs(ankles,calves,knees,thighs and unfortunately my butt and the prom my arm pits down to my wrists and i've only had it for a week but if your going through the same thing you understand its like hell. :[ please doctors dont know cuz none of my eating, meds, soap....nothing changed. e-mail me at KaylaKaylaaa@yahoo.com

 

 

only if your serious with answers

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1/19/10 8:51am

check my other posts on the page...i know how much pain you are in...splenda/sucralose is doing this to thousands of people...check google

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10/10/09 6:00pm

I'm live in Virginia and I started noticing the bumps about a month ago around where my arm meets my chest and down the fron of my arm....I thought they were bug bites but when I went to the doctor she said it was called falliculitis - an inflamation of the hair follicle.  She prescribed me Bactrim and the bacterial infection and liquid erythromycin to put on the site...I thought it was getting better but now has spread to the backs of my legs, back, and stomach.  I called back and she precribed me with Hydroxyzine which is an antihystamine.  It doesn't seem to be getting any better and i'm scratching out of my mind!!!!!

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6/ 1/11 5:15am

Hi...

 

I live in Virginia too! I am in Richmond, and I had just a little psorias on my elbows and knees. Then May 2009 I started getting bumps and itching like crazy! I also got what they called seborrebic keratosis, actinic keratosis, and chickenskins. Allergist informed me I am allergic to everything but lettuce and grapes! This all happened like overnight!

 

I was on the pain patch, so some ER doctors said I was allergic to narcotic pain patch that I had been on 7years..a NP rx'd me with scabies...and the dermatologist I have been seeing says it's my psoriasis! But the little flesh colored bumps don't look like the psorias on my elbows.

 

The flesh colored bumps are inside my thighs, in armpits, back of underarm, and on my back! Those are different than the other bumps.. I have tried changing detergent, pain meds and had over 10 different pills or creams...

 

NOTHING WORKS! If it does, not for long! Does anyone know anything now?


Desperate!

 

Thinking it could be:

 

1. stress...started college in Jan. 2009 (3 mos. earlier)

2. Hormones - post menopausal about that time

OR WHATEVER

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2/17/10 12:01pm

Did you ever find a cure for this itchy rash?  Were you on Splenda at all?

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2/23/10 7:46pm

Hi i am from hampton roads, and i have the same thing it started out of nowhere and keeps occuring all the time now...after i take a shower or after taking a nap or i will be at work and a flare up will happen...this has never happened to me before...did u get any advice from the doctor??

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7/ 6/10 7:34am

I am from Hampton Roads as well and have the same problem with itchy forearms and inner thighs. I started by using hydrocortizone because when I showed and explained to a pharmacist my symptoms, she thought it might be sand flea bites. A couple days later, I googled sand flea bites and that's not at all what my rash looks like. Little raised bumps with no redness, just itchy. I spoke to a few other people and they said it might be heat rash, since it has been extremely hot outside.  I avoided the sun fo a few days and it did subside a bit. But now it's back and I haven't done anything different. Benedryl doesn't even seem to touch the itch. I have been reding about this splenda theory and wonder that if I stop putting it in my coffee, will the bumps go away?  I am going to be using plain sugar for a while to test this theory. I think I will try the salycillic acid also, the itch is driving me crazy!

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7/ 6/10 7:37am

I am from Hampton Roads as well and have the same problem with itchy forearms and inner thighs. I started by using hydrocortizone because when I showed and explained to a pharmacist my symptoms, she thought it might be sand flea bites. A couple days later, I googled sand flea bites and that's not at all what my rash looks like. Little raised bumps with no redness, just itchy. I spoke to a few other people and they said it might be heat rash, since it has been extremely hot outside.  I avoided the sun fo a few days and it did subside a bit. But now it's back and I haven't done anything different. Benedryl doesn't even seem to touch the itch. I have been reding about this splenda theory and wonder that if I stop putting it in my coffee, will the bumps go away?  I am going to be using plain sugar for a while to test this theory. I think I will try the salycillic acid also, the itch is driving me crazy!

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3/28/10 12:39am

me too, im from vb

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10/21/11 8:30pm

yes, well Northern VA.  My son did not have this when we lived deep in the south.  Bus as soon as we moved to NoVa, he is covered with this stuff.  Second dose of prednisone and more is visible now that the dose is almost gone.   I don't know if its bed bugs or what, but none of other family have it.  We do not use splenda, almost wish we did just so we can try it to see if that's what it is.  

I HATE this for his as he is in his teen and kids can be cruel.  Dr. have no clue keep telling allergic reaction but no one can tell me to what or why now and never before where nothing change except the city we live in.  So we must ne allergic to NoVA, Great.  Oatmeal baths help but only for that day.  I used creams, pills, and I'm just lost.  I can't belive doctors do not or can not find out what it is.  

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10/21/11 8:31pm

yes, well Northern VA.  My son did not have this when we lived deep in the south.  Bus as soon as we moved to NoVa, he is covered with this stuff.  Second dose of prednisone and more is visible now that the dose is almost gone.   I don't know if its bed bugs or what, but none of other family have it.  We do not use splenda, almost wish we did just so we can try it to see if that's what it is.  

I HATE this for his as he is in his teen and kids can be cruel.  Dr. have no clue keep telling allergic reaction but no one can tell me to what or why now and never before where nothing change except the city we live in.  So we must ne allergic to NoVA, Great.  Oatmeal baths help but only for that day.  I used creams, pills, and I'm just lost.  I can't belive doctors do not or can not find out what it is.  

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1/25/12 11:25pm

If you have amalgam silver fillings in your teeth, get them out and be sure your dentist uses the Huggins Procedure. Mercury in amalgam fillings can cause that, also, avoid fish containing high levels of mercury.  Take these supplements: Chlorella, omega 3, B complex.  Read up about this; there's good science involved.  My biologist friend (who's a college professor, extremely skeptical, but was itching like crazy all over, just recovered by doing all this.  Good luck.

 

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8/20/09 3:33pm

I'm 27 and this rash started at the end of spring on my upper innner thighs.  It lasted for weeks before I made my self stop scratching it and used every cream I could find.  Now I get it on my upper inner and back of arms.  A small cluster of bumps (usually starts of a one single bump that itches like crazy) that only worsen befor ethey get better.  The ting is they come bother me for awhile and then dry out.  I never was allergic to anything.  It's worse at night right before bed for some reason.  I tought it was bed bugs but my mattress is new and I have a cover to protect from them.  Someone please figure this out.  It's driving me crazy. I live in CT and I'm African American.

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9/14/09 6:37pm

Mine also started in the upper inner thighs, and is on my inner arms and a little on the lower part of my stomach. The bumps don't come up until after I scratch and go away after a while. Then I'll get an itch a few hours later and it starts again. Everyone keeps telling me to stop scratching it but I can't help it, it drives me insane. It's not blistery bumps either, it's just little bumps that look similar to small mosquito bites. I have no idea what it is. I'm 17 and from Ohio...

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10/25/10 3:55pm

Your descriptions are similar to mine. Did you find relief after this post? this seems an old post. I'm just curious as it itch so bad.

 

Thanks!

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10/30/09 5:57pm

PLEASE DON'T STRATCH!!!  IT MAKES IT WORSE.  I thought something had bit me. That was not the case. These raised marks come up suddenly. I went to the doctor and she told me, I don't know. You are must be allergic to something.

 

I was prescibed steriods and benedryl (excuse the spelling). I bought ointment cream totaling over $100.00. GUESS WHAT HELPED ME......... Apply a hot compress. Get a clean white washcloth, run the water hot as your skin can stand it. Sueeze the water out and apply the hot wash cloth directly on the itch. It will itch some more, DO NOT STRATCH IT. If you do this rhe swelling will go down and the itch will slowly disappear.

 

Now this works for me. What works for me, may not necessarily work for you. It dosen't hurt to try a natural remedy.  However, I still do not know what causes these outbreaks. All I know for sure is, when you stratch it...it makes it worse.

 

Let me know

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7/ 8/10 1:40pm

Hi,

So many of suffering from the exact same rash. Lower legs and upper arms in my case, blistery and ITCHY like hell. I found out that if I take a really hot shower in the morning the itch gets temporarily worse while showering, but then stays away pretty much the whole day. This together with Fluocinonide cream for the night keeps the itch under control. However, ...where do these blistery B**tards come from? They seem to creep up my legs. I also never had any allergic reactions to anything, it just popped up out of nowhere. I don't eat Splenda, and checked my entire food inventory for sucralose. My other health issue is eye twitching, perhaps related to the rash or not. My guess is we are looking at a nasty virus.

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8/17/10 8:21am

I believe I figured out the source of my rash.  I am 29 and have never had an allergy in my life and about 3 months ago I noticed an itchy rash all over my lower back, fore arms and abdomen.  It went away but started coming back at least twice a week and recently has been mostly all over my chest.  after changing soaps and lots of research it appeared I was getting hives because the rash only lasts a few hours.  I soon figured out I was getting the rash after eating certain foods on the list of foods that release histamine.  Unfortunately they are my favorite foods:  Shellfish, tomatoes (including tomato sauce), cheese and eggs.  so after avoiding all of these I have had no issues.  This is really going to be hard since pizza and crab have been my favorite foods forever!  I guess I'll just have to carry lots of Benedryl if I have to have them!

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4/19/11 12:02am

My son is 14 and he has always dealt with stomach problems that I thought was some kind of allergy. Just 4 months ago he developed this rash that comes and goes all over his body. It usually starts on his neck and travels to his arms, legs, back and stomach. I thought it might be a food allergy but didn't know which foods. Are those the only foods that release histamines? He does eat ketchup and pizza and eggs. I am taking him to an allergist this Wednesday but sometimes we have to research things ourselves. Thanks for the tip.

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12/ 9/11 9:50pm

I have also heard a lot of people that have reactions to wheat products or gluten in the wheat? Maybe that is a possibility. I also know dairy can cause stomach issues in some people. I have a rash my upper legs, but I think it has to do with the cold weather. I just recently heard about "aflotoxins" in our grain and corn supplies. It has something to do with molds in the grains. 

 

Something to check out anyway.

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9/20/10 9:43am

I am 31 living in Nh. My itching started in the same.. innner thigh area. Started small bumps spread from inner thighs to all over upper thighs. Went to my arms, upper bicep right side of the armpit, as well as to the back of my knees. Today I woke up and it has  now started on my arm from wrist to elbow on inside.  I was loking to see if you have had any luck with solving this issue. I have no gone to a doctor, although it has been almost a month of this. I have tried WEBMD for possible solutions but nothing. I have however realized I started drinking diet soda again and it has been so long since I have done this.. looking in to that option as well. Please let me know if you had any luck.

Thanks!

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9/24/09 11:21pm

Im 17 about to be 18 and I have had a rash on my legs for the last six months.  It started out as just a circular rash on my right calf and I thought it was just exima bucause I've had a problem with it my whole life.  but then it spread all over my leg then to the other and now i have a new little patch on the top inside of my left arm.  they itch like crazy and sometimes i make them bleed I have tried just about every anti itch cream and lotion i could find and nothing seems to work.  if anyone has any ideas of how to help me i would greatly appriciate them.

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10/27/09 11:06pm

I KNOW I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM NO CREAM HAS HELPED FOR THE RASH OR THE ITCH i HAVE BEEN SRATCHING FOR MONTHS, I KNOW WHEN I WAS A CHILD THIS OCURRED AND MY MOTHER TOOK ME TO THE OCEAN TO SIT IN THE SALTED WATER WHICH HAS MINERALS IN IN THE SALT WATER AND WHEN I CAME OUT THE RASH WAS GONE IT IS SOMETHING ABOUT THE SEA WATER THAT'S GOOD FOR THE SKIN. I WISH I CAN GO BACK TO THE OCEAN AND DO THIS REPEATLY BUT NOW IT'S COLD. IF YOU ARE IN A WARM CLIMATE TRY IT JUST SIT IN THE WATER THIS WILL HELP ALOT.

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5/ 6/10 5:34pm

if the sea water worked you should try this. In the spice isle at walmart i found sea salt. i got my lip pierced and they told me to rinse my mouth with sea salt water to heal faster. i bet this would help! im going to try it asap!!!!!!!

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2/17/10 4:20pm

circular rash sounds like ring worm. I had it when I was a kid, I would check with your doc. 

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11/14/09 7:14pm

im 25 and i have had this since augest 09 i feel like scratching and the skin will appear normal, than after i scratch till i bout cry i got these little red bumps all over n if i dont scratch them after a while than they go away n its only on my legs and arms sometimes my stomach and i work with doctors aswell and they dont even got a clue what it is. i also went to the ocean in sandieago and it did not help as i read in a other pesons soloution. n e one in tha world got a soloution? ima scratch my skin off soon! ahhhh! email me with your reply   at   april5683@msn.com

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12/ 7/09 11:49am

SPLENDA...google "intense itching splenda"

 

(or sucralose, its what its made of)

 

I posted on the bottom of this page

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12/23/09 6:30pm

This sounds exactly like something I've had for about 4 years!  It started with red bumps on my thighs and buttocks.  They went away after a few weeks, but the itching was intense for months (and the red bumps always came back once I started scratching and often in dry/cold or hot/sunny weather).  It spread over almost my entire body (from ankles and wrists to neck and face). 

 

Changing detergents, washing habits, mousturizing, antihistamines, alergy meds, anti-itch creams, cortisone creams, scabies meds, etc. never helped (although a topical ointment called Itch-X sometimes provided some minor temporary relief).  I saw about 5 different docs and dermatologists and none could ever explain what it was or help. 

 

Finally, one of the dermatologists tried prescribing Triamcinolone cream.  It's the only thing that ever worked.  After a couple weeks, the itching and bumps had completely gone!  Unfortunately, as soon as I stop applying it, the itch is back within a few weeks.  However, now, when it comes back, (fortunately?) it only comes back to my thighs and buttocks.  Once I use the cream for a couple days, it goes away again.  Thus, I generally apply the cream a couple times a week to keep it bay.  A 1 pound tub of it lasts about 9 months (it helps to dilute it a bit with a mild mousturizer - like Neutrogena - to make it cover more skin area).

 

It's a corticosteroid, so it's not supposed to have all the bad side effects of steroids, like Elocon, which someone above recommended.  While it works, I don't want to have to use this cream for the rest of my life and I'm still a little nervous about the long term effects of using a steroid-like cream, so I'm hoping someone has found a cure.  I'm definitely going to look into the Splenda/sucralose connection and repost once I've tried cutting that out of my diet.  I hope it works!

 

Hope this helps others, and I hope we all find a long-term cure...  

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12/25/09 9:44pm

I'm 18 years old, and I have a rash that sounds like the exact same one you are talking about. Mine started on my inner thighs around a month ago, first there were no bumps, just insanely itchy. Now there are random bumps on my inner thighs, groin area unfortunately, stomache, arms hands, lower back, and im terrified for them to get to my face. I went to the doctor and he told me it is an allergic reaction, which I don't believe at all. My room mate had this rash, and now it's spread to me, and now it's spreading to my family. It's the itchiest at night for some reason, and it's driving me insane!!

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1/19/10 8:46am

CTRL+F on this page and type in "splenda" to see all my posts on this page...im finally itch free after 2 years

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1/28/10 6:52am

last week this started with itching on my inner thighs and forearms itching at night when i am going to bed, from my reserch tonight i think it's SCABIES. Scabies are a mite that I never heard of untill tonight and they are treated with 5% PERMETHRIN CREAM which you need a prescription to get. good luck.

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2/19/10 3:12am

No we don't eat Spenda for gosh sakes now stop already

 

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2/16/10 7:34am

If it is spreading it is most likely SCABIES! Sorry i have had the same thing for 3 years off and on my son keeps getting it back from other kids at school the trick to curring it is getting everyone you have been in contact with in the last 8 weeks or so to get the cream from their docs and do all the bedding sheets towel clothes washed in hot water and vacuming everything ie: furniture and cars. i found that bathing in hot water with borax peroxide whitch hazel peppermint oil tea tree oil orange oil and eucaliptus and neem oil help the itching i do this everynight before bed so i can sleep plus i take 100mg atterax and 2mg ativan to help....like i said after 3 years i'll do anything to make the itching stop. good luck

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3/24/11 1:20am

ok not to knock your suggestion but i have allll the symptoms everyone is talking about and my doctor tried saying maybe scabbies and gave me that cream and it did nOT work. also scabbies is something that is very contagious so if nobody else in your house has it i would not panic and think it is scabbies. my bf lays in my bed and i am the only one in this house with it.scabbies is so different of syptoms than whats being explained above.

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9/17/10 12:38am

exact same spots as me.. idk what to do! oatmeal bath maybe?

are they bed bugs? scabies? ... the itching just needs to stop!

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11/30/11 4:23pm

go to your doctor sounds like ringworm and he will prescribe you meds I got it from my new puppies and then hubby got it I thought I was dying from the itch but definitely use any cream for anti-fungal will help.

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11/30/11 4:24pm

go to your doctor sounds like ringworm and he will prescribe you meds I got it from my new puppies and then hubby got it I thought I was dying from the itch but definitely use any cream for anti-fungal will help.

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2/ 5/10 3:12pm

i recently went to the doctors with a rash on my arms legs and stomach. it was extremely itchy but strangely enough seemed to come out mostly at night after i took a hot shower or excersized. this rash was not constant. it came and went but was really bad whenever i got hot. being 16 this scared me because i was starting to get outbreaks in school D: when i went to the doctor he said that what was happening was that my body had fought off an infection too well and had produced extra antibodies. he said it was these antibodies that were creating the rash. he prescribed me zyrtec and prrescription strength zantac. he told me to take one zantac in the morning and the zyrtec and another zantac one hour before i go to bed. he hopes to supress the reaction for three weeks before taking me off the medication. so far i have not seen any results but have only been taking the medicine for 3 days. if you have these symptoms i suggest you go to your doctor. i am a 16 year old girl so my guess is that you might be prescribed something stronger. i will write back once i find out whether or not the medicine works. if you have a rash that is coming and going this is probably what you have!!!! however if you have a persistant rash you shhould look at other things such as allergic reactions or scabies. i really hope this helped i will post my results in a few weeks :D

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2/12/10 10:33pm

Everyone on this forum needs to consider thinking outside the box, outside conventional medicine.  I have the same issue with itching, rashes, etc... it's yeast, Candida.  Look it up.  It's not easy, I've been struggling with it for years, but it is the answer.

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6/ 6/10 10:36am

I have done extensive research on the web as well and I believe this is caused by yeast or Candida. I cut it out of my diet and my itching stopped for the most part.  I also recently had a battle with cancer and was given large doses of chemo and radiation - my antibodies are a culprit of the itching as well.  From what I understand my antihistimes are attacking - that is why I take Benedryl when I get a serious breakout it seems to be the only thing I have found to work.  The zyrtec did not work for me.  The itch is intense and when you scratch it makes more bumps and spreads so TRY TRY TRY NOT TO SCRATCH.  It burns very intensly so I use ice packs to cool.  I feel so bad for everyone on this board I understand you flustration. 

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5/ 2/11 1:37pm

This is the first post that has struck on the answer that I have come up with after suffering for about 10 years with these symptoms.  Seen lots of doctors and none of them ever found a cause or a cure.  Oddly, whenever I had symptoms of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginal infection the bumps would occur.  Starting in the legs, mostly inner thighs, inside of shins, back of the knees, inner arms from wrist to above the elbows.  Made worse by scratching, for sure!  Starts off with a "prickling" feeling to the skin, especially while bathing, then the itching starts.  I found on my own that if I treat myself for vaginal yeast infection and take a high-powered allergy medicine (doxepin), the bumps go away in a few days.  I have a tendency toward recurring yeast/bacterial infections, so I maintain health in that area by alternating treatments of iodine douches followed by yogurt for severe symptoms, or "Yeast Arrest" suppositories for several days as a treatment for mild symptoms or as a preventative.  My ph is too alkaline to support healthy vaginal flora, so I do this regularly and it keeps the rash away for months and months. Needless to say, ask a doctor in case you have a special situation and before using iodine or any other product on yourself.

 

Naturally, a healthy diet and preventative measures such as are necessary to maintain a healthy ph level would help tremendously. 

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12/ 9/11 10:26pm

Leslie. what did you take for  the yeast issue. I think that has been most of what causes my flare ups. There are so many things in the envrionment and food supplies that it's hard to know if it's yeast or other issues. I do know that overuse of antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria. So many things in the envrionment and food, it's hard to know what to change 1st. I take a good nutritional powder and am working on eating better, but would be interested in what you did to combat a yeast issue.

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5/18/10 8:28am

I have the same problem too. I usually avoid it by taking an "Polaramine - 2mg" tablet. It is too ugly when the red rashes appear on my lower legs & arms. Very uncomfortable & itchy. It usually comes out at nite & will dissapear around 10am-12pm. So i avoid it by taking the Polaramine tablet. :D 

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6/29/10 2:02am

I'm 14. I have had excrusating burning and itching on the inside of my left leg and down my arms on the soft side. It usually breaks out the worst when i get out of the lake. Tonight after getting back from swimming in the lake my right leg started breaking out too. The rash so to say looks like raised bumps but not hives. I get hives too but never like this. i have had this for 3 months so far and i have had one steriod shot already which took it away for 4 days and then it came back. i have been using Eucerin lotion to keep the itching bearable but it doesn't help all that much. I take Allergy medicine every morning but the rash still breaks out. I'm worried that this will last forever too, my doctor told me that it can. Anyone want to help? i dont want to have this unattractive rash for my whole 4 years of highschool...

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1/14/11 3:11pm

Have you googled "swimmers rash"?  I came across it while looking for my symptoms.  Use google images to look at pics.

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7/15/10 5:39pm

AHHH! I don't really have anything helpful to offer but I am having problems similar to those many of you are describing!! I am 22 years old, female, had some problems with eczema when I was younger which eventually went away, and also a sudden flare-up of a bunch of weird rashes about 3 years ago which also went away when I used some prescription cream for a little while and also switched to Head & Shoulders shampoo (go figure). I have also had pollen allergies my whole life, which similarly cleared up when I was maybe 12 or 14 but have come back to some extent within the last couple years. Basically I have a history of allergies and also wacky/sensitive skin and as a result I only use fragrance free moisturizers and detergents, no fabric softener, etc.

 

I haven't changed any of the products I've been using but about a week ago I started getting this insanely itchy rash. I had been out in the forest/mountains in California for two weeks, then home in Pennsylvania for a couple days, then flew to Minnesota, and a few days after that is when it started. It started in a small patch on my right shin, which is where I had had a bunch of mosquito bites from CA, so at first I thought it was that, but it spread all over my right lower leg, then appeared in my inner right forearm, and now it is on my left lower leg and left forearm as well and starting to spread above my knees. In most places it starts out looking like one or several bug bites, so I also considered bedbugs (esp. since it started a couple days after sleeping in a different bed, at my parents' house), but I searched the sheets, mattress, everything for signs of bedbugs (little black dots and stuff) but nope. I also have no idea how they would have gotten bedbugs because neither of them have stayed overnight anywhere else in quite awhile, nor have they had overnight guests.

 

Either way, I have now been back in Pennsylvania sleeping in my own bed and using all the same products as usual and it's still here!!! (which makes me think NOT bedbugs, or my mom's detergent, or anything like that). After scratching the few "bites" turn into a super gross looking red rash. Like everyone else has been saying, it itches SOOO bad. I scratch until I bleed. I woke up three times last night itching. It sucks, it looks disgusting and the itching is just torture!!!! I don't use Splenda, I know it appears in small amounts in some of my foods (like my English muffins... weird) but in general I try to avoid it. I don't use any other artificial sweeteners, either. I have been slathering on over-the-counter strength cortisone cream which helps in a minimal way; aloe seems to soothe the itching a little better. I just took a Benadryl so we'll see if that helps but I guess I should just make an appointment with the doc!

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3/17/11 11:58am

My dermatologist thinks I'm crazy!  It all started with mosquito bites around Oct. 31, 2010, and then my legs never got better.  In Nov. I had a Gyno appt. and he thought I had flea bites & prescribed a cortisone cream. A month later while sitting at my desk at work I had a break down. Nothing made me feel better than to scratch the skin from my body and my legs and arms now looked horrific.  I immediately called family Dr. and he thought I had scabies - treated it like scabies - no better. Finally called a dermatologist who couldn't see me till April 2011, but had a cancellation in Jan. she thought it was bed bugs. The only relief I had was when I was on antibiotics & Prednisone (2 weeks). My legs/arms no longer had scabs, the itching was gone and I was healing.  Once the meds stopped - itching started up again and I'm back to where I started. Sores all over my lower legs from my knees down to ankles and my arms from the wrists to my elbows. I always had sensitive skin, am aware of my allergies and already used everything super sensitive (soap, laundry detergent, watched diet, Temper-pedic bed, Temper-pedic pillow, no carpet in house). Went back for follow up and the dermatologist did a biopsy last week - no results yet - & she put me on a psychotropic med, under the pretenses that it is for itching. The bottle states "Take 1 or 2 pills once or twice a day for itching". Of course I didn't know it was a psychotropic med & I continued to take it until I couldn't function anymore and my husband demanded to know what was wrong with me & I said I think it's those pills.  We looked at the information you get only after you purchase the meds & sure enough it was Sinequan.  I was taking Benedryl (up to 2 pills every night, since the itching at night is worse) but Benedryl doesn't have a side effect of suicide.  I was a zombie & stopped taking them - they cause suicidal behavior in those not already suicidal, but the Dr. thought they were better than Benedryl.  I'm loosing faith in the health care system. I went to the Healthy Grocer in Camp Hill, PA and got Grandma's Homemade Lye Soap, used to treat psoriasis, eczema, and other rashes. Doesn't stop the itching at night, but my legs seems to be healing a little.  I also ordered Miracle Soap online, it should arrive tomorrow. This is the itchiest rash I have ever encountered, you are only happy when you are digging your nails into your skin, knowing it's not going to help but you are out of your mind itchy. My husband, son nor daughter have any signs of it, so it's not contagious.  I wash my sheets every 2 or 3 days, never reuse a towel, and clip my nails 2x a week and file them daily, so I can't scratch my legs open.  If I learn anything I will post it. I promise.

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8/ 8/11 12:02pm

I have the exact same itchy skin that you do.  It started after returning home from a trip to Martha's Vineyard.  That same week we bought a new washer and dryer, which  is high efficiency.  Everywhere I scratch hives develop, and my legs have many sores which do bleed after scratching.  I am so puzzled and don't know what to do.  I have not used new products.  I think I scratch my legs in the middle of the night.  HELP!

 

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10/ 5/10 12:08am

I have suffered from similar symptoms for the past 3 years. Itchy horrible rash on the front of my lower legs. I've only had the rash on my legs and it's never spread beyond my legs. I've seen an allergist and a dermatologist... used every prescription cream and steroid possible. While those work temporarily, they don't cure the problem.  I've had a couple biopsies done, both have come back inconclusive. I've also had extensive allergy testing done and nothing has come back on that either. Neither doctor can figure out what is wrong with me. One interesting thing that I've found recently that has really helped to clear up my rash for an extended period of time and restore the texture of my skin to it's non-itching, un-swollen state, is sea water..... I live in Colorado, so I don't get to go to the ocean that often. I just returned from vacation and had spent a couple days at the beach, within a couple hours of playing in the water I felt an immediate difference in my skin. The itching stopped and the discoloration and swelling of the rash area was nearly gone. I was completely shocked, this was the first time in 3 years that my legs have looked this good! Has anyone experienced this? It's been a little over a week and I'm starting to feel a little itching feeling in one of my legs and starting to feel depressed about it because I know that the rash is probably going to return :(

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11/19/10 5:31am

I just got up at 2:30 am for the fifth or six night in a row, around this time, with the EXACT itchy rash or bumps or bits or whatever the heck it is.  Have not been to doctor, no steroids or prednisone, pink calamine is the only relief once the itchies start.  started just above knee's, then upper thighs, hips, back of thighs, calves, now armpit lower stomach, one or two red itchies on my boobs. and upper arms.  I pray it isn't going to go on my face or butt or anywhere close.  Anyones head starting to itch.

 

Same as you did, tried the laundry soap, i've never had an allergy, change sheets, often, clean person, had inspected house for pests, none found at all, everyone says i'm crazy thinkin invisible bugs are getting me!!!  what is it??

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2/ 5/11 6:04pm

hello this is the exact same thing I have... in september of 2010 i had to get rectal surgery that wasnt succesfull... well i had alot of problems after that... well one day I noticed a cyst close to where i had my surgery on the outer side og my butt... well right after that i started getting a really bad rash on the front of my legs... Well now it has spread to my arms..ive been to so many doctors and taken so many steriods and antibiotics and nothing cured it.. well im seeing a new surgen and he figured out what was causing the rashes and the boil on my side.... I have MRSA... which is a bacteria that can be very dangerous. there is many different ways a staph infection can start and mine was bacteria either getting into my open wound after my surgery, a cut,  dry skin, or even cutting your legs while shaving and you used the same razor as a family member... I just thought i was allergic to something but i was wrong... MRSA can often be misdiagnosed for a heat rash, razor burn, spider bites, ingrown hairs, or even pimples.... im only 18 and i always have the chance of it coming back since i have already had it.... But my symptoms started just like everyone posting!!!! so good luck!

 

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4/25/11 1:38am

I have been breaking out lately also. If I'm not mistaking, I have been breaking out for close to 2 months. Everyone keeps saying that it is allergies and i have tried allergy medicine but the rash is not clearing up. I really need help also..!!

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9/ 6/11 12:47am

Me too,  On May 25, my family and I went to Georgia for my nephews Army grad.  We stayed in cabins and out of the 15 of us, 4 of us were attacked.  My dad had two ticks on him.  I didnt find any on me, but it was the same bites/zits. On June 19, I went to the Drs and they gave me itch cream and medicine for lime disease.  Ive been back 2 times and 3 times with the dermatologists. They refuse to take blood tests and just keep giving me stroger creams. ( Gee, its  a good thing I go to U.S. Health works)  I am going on 4 months now and it just keeps getting worst. and contiues to spread on my legs, arms/elbows and stomach.  The itching is so bad that the only relief is when they bleed. I am running out of solutions. 

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9/12/11 1:46am
Omg same boat I'm 15! And I get it wether I'm at home or at friends it only happens on the back of my thighs and the back of my upper arms it's horrible and it only comes at night! Reply
12/30/11 1:30am

I'm a 55 yo woman and this is my second time having this same itching horrible rash! The doctor gave me the same treatment as you describe but they came back. I found out that lotions don't work. Hand sanitizer (which contains alcohol) helps a lot. Avoid scratching, I know it's almost imposible but the sanitizer helps, just pour it on the itchy area and blow, it'll relieve you for a while.

The first time I had it for about 4 months and then I decided not to scratch and to keep the areas very clean, not creams of any kind and little by little they went away.

Now after 5 years it came back!! But this time I knw they'll go as long as I don't scratch. I suspect it comes from my stomack because one of my first simptoms is a sensation like I have pepper on my stomack that spreads over my body. It sounds crazy but it's real. I hope someone will find the cause and the cure. 

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1/13/12 10:42am

i am 16 yrs old, i have this rashes last year on the month of march,i got rashes all over my legs and a little bit in the arms.i didnt take any medicine and let it there for months.at the month june it was all gone. but it came back this january 2012,i dont have any allergies and i dont know what cause it.

 

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6/22/09 12:49pm

I don't have any answer but I am amazed because I am not alone. I have been itching so bad on my arms and legs only. I will scratch and scratch until it bleeds. I don't even thought that it's bleeding until I stop. It's to the point where I want to wear long sleeve shirts because it's embarassing. It itch from the time I wake up in the morning until I go to bed. In the morning when I take a shower, my arms are buring from the water. I have bruised myself from scratching so much. I went to the doctor and she gave me two lotions that did not help at all. HELP SOMEONE. 

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7/21/09 9:28pm

Hi. I was wondering if you ever found out what your rash was from?  I have been experiencing the same problem for about 3 weeks.  I have taken prednisone and several antihistimines.  They work for a little bit, but now it is worse than ever. It covers my arms and legs but not anywhere else.  i went to a dermotologist today and they prescribed Allegra and a cortisone cream. They think it is an allergic reaction but cant figure out to what... did you ever find an answer....

 

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7/23/09 3:42pm

I am a 55 year old female with no known allergies. Around three months ago, I developed a rash like you are talking about. It started on my left arm as tiny bumps that turn into blisters. Nothing helps! Benadryl, calydryl, anti itch cream, nothing! It is now spreading to my right arm and chest area. It goes away in about 3-4 days, but it always comes back in about 5 days. I have no idea what is but it is freaking me out! Does anyone know?

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8/29/09 11:28am

I was itching terribly last night and in despiration tried different products. One called Deep Cold, does give 3 hours relief. The bumps recede and the itching dissapears. In the instructions it says not to apply on rash or skin abrasion, but I was desperate and did so any way. It worked!

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12/19/09 7:37pm

Hello, please read my last post, it works very well for me.

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7/ 8/10 1:43pm

..I am equally bruised, know exactly what you are talking about. Try a real hot shower in the morning, and ask your doc for a prescription for Fluocinonide cream.

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6/24/09 1:40pm

I'm 23 and have had itchy bumps/rash on my arms and legs and sometimes it spreads to other areas on my body but mostly stays on my arms and legs.  I took prednizone and like everyone else, it made the bumps go away but they always come back worse after treatment.  This has been going on for 4 months and I am so ready for a solution to fix it!  I had a biopsy and I'm waiting on results.  I really hope it's something that can be fixed easily.  Frown

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7/ 1/09 2:53pm

I, too, am 55 but with a known adult onset of sensitivity to poison ivy, some pollens and bee stings. I, too, had just recently engaged in some light gardening, being careful to not touch anything already growing and the next day my back and arms started itching severely, and sometimes the front of my upper legs. It has been well over a week now and my usual response to my known allergies (benadryl tablets) is not working.

 

Just to throw some other things out there to see if they stick - I bought a bunch of blueberries and cherries around the same time it started and have since finished eating them. Can't think of any other coincidental changes.

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7/11/09 7:35pm

For the last 3 years, in the summer time, I get a rash on the top of my arms, from the wrist to the elbow. This last week I was in Florida (I live in Wisconsin) on vacation. Now I have this rash on my shoulders, all the way down my back, a few on my chest and on my lower legs.

 

I do have allergies and take an antihystime every day for multiple alleries (in door and out). But this does not prevent the rash from happening. I will go crazy with the itching soon.

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7/16/09 11:15am

I'm 55 & have spent my whole in the Sun including 10 years at sea. I moved to Tennessee 15 years ago & my skin issues went crazy.  We only have one really old dermatologist here who called my condition "Pruitius" & gave me a salve of Crisco & God know what else. This just magnified the itching & rash when I'm in the Sun.

 

This year after my annual bout with Poison Ivy, steroids, the whole bit my GP gave me a tube of Protopic.(About $100/ tube without insurance) This actually works better than any thing else if applied to clean skin every twelve hours & stay out of the heat & dirt.

 

Unfortunately, I'm the head our local community garden & raise very friendly donkeys who love to rub all over me.  I'm so sick of living with this Whatever it is.  I want my Outdoor summer back. I want my life back without looking like a crazy monkey scratching all the time!

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1/10/11 9:55pm

the donkeys could give you scabies.

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7/17/09 12:25pm

Hey guys. I'm also from Arkansas and have been experiencing what sounds like a similar rash for the last two weeks. I'm a 26 year old female. Last year I went to the lake where I spent the entire day in the water. I developed a terrible bacterial infection and went on antibiotics for two months straight until symptoms from that were relieved. This summer I again went to the lake for a day and spent yet another day lounging in the water. The BI returned after that weekend and again I'm on antibiotics. I noticed last year when going on Flagyl and Clindamycin that I developed clear raised bumps on my hands and forearms. They went away after other symptoms of BI went away.

 

This year I have develped a more sever rash which started on my chest, but has now spread up my neck and specifically on the back of my thighs just below my buttocks. It's painful to shave my legs b/c apparently there's bumps on my shins as well. Doctors believe that the rash was an allergic reaction to the antibiotics that I'm currently on. It intensifies greatly post workout/sweat sessions. I've noticed that putting antibiotic ointment on areas tends to help appearance of bumps and makes skin smoother. I guess I'll know more once i finish this round of antibiotics if it truly is an allergic reaction, but I'm afraid that the results are simply from the bacteria placed in our environment. My best suggestion is to start pro-biotics/multistrains (abt $25-$32.00 @ your local health food store) and build a better immune system to help fight against these infections.

 

Good luck to all, I'll update in a week or so when I'm off meds. Cheers!

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12/ 9/09 9:08pm

I was reading on the rash I have developed, which is an allergic reaction to what they put in the hard water here at my school. I saw something which probably explains what you have. It is caused by swimming in lake or pondwater that has snails.  They carry these parasites that live in there intestines. Sometimes the parasites accidentally get in human skin and cause a rash when they die. Its not as bad the first time, but if you are exposed again it is significantly worse.

 

http://dermnetnz.org/arthropods/swimmers-itch.html

 

this is the link. I don't know if this is what your problem is, but it may be helpful information.

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7/19/09 11:53am

im 17 turning 18 and ive had this recurring rash for at least 3 or 4 years, it comes and goes randomly i have no idea why it happends, but antihistamene controls it perfectly.

at first i thought it was a heat rash, then i got it in winter, so then i thought it was stress but when i was stressed during exams i didnt get it, theni thought it was some type of plant, but i get it at home and random places.

the rash is irritating and uncomfortable and comes up when i scratch it it is usually starts on my forearms then my back, face, legs n stomach will get extremlty itchy.

 

i have no idea, im assuming it is a symptom of something going wrong in the body?

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7/20/09 9:28am

I too, am 55. I recently received an AARP letter in the mail. I stopped eating at home and Eat all my meals at the Country Inn Buffet (love their dinner rolls). Well as it turns out my itch developed on exactly my 55th birthday while waiting in line for some pudding (solid foods are hard to chew because of the itch). Actually, come to think of it, The itch started 7 years ago when I hitchiked up and down the East coast, boy oh boy, I think I started in Maine and made my way to Florida. I believe I even bedded down in Arkansas for a time. I was sleeping with any trucker that had a "big rig" that I probably picked up a parasite at one of the roadside motels on my sexcapade roadtrip. Hell, I even remember one night after 2 bottles of vodka and some Special K I woke up in a stable with some donkeys. Well that's neither here nor there. I don't know where I could have gotten this crazy itch, but it was really bad that day I was getting some pudding. Anyway I hope this helps.

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6/ 6/10 10:45am

well I am not sure if that helped but the story did get my mind off of itching for the moment I was reading it.  lol rock on girl 

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7/25/09 4:05am

I Havee Thee Samee Thing On Myy Legs It Started As 3 Small Bumps And I Kept Scratching Then And It Soon Spread On Bot Legs And In Thee Next Dayy On Myy Arms. They Itch And Are Small Bumps. I Would Sayy Theyy Aree Everywhree Becausee I Looks Likee It. I Have Looked Through Joors And More For Something Sharp Enough To Scratch With. I Usee A CD Now. By Thee Wayy Im Onlyy 13.And This Started After I Was In A Blanket Whilee Watching A Scaryy Moviee At Myy Friends Housee. It Might Havee Been The Deterget They Wash ith Bu I Havee Been Using That Kind Also.An The Blanket I Have Been In Before. Its Been About Three Days And Its Starting To Burn. Pleasee Tell Me What This Is...Should I Go To The Doctor?Please Answer Me Im Desperate To Know Because I Cant Sleep Or Think With This Itching

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7/29/09 3:00pm

Perhaps you may have bed bugs? I know this sounds disgusting. However, they are small (like an apple seed), very good at hiding and can survive in disparate temperatures. Some people react to their bites more than others... And they usually tend to bite 3-4 times in a straight line. Their bites cause major itching and look like any typical rash! And no cream or medicine can make them go away. (Sounds like some of your stories!) I know this may seem far-fetched, but please consider it!

 

If you do have bed bugs, you MUST call an exterminator! These little pests can survive in the roughest locations and can live up to a year without eating! PLEASE note that bed bugs spread easily... They can infest any household, even the cleanest ones (it's not a question of hygiene).

 

FYI - Inspect your mattress! Look for any spots (brownish/blackish) on your sheet or the mattress itself...  Look on the contour of your mattress (they hide in the pleats).  

 

Good luck!

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8/ 7/09 1:30pm

i have the same problem- rash on my arms and legs.  i also have a weird gash like cut on my left leg, but upon closer inspection, it is actually not a cut, but a raised line that is very itchy and red.  the rash on my legs look more like hives and the rash on my arms are more like little bumps.  i went to urgent care and ER and they said that it is just an allergic reaction- but i've never had anything like this happen to me before. 

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8/12/09 8:46pm

I'm wondering are any of you using the Neutrogena Sunblock...it is the dry-touch lotion with helioplex protection 85 spf? I have developed the first rash ever and it hasn't cleared up for 2 weeks and moves all over starting from my forearms,thighs, shins and now neck and face. I loaded up on the this expensive sunblock and wondered if any of you were using this.. My husband is in dermatology field and I have a supply of Cetaphil products which are helping and I will stay out of the public pool (chlorine) and see if it clears...

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9/13/09 10:58am

I was using the expensive Neutrogena Sunblock and developed similar symptoms, except it has not moved to my face.  Have you established any link to the product?  I stopped using it and it appears to have cleared up a bit.  Could be coincidence or could be the product.

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8/ 5/10 12:55pm

I used Neutrogena too and it appeared.  I had a carpet burn on my knee from wrestling with my nephews and the rash seemed to take it over.  I was in a public pool all day Saturday and the rash around the carpet burn went away however my upper arms and upper legs are covered.

I used the sunscreen on my face and I do not have a rash there.

This is very strange!!!

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8/20/09 10:03pm

aaahhh I have had the same thing! It is making me insane. I itch all over and it gets way worst at night waking me up and often bringing me to tears! I have tryed everything as well and nothing works..my Dr just said I dont know what to make of this and gave me an antibiotic. What is this?????

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8/29/09 11:34am

Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 11:28 AM

I was itching terribly last night and in despiration tried different products. One called Deep Cold, does give 3 hours relief. The bumps recede and the itching dissapears. In the instructions it says not to apply on rash or skin abrasion, but I was desperate and did so any way. It worked!

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8/29/09 11:35am

Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 11:28 AM

I was itching terribly last night and in desperation tried different products. One called Deep Cold, does give 3 hours relief. The bumps recede and the itching dissapears. In the instructions it says not to apply on rash or skin abrasion, but I was desperate and did so any way. It worked!

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8/24/09 9:40pm

I'm 62 and developed a red itchy rash on the front of my arms and legs and thought I had sun poisoning.  That was 5 days ago and the rash is almost gone on my arms but now is on the backs of my legs (calves).  It doesn't bother much during the day but at night it itches bad.  I have tried benedryl and it does help but doesn't cure.  Not sure what it is so not sure if benedryl is all that is needed.  Help.

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8/25/09 4:12pm

honestly to me...this sounds like scabies. especially the people that say it gets worse at night. i had scabies and it was on my hnads and arms and my legs..the doctors thought it was poison ivy. you could kind of pop some of the bumps..and in the shower it itched a thousand times more.

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11/14/09 10:02pm

When you popped the bumps, did it spread the rash around that bump.  Mine started with to bumps that had puss and I popped them and they turned into a nasty raised bumper rash that was about half an inch in diameter.  I was thinking it may be scabies, but the dermatologist thought poison ivy.

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4/ 1/10 7:49pm

If you look up what scabies are you will see that none of these symptoms are the same.  I have checked out every possible thing that it could be and my doctor agrees.  It is not scabies, bed bugs, ring worm or anything she has seen before.  The Dermatologist thinks its allergic reation to meds, but I don't take anything that it could be a reation to.

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8/28/09 3:56am

I have the itch also. Some of my research points to fabric softeners. They say the reaction comes from the ingredient that gives the softener its fresh air  scent. I read if you are alergic to softeners, to add vinegar to the rinse water,or buy unscented fabric softener

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8/30/09 6:49am

Hi, I have no answer to the problem, just another complaint!!! It's going on the forth night and I have been experiencing itchy red bumps on my body. It started mostly on my upper body parts, but now it's at my legs and feet. This itching only occurs at night and only happens to me. My byfriend is not itching nor is my 18 month old. This annoying rash prevents me from getting a good night sleep, but when I get up in the morning swearing to go to the doctor, it mysteriously goes away!!! Can someone please help me.

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10/25/10 1:31pm

hi.  this seriously sounds just like hives.  occurs at night then is gone next day?  thats what i get.  some people just get hives for no real reason.  they just get them.  i think thats me.  although, there are about a million things that could cause hives.  i just use benadryl cream and take Singulair.  also, sometimes rubbing alcohol helps as its very soothing to the skin.  and ive read somewhere on the net that Vicks works?  (not sure about that one, but you can easily research it).

 

hope that helped.

 

also, the other ones im reading about here, sounds like bed bugs or scabies.  most doctors are not "hip" on bedbugs and dont usually diagnose it, but scabies is easily tested for.

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11/19/10 5:58am

Its NOT Bugs or poison oak/ivy.  If you noticed, everyone who has posted has the exact symptoms!!

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8/30/09 9:22am

Hi! yet again I don't have the answer but I sure wish I could!! I have had the same sort of thing but mine dosen't itch nearly as much as some of yours. I am 12 years old and my parents refuse to take me to the docters because they say its nothing to worry about so i looked to WebMD but still mine didn't match their diagnosis. My rash is on upper thigh and it worsens in heat and gets really red but when i get out of the sun most of it gets scaly and pale :'-[ this sucks!!!!!! plz plz help!!!!!!

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2/ 5/10 3:09pm

i recently went to the doctors with a rash on my arms legs and stomach.  it was extremely itchy but strangely enough seemed to come out mostly at night after i took a hot shower or excersized. this rash was not constant. it came and went but was really bad whenever i got hot.  being 16 this scared me because i was starting to get outbreaks in school D:  when i went to the doctor he said that what was happening was that my body had fought off an infection too well and had produced extra antibodies.  he said it was these antibodies that were creating the rash.  he prescribed me zyrtec and prrescription strength zantac.  he told me to take one zantac in the morning and the zyrtec and another zantac one hour before i go to bed. he hopes to supress the reaction for three weeks before taking me off the medication.  so far i have not seen any results but have only been taking the medicine for 3 days.  if you have these symptoms i suggest you go to your doctor.  i am a 16 year old girl so my guess is that you might be prescribed something similiar.  i will write back once i find out whether or not the medicine works. if you have a rash that is coming and going this is probably what you have!!!! however if you have a persistant rash you shhould look at other things such as allergic reactions or scabies.  i really hope this helped i will post my results in a few weeks :D

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8/30/09 10:28pm
Hi everyone, I share your pain and may have an answer. Woman at local garden shop said it sounded like I may have come in contact with "Virginia Creeper." For those of us who are allergic, this otherwise attractive plant can bring on repeated, miserably itchy bouts of what can become a grotesque looking rash. Prednisone and antibiotics offer only temporary relief. When I searched the Web, found photos of Virginia Creeper and sure enough, had come in contact with plant while weeding days before first rash appeared. Found a recommendation at davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1695/ Responder said he got relief from symptoms via topical prescription "Clobetasol Propionate Gel (.05%)". I'm contacting my doctor tomorrow. Hope this helps. Reply
8/31/09 7:25pm
Brief addendum: Jewelweed, a natural remedy for poison ivy, oak, etc., is alleged to be an effective treatment for Virginia Creeper. Be well. Reply
8/31/09 10:42pm

A couple weeks ago, my dad started saying how his arms are itchy.  Now his arms and legs are itch and put of scaly spots.  They are not all red though.  Some of them looks like blisters.  He's been scratching like crazy and tried many different topical creams.  We live in Maryland and he does work out in the hard a lot.  Going to take him to the doctors soon.  Just glad to hear that he's not alone.

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9/ 2/09 8:06pm

Wow, glad I found this site. I have had red blistering itches on both front calves three years ago while working out in the hot sun and getting sweatty/dirty. I went to an accupuncturist and she gave me a liver clensing chinese herb and it went away.

 

Just this summer it came back bad and I have started the herbal remedy again but it has not cleared up as fast. What my accupuncturist told me is that it has to do with my liver being congested (fatty liver) and the sun. The sun is when it gets really bad.

 

If you have access to a chinese herbalist or accupucturalist that doest herbs, you might want to give it a shot.

 

I think my liver might be compromised because I take a statin for my cholesterol and it raises my liver enzymes.

 

Good luck to everyone.

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9/ 2/09 9:46pm

Ok its me again and i have my answer and possibly yours!!!!!!! Wink Went to the doctor and figured out I have tinea versicolor which is a fungal infection that occurs mostly in the summer when its hot because the sweat causes more fungus/bacteria to find its way onto your body! I have started taking some shampoo thing that supposedly will help but accordding to webmd.com it reoccurs every yr or 2 :'-[ GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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9/ 3/09 12:06pm

sounds like most of you have scabies.  mite bites.  bed bugs.

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9/ 5/09 7:19pm

It appear to be common, my frears are over now that I'm not alone. These dang blisters are driving me crazy, I'm been to the DR. and prescride skin cream it comes and goes, seen like a study should be done on this issue for diagnose and treatment. If any body finds out the treatment to rid this email me at michaellott07@gmail.com.

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9/18/09 2:32pm

Anybody find out they have lyme disease? Actually I have had the same itchy problems. I thought I might have picked up a fungus from a fishing dock because it started on my left elbow, went to my right elbow, then my butt cheeks and legs. Itches horribly some nights but also in the day, certain places at certain times. My doc thought it might be the flomax (for prostate/urination problems). Also am on Coumadin (blood thinner) and metropolol (blood pressure). I thought it started before the medications were started. I am sure this is not fleas or bed bugs. I had problems with blood clots a few weeks ago. My guess is the metropolol.

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2/14/10 7:45pm

I don't think it would be the Metropolol, I have been on the medication since about the year 2001.  I developed this rash right above my ankle on my right leg, it drives me insane at night, wakes me up.  I have been using gold bond anti-itch creams which helps me about 3 hrs, then I have to get up and put more of it on to get 2 0r 3 more hrs of sleep.  The rash started about oct of last year, I will have it about a month then it will finally go away for about 2 or 3 weeks, then here it comes again.  Haven't went to the doc yet.

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11/ 3/11 9:01pm

I have an apointment with a dermotologest on 17 nov but after reading your, and some other peoples problems i am wondering if the splenda or sucralose is in the beer I have been drinking. I recently started drinking Land shark beer, have always drank milwaukees best light, maybe one of the two uses one of those two ingredience?

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2/14/10 10:45pm

I went to a dermatologist and he gave me a cream named Betamethasone Dipropionate that he said to mix with petroleum jelly. Unfortunately that hasn't worked either. Spreading creams on the itchy spots usually kills the itch for about three hours. I did find that putting a thick coating of Caledryl kills the itch for about twelve hours. Doc said its not scabies or other diseases, just dry skin. I am at a loss. But I am on various meds that I hope discontinue soon. I also was treated with radiation for prostate cancer during the time I've had this. Can only hope that it fades with time.

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9/21/09 5:15pm

Have you figured out the cause yet? I too have been itching for 3 months now. I am a female 27 from Virginia. I went to Myrtle Beach on June 15th and around the 17th I started itching. I had/have not changed anything as far as laundry detergent, shampoo, soap, etc. I've been using the same brands for years with no problems. I itch terribly :( I scratch myself so hard that I bruise and bleed. It started on my inner upper thighs and then it went to my stomach and now its on my back, upper legs to the back of my knees, and arms. You cannot see any rash until I start scratching and then you see little welts, then they turn red. I have been to the doctor twice and finished the steriod packs...I started itching again before I even finished them. One doctor I saw even went so far as to tell me that it was a reaction to a hormonal imbalance in my body due to my period! I mean seriously just because it coincided with the start of my period doesn't mean that its related. And it continues even when its over so I highly doubt that explination! I do not have health insurace and cannot keep going back to the doctor over and over again just for them to tell me that they are clueless. If it was an allergy then the Benadryl and steriods would work and they DO NOT! It is insane to itch like this and have no explination! I am at my wits-end...I cannot take this much longer! There seems to be an awful lot of people out there with this problem so why is there no explination???

 

 

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11/23/09 5:01pm

My family went to Myrtle Beach during the first week in June, 2009.  The rash started on the top of my husband's foot.  It looked sort of like a bad sun burn, but it was only on one foot.  The rash spread to his legs and arms and it itches very badly.  He has also scratched until he bled.  The first time he went to the doctor he was given prednasone and a steroid cream.  This has not helped.  He went back to the doctor this week and the doctor ordered blood work and told him to see a dermatologist.  The only thing the blood work  revealed is that his blood sugar is high and hemoglobin is low.  This tells me nothing, but maybe the dermatologist can help.  Good luck to you!  I hope the both of you can find some help somewhere!

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2/ 1/10 10:15pm

Hey im a 16 year old female from connecticut and seem to have a similiar problem as many people on this site.  i google imaged scabies and it looks similiar to what i am suffering from.  i have small bumps on my arms, legs, and stomach.  they appear mostly at night and after a hot shower.  what i read about scabies seems to say that it is highly contagious.  because i excersize in a rather public place i am afraid i might have caught it from there. the rash seemed to come out of nowhere as i did not change my diet, or any products that i use on my skin or hair.  unfortunately scabies seems to be the most likely cause.  google also said you could catch scabies from a partner and i seemed to get my first outbreak a few weeks after dating someone new.  im no longer with them so i cant ask if they have it, but i am going to convince my parents to bring me to the doctors soon.  i will post any results i have in the hopes that i can help someone else get rid of this embarassing itch.

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6/10/10 10:43am

Interesting, I never had this problem until I moved to South Carolina.  Back in California it was never an issue.  I'm living in the Midlands area and we've got tons of bugs and "no-see-ums" and that kind of thing, plus I've got allergies, so I figured it must be something about South Carolina.  After reading this thread, I'm not so sure anymore.  I'm going to try some of the remedies suggested here because this is making me insane and I can't sleep at night.  Good luck, y'all.

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9/26/09 8:45pm

I, too, am suffering from this.  It feels like poison ivy but the bumps are much too small.  It started on the back of my leg behind my right knee.  Now it is all over the backs of my legs in patches and the lower part of my buttocks.  I have started using new products and would like to compare to see if maybe these are common between us. 
Gain laundry detergent (had a coupon)

Nivea snsitive shaving gel

Nivea touch of sparkle body wash

Softsoap nutri serums body wash

 

Since this is a new thread I am wondering if it is a new product introduced to the market causing this or a new condition that is contageous and spreading.  I have no insurance and cannot afford a doctor visit just for them to tell me thy have no idea and to use something over the counter.  Let's figure this out together.

 

BTW, I had a pest inspector check my matress and I do not have bed bugs, my husband and children have no symptoms and I live in North Carolina.

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10/ 5/09 4:59pm

I have had this on-going problem for a few years. But since moving to Florida, I am more affected with this itchiness and small pin-point scabs suddenly appearing either on my legs, arms, and shoulders.  Not realizing, I find myself scratching, then the area bleeds.  Next thing I know the scabs get larger and even more itchy.  I only had a touch of this when I lived in a  northern state.  I have found, heat definitely aggrivates this.  I went to the Determatologist last year.  She took several samples and one did come back as squamis cell carcinoma.  She removed the area using a cartorization type procedure.  That was on my left ankle.  She never did tell me what the other break-outs were caused by and gave me a cream prescription.  It didn't do one thing to help after refilling it twice.

I have been on a continual search to find  the cause and a cure.  After looking at some pictures on the internet, I believe what I have may be a form of adult impetigo which is highly contageous.  Since I come into contact with people every day, many from overseas, I could have picked this skin condition this way.  I just don't know...Only guessing.  Today, I decided to do further research on how to treat this condition because it has become worse on the inside of my right elbow area and left outside upper arm.  I found an article that said a ten minute bleach bath using 1 cup of chlorox to bath water once a day.  And to follow up with Bactroban & Bactrim.  I am going to give this a try to see if I get any results.  I've read many articles that say hot water and heat aggrivate the condition and to take cool showers/baths; never hot.  This makes sense to me.  I am so exhausted dealing with this ugly skin condition.  As a child I did have excema and remember my mother bathing me in oatmeal skin baths and then putting on a thick cream to stop the itching.  I'm getting tired of wearing long sleeves when it's 90 degrees outside.

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10/13/09 1:40am

this sounds like the same thing I have and now my sister has it-I have had the tiny bumps that itch if you scratch them omg it is even worse, they bleed, get bigger, and itch even more, I have noticed it gets so much worse in the summer and worse on my arm that is on the window when I drive, the doctor says it may be a sun allery-I Dont think so. I am just so frustrated nothing seems to work over the counter and my arms look terrible. I am 47 years old and been dealing with this seems like every summer for a few years. My sister is 41 and now has the same thing but hers seems to be even worse.. someone has to have a cure for this there are so many of us with this....please E-mail me if you find something that works.Thanks......devilchick6996@aol.com

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10/13/09 2:09pm

Thanks for replying.  I know what you mean...it get's so frustrating not being able to find the cure.  I've been dealing with this for several years now...heat seems to make it worse.  I've done so many searches on this condition.  I like to find pictures so I can compare with my rash/breakouts...One site came up saying it could be gluten intollerance and one of the symptoms is rash/itchy breakouts.  The pictures looked just like my condition..  I'd never thought of this before...I am giving this a trial by going on a gluten free diet.  I just began 2 days ago.  Gluten free bread and other foods are more expensive than regular but I've got to give this a try.  I'm going to give it at least 2 weeks to see if I see any improvement.  I'll let ya know. 

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10/13/09 4:16pm

I am 46 and living in Florida.  I have experienced these itchy patches for several years now, but this summer they are the worst ever!  This year they started on my right ankle.  Crept up my leg below the knee. They appeared on my lower right arm and fingers, then my lower left arm and fingers (just patches though) and no on the back of my left leg from the knee down.  They are many fluid filled blisters that itch intensely. They eventually dry up and go away (leaving no scar generally).

I've been to a dermatologist who performed a biopsy and said it was maybe...well, probably a reaction to a medication. No!   Today I was then told it could be an allergic reaction to something or maybe it's scabies.  So I'm about to put a lotion all over my body and leave it on for 12 hours and then wash it off- hoping to kill the mites.  I'll TRY anything at this point.

I use to think I was allergic to Carolina Creeper, but I haven't been in contact with it.  Especially not for the past 8 summers.  The doctors don't seem to know what it is.  I would love to know the source and especially the solution. Help! 

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11/25/09 11:13pm

im 32 yrs and live in pa. i have itchy patches on my legs and inner arms, thought it was from a tick bite from 2yrs ago. it started oozeing in small circles at the site of the bite,then went to my elbow and then to arms and legs but, my elbow turned in to staff infec. i was put on "sulfamethoxazole". (i hope thats gone)  just went to another dr. and also sad (scabies) "thats a human body lice" and can pass to others that live with you!!! i have my husband and 2 children. they have no prob.

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11/19/10 6:09am

Hey Jennifer, Im in the same boat as you, no insurance, and cant afford to pay to be told they "dont know" what it is.

 

I wonder if anyone has mentioned to their doctor that they saw this website and maybe it's not spread so badly that it's considered epidemic.

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7/21/11 6:54am

I'm uninsured as well. I've tried creams and allergy medicine. It's been 3 months of sleepless nights. I'm a graduate student and single mom and I NEED SLEEP. Did anyone see any success with any of these methods? Please let me know. I need relief!

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10/ 3/09 2:39am

Hi, I've been looking for an answer too since the same scenario (itching, little tiny bumps on upper legs, stomach area and arm pits and some on my back) for the last three months I first thought it was caused by the heat. So I waited until the itching sensation was unbearable. Then I went to the first dermatologist (Dr Rebecca Lambert, Naples, Fl) and she diagnossed a supposed skin reaction to a dye in a new t-shirt. She prescribed some medications (clobetasol was one of them) and it worked until the medication cycle finished. Right afterI took the last pill I had prescribe, I got the reaction rigt back. Went to 2 different doctors after the first one and none of them were capable of providing an accurate diagnose of the situation. Reading through the web took me to the conclusion that tis is a skin reaction to something. Something in the environment triggers this condition. So I started to cut down on products I ingested every day. Even changed laundry soap and bath soap. Finally I concluded that I (out of the blue) developed an allergic reaction to milk protein. So as soon as I stopped ingesting any milkproducts, I was almost completely fine. The only thing is that I have just a slight remains of my last reaction. Hopefully sjust the milk or maybe something else.But since I am taking no milk or dairy products I have been fine. My conclusion is that dermatolgy Drs are not the answer for this. You have to go to an allergies specialist and get an allergy test done. Good luck to you all andhopethis information helps.

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10/13/09 4:22pm

I suppose that you live near or around Naples. I'm a neighbor North of you...in Bradenton. I have the same itchy, water blisters. I got a steroid shot today and I've been told it MIGHT be scabies...I really don't think it is but at this point I'm will to try anything!  Do you work in the year?  Does the summer heat and sweat exacerbate the itching? 

 

I think I'll try cutting out the dairy, although my condition has been reoccuring for years. Good luck with the itch!

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10/ 6/09 10:49pm

Coincidentally, I got this WHILE on prednisone AND an anitibiotic... I had a sinus infection for a week and am still sick, and over the last 3-4 days got the red pinprick itchy little bleeders. Started w/1 itchy bump which I scratched til it bled (somewhat easily I thought), then one additional per day or so, all on the front of my forearm.  I can say that after reading here about the "baby butt cream" helping, I tried it.  Mind you, I had calamine on it for over an hour tonight and they still itched infuriatingingly... but almost immediately after washing the calamine off and applying some Balmex (a diaper rash ointment) it stopped itching completely and now, maybe an hour since applying, my arm feels great. The itching had been getting worse as the night got later, just as lots of people say.

ANYWAY, THE BABY DIAPER RASH CREAM WORKS FOR THE ITCH SO FAR!!

(As an aside, everybody should keep this stuff on-hand... I discovered when my kids were in diapers and we had the stuff around that diaper rash ointment works great for Montezuma's Revenge/stomach upset-related, unpleasant-to-talk-about rashes.  As an added benefit, buying this stuff instead of hemmoroid cream a guy can look the pretty cashier at the drugstore in the eye and look like a hero comforting a defenseless baby, rather than just another schmuck with an itchy unmentionable... ;)

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10/ 7/09 2:20pm

I found that I was allergic to neosporin (neomysin as the active ingredient in triple antibiotic ointments, such as neosporin). I had a skin biopsy done and my doctor told me that I had excema (sp?). (After the biopsy, they put neosporin on it, which landed me in the hospital with hives 24 hrs later). I too, have those awful, itchy bumps that look like mosquito bites when they pop out (which is usually at night, while I'm laying in bed). It's not a cure, but it really helps me to sleep in jeans (tighter ones help), which leads me to believe that I might be getting some detergent into some of the cracks in my skin that may be bothering me (from my sweat pants). I was told that I have a positive ANA (antinuclear antibody), which the body I think has an immune response that is off and I'm "borderline" lupus. It is really strange...still trying to figure it out. I'm recently wondering if the vasoline I've been using is making it worse...maybe I need to try to dry them out instead. I'm going to try the diaper rash cream idea that was mentioned earlier. This all happened a couple months after childbirth. My skin really changed after that.

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10/21/09 9:23pm

I am a 59 old male,rash and itching started less than a year and I tried to control myself after I was terrified with a contagious disease ideas but I was tested and everything was ok but my skin lower right leg mainly,I am back and forth from terrible to better to almost disapear,I tried everything for myself but now I  believe is time to ask and ask for professional help,sometimes I go to the beach and keep my  feet into the saled water as long as I can be there and gets a much better almost disapear

but I did not do it to often I will try again is terrible but the itching and scratch is lovely feeling sometimes I go to the top of bleeding,baby oil helps sometimes no always,

it get very bad when searing or in hot days any advise is welcome.thanks

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10/23/09 9:21am

GARLIC  and  VINEGAR,  Garlic is Very Healing from the inside.  Eat 2 garlic cloves with your meals every day for 2 to 4 weeks, I mean real Garlic "raw" - not powder.   Vinegar -  just rub it on your arms and legs a couple times a day, The smell will go away in a few minutes - If your skin is raw it will burn for 1-minute then it will stop. Then do again-"He-He"   If you want to drink 1-tablespoon of Applecider Vinegar in a glass of water  Use "unfilterd Raw" Applecider Vinegar from a health food store - Not Pasturized Applecider Vinegar from the Store.  Try this for 3 or 4 weeks and see if this does not help you.  Also  "GOOGLE" Garlic & Applecider Vinegar " You will Be surprised at what you learn.  Yes Garlic does stink - But what is more important ? Itching For Years or Your breath for 3 or 4 weeks.

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10/27/09 5:15pm

I am SHOCKED that so may other ppl have this condition and we cannot find a diagnosis! What in the world is going on!  Mine started over a month ago. I was sick with the flu, (not H1N1 lol) and a few days later I noticed my skin itched like crazy. when I scratch, these hive-like itchy bumps appeared. It started on my lower legs (front and back), then on the inside of my knees and up the front and side of my thighs. I had started taking prenatal vitamins around the same time the rash started, so my doc told me to stop, and i did.  He put me on Mythylprednisolone (steroids) a pill that I took for 6 days straight. The itching actually stopped, and my skin felt great. 3 days later - they were back again....this time worse. all over my legs, and now on my forearms, and ever so slightly on my upper back and chest. Went to the doc again yesterday - he said it could be bed bugs or scabies. He put me on the roids again, and gave me a cream for scabies to put all over my body, just to see if I react. I have not used the cream yet - will try it tonight thought...I AM DESPERATE! I have no idea how this could've happened. I have changed my diet slightly - eating more greens, and organic foods, so not sure if it is a reaction to new food? I do have 2 indoor cats but never have never had a reaction to them. I am going tomorrow to get blood work done for food allergies, etc- I HAVE to get to the bottom of this- I feel gross!! Wanna feel sexy again!!! : (

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11/ 2/09 9:58pm

I might have some new information/ideas for all of you!!!!!

Hi, I'm 17 and from California. Last spring, I developed what looked like bug bites on my lower legs that eventually spread to my thighs, hips, and patches on my arms. It was incredibly painful and itchy.  I had a particularly bad patch on my thigh that was at least 8 in long, 3 in wide that was raised, puffy, and giving off heat. I went to the doctor and they diagnosed me with cellulitus, which is an infection of the inside layer of your skin, The preceeding condition, however, may have been dermititis(allergic reaction or skin irritation). I was told that I could have died, developed a staff infection if i had waited 3 or 4 more days to go to the doctor. I was also told to go straight to the emergency room if my symptoms did not clear up or got worse with the medication they gave me. I was put on antibiotics, steriods, topical anti-viral cream...and the symptoms cleared up in two weeks.

It is now Fall and i developed on the back of my thigh the same itchy clusters and bumps that started what caused my celulitius(if that was what it actually was). I went to a different doctor where they persrcibed me bore anti-biotics and anti-virals. They tested my blood sugar to see if i have diabeties which could cause a repetitive rash like this, which they concluded I probably don't. The doctor also expressed the possibility of a form of herpes...NOT sexually transmitted, genital herpes(HSV-1) nor oral herpes(HSV-2). The doctor suggested this because it is unlikely for someone to develop cellulitus twice and the symtoms occured in "break-outs" which could be related to the herpes family.

I am still trying to figure out exactly what is ailing me, I will continue to post!

 

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11/10/09 5:10pm

i have had a skin rash on the front of my right let (shin) for over a year that itches really bad.  i have been diagnosed with lichen planus.  I think this is wrong.  i have also been biopsied and blood tests.  Tested for Lupus 3 times.  Still say it is lichen planus.  i had someone suggest CAPS.  Don't know much about this but i am checking it out.  let me know if you find out anything. 

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12/ 3/09 6:04pm

Well... Im 16 years old, And all of a sudden 3 months ago I got these little red bumps on my arms, Almost as if the looked like bed bug bites. I switched beds and sheets, and it is still spreading, I have lupus and took prednisone for it and I dont really want to go back on that... This rash has now spread to im legs and Idk what it is. my doctor says they look like insect bites, However there is no isertion marks? It itches, goes away, then comes back! AHhhhh!

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12/ 7/09 11:44am

READ THIS. I have been having this problem for a year and a half now. It comes and goes. My skin will be so itchy that I scratch myself raw...and once I start itching bumps appear. It's on my thighs, back of my knees, forearms and backside of my underarms. The worst is when it wakes me up at night and I cant fall asleep because I'm itching so bad. I have been to multiple doctors who all tell me its dermatitis. It's not. No lotion or cream works. I started investigating on my own. I have cut out different things from my diet to see if the rash stays away. Recently I cut out wheat. I haven't had a rash at all! But then I started eating wheat and the rash still didnt come back. Wheat is a huge thing to cut out. That includes pasta, cookies, baked items, etc. Last night the rash came back. I had tuna noodle casserole and ice cream...I know it's not tuna, cream of mushroom soup or peas. That leaves wheat pasta and ice cream. I really haven't been reacting to wheat...so that leaves ice cream. It was Breyers...and guess what??? Thousands of people are reporting the same problems from...SPLENDA. Breyers uses Splenda in some of its products...I started using Splenda last summer when this started...I drank Crystal Light almost every day prior to the past month...Look up Splenda and you may be surprised!!! I think I may have finally figured it out...So many things have Splenda or sucralose....You should check it out...

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12/10/09 11:38am

I too have had the same experiences, starting three winters ago and only in the winter. Small red pimply rash that itches like crazy. I had to have my husband tie my hands at night with handkerchief last winter because it was so bad and I even scratched in my sleep. I have been to every kind of doctor and heard many diagnoses, but mostly "I don't know." I don't use splenda and it's not in anything I ingest. I use free and clear laundry detergent, drier sheets, wear cotton clothing. None of this helps in the winter. I have decided to treat this as heat rash. If you look up heat rash it will show you bumps just like these that itch, and can be due to overheating in the winter while over dressed. I have horses, so I go out every morning in the freezing cold to feed them and I wear a big heavy jumpsuit. I do get hot in it after moving around a lot. Some of you may want to look at info on treating heat rash. The problem is you need to not have any clothing on, which is difficult in the winter. Try to expose the skin as much as possible. No hot hot showers. Use calamine for drying it out. Try scrubbing the pores with rough washcloth. This is the best I have come up with after three years of this recurring rash. Now why this seems to happen only to women is a Ph.D. thesis in the waiting.

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12/15/09 3:16am

Weird. It's the same for me: I've had the rash every winter for the last three winters and I cannot figure out why. It only comes only comes on the inside of my elbows and the underside of my forearms. I thought I must be allergic to a new jacket I got, and then a new sweatshirt I had, and then it was a coat I had for a while, and etc. etc. etc. So it's heat rash huh? That actually makes sense! I however happen to be a 24 year old male (but I can take a hint), and this has only happened the last three years. I finally resorted to the web. Can you offer more insight on your heat rash treatment? What do you mean by "scrubbing the pores with a rough washcloth" and when would you do that? And why would that help? What causes a heat rash and does it spread?

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12/19/09 1:23am

OH MY GOSH!!! My aunt who is Chinese age 37 just started getting these itchy bumps like you ladies. She has it on her arms and legs and they are immensely itchy and she asked me to find a solution. I may have her try that diaper rash butt cream like one of you said and see how it works. She got this 2 weeks ago and cannot stop itching it. Her food and beverage intake didn't change, neither has her washing detergents or soaps! If any of you found a solution, please please please send me an email as I would do the same mondeee619@gmail.com  We live in Wisconsin, so her dry skin started with the cold weather

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12/19/09 1:22pm

I too suffer from itchy rash on legs. It is only on my lower legs and

started 1 year ago when I used that "never shave again buff your

legs gimic". I used it once and with in a hour my legs were all broken

out and I have never been the same. Heat makes it worse in shower

or in spa (which I loved but now hate due to this). HELP !

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12/19/09 10:30pm

Have you been using Splenda products?  I am giving Kathryn's suggestion and chance and stopped using as of today. 

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12/25/09 6:56pm

Hi all, im glad im not alone in this, and after looking down half the page of replys belive i have the same..

  Im 24 when it started, a red rash behind my leg that itched i applied a scabbies cream but that didnt help then the rash disapeard and i now itch on my legs and arms and sometimes on my eyebrow.

 My docters were useless saying i had exzema and that i had it for life.. I havent changed anything in my diet but did have an absyss and belive it may be due to my poor diet. Im going to have an iron blood sample taken to determine if thats that case.

 From reaasurching it seems to be the natural bacteria in the skin which oils the skin isnt working anymore, hence the dry itchness. Ive applied many diffrent lotions and steriods yet this only works until i stop applying them.

 

All i know is try not to itch (i know its hard! and not great advice) , if you do and its a becteria then itl get under your nail and as you touch other parts of your body you will then end up scratching there too (i belive this to be why i get it on my eybrow) .

 

When coming out of the shower use a lubricant lotion as when your skin drys your skin will need this to moisterize itself and stop getting dry (sounds strange when coming out the shower but its true)

 

sadly this is all i know so far and havent come across a permanent solution. at the moment im looking to boost my iron in my bloodstream if this works or doesnt il come back here and post.


Have hope all,, and for sleepless nights all i can advise is lotion and steriods (altho the latter only if really sever) if the lotion doesnt work at least itl stop the skin breaking.

 

your not along ^^

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12/27/09 5:15pm

I belive i have this same thing. It started on the backs of my thighs and spread pretty much everywhere my skin touches my skin. the itching is intense and feels as thou somthing is burrowing in to the area. I've changed my bedding, i use a detergent for sensitive skin, changed soaps, changed everything nothing seems to help. Creams make it worse and unless you wash your aplicator off everytime you change to a new area you can spread it. I noticed this after trying a dematitis cream and if i didn't wash it off my hands after applying it my hands broke out with the same. I started treating it like a heat rash drying it out seems to help the itch is still there but it is mild and scratchin doesn't seem to spread it . I use Rubbing alcohol on the effected areas and then at night there is a Powder with calamine in it called " anti monkey butt powder" (no joking) it seems to quell the nightly flare ups before bed and helps you sleep. this seems to be subdueing it but not getting rid of it. Also keeping your nails short and only itching through cloth can help as well. I've had it for 2 months now. its maddening

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1/ 6/10 10:48pm

I live in NZ and get the itchy bumps on my arms and chest.  They are maddenning.  I have found that spraying the area with the hand sanitiser EVERYONE seems to have lying around works!

I spray it on and the itch goes within minutes and reduces the inflamation considerably over days.  No particular make works better than the next but ensure it does not have any perfume in it.

I had put sun block on a few weeks back and within days the itching started so I can only put the problem down to a king of contact dermititus.

 

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1/ 7/10 2:35am

Well I found out what mine was it comes during the winter and it gets worse at night. its super itchy and the gold bond tripple itch ointment works well on the itch but as it turns out i had what that call a cortosol defeciency i think that is what she told me it happes to pale people when they have a climate or enviroment change and it causes this horrible rash she gave me some pills called a Medrol Dose Pack and since I started taking them yesterday it has all but stoped itching and it has cleared up dramaticly. She said that most doctors miss diagnoss it but she sees it alot in my area. I live in Indiana  but this explains alot of my problem prehaps this information can help some of you.

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2/ 3/10 4:18pm

Thanks and it's good to see some recent posts.  I live in Kansas and was starting to think that it's something to do with the weather.  I willl ask my doc about the Medrol Dose Pack.

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2/ 4/10 2:17am

I found out its just another steroid when i ran throught the dose pack it started to come right back! its frustrating so now i am on a predsione and antibotic combination that seems to be helping it clear up . also recently went to the tanning booth to try to fool my body into beliveing it is really summer :D accually besides making feel 100% seems to have helped.

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12/28/09 5:41am

Does anyone,by chance, use Tide clean breeze scent detergent, or Bounce outdoor fresh dryer sheets, or Purex mountain fresh scent detergent? I have this rash that started on my inner thigh, I thought I'd been bit by something...now it goes all the way aroung my  thigh, and I have one on my other thigh that started in the exact spot & has made it 1/2 way around my leg! It itches so bad I have bruised myself scratching! Please help!!!

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12/28/09 5:45am

also, has anyone been told it could be tape worms??? I stumbled across something online mabout tapeworms causing a red line that is very itchy...???

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8/ 9/10 2:14am

my rashes started about a week or two after i used Purex 'after the rain' detergent.  Itchy raised bumps flesh color then turns into red spots after scratching.  this started on 7/14/10 and it's kinda off and on until now.  first it was on my legs then my arms, stomach, neck.  now it's around both my inner upper arms.  i'll stop using Purex starting this week and see what happens.  i've never been allergic to any food.

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12/29/09 8:54pm

Im the same, started a few months back in the summer when i stayed in a hot country and was in the sun a lot and i put it down to my skin not being used to the sun....my legs itched like mad everyday and also my buttocks and i had small hive like lumps,sometimes it spread to my inner arms,ankles and lower back....but its mainly my legs...tried scabies lotion, its not that, im not allergic to anything im almost sure. a night its worse and i also scratch til I bleed! Its getting unbearable! im considering the liver function reason as a possible cause...

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1/ 5/10 2:13pm

I don't have an answer, but I'll share my symptoms in case it helps.

 

I had an itchy redness on my scrotum, and started to put Lotrimin on it, as that had resolved a similar rash in the past. However after ten days and a switch to Lamisil, it was worse, and my entire privates were red, swollen, itchy, painful and infected according to the Dr. (I'll get to pimples on thighs soon.) About this time about four or five itchy, pink pimples appeared on each of my thighs as well. I saw a Dermatologist who believed I had a contact allergic reaction, and prescribed an oral antibiotic, corticosteroid cream, and prednisone. The redness and swelling on my privates improved dramatically in two days, before I was to start the prednisone. I didn't really want to take the prednisone, and the Dr. said I could skip it if my symptoms were acceptable with the cream and antibiotic, so I did not. (Once you start Prednisone, you have to complete the course.)

 

So I was a happy camper -- comfortable down there, and sleeping well. But over the course of several weeks, the itchy, pink pimples on my thighs multiplied up to the present time. They seem to be moving. The skin on the lower portion of my thighs is healing up, but new pimples are appearing higher, on the buttocks, one on the privates, and one on the stomach. But otherwise, the critical symptom I had with my privates is all better.

 

I had just finished a course of antibiotics for a sinus infection, plus pink-eye drops before my initial symptoms that led to the Lamisil.

 

So here I am. I am hoping this is some sort of allergic reaction to one of the many medicines I have been taking, and will abate eventually. I haven't gone back to the doctor yet. About five years ago I had hernia surgery, followed by gradually spreading hives about two weeks later. The hives continued to pop-up occasionally all over my body for over a year, but I had no other symptoms. Then they stopped. I suspect my body is capable of long term allergic reactions to things taken in the past.

 

But truthfully, I don't know with certainty what these pimples are.

 

 

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1/ 5/10 5:06pm

I am the same here as many others and have been dealing with this for months. I feel like I've tried everything, but nothing helps for very long. I'm 48, have a pinkish/clear rash on my arms and legs. I itch generally all the time - but more so often when I'm having hot flashes. It makes me crazy and I don't know what it is. I don't have medical insurance and can't afford urgent care at $350/visit. I look like I have a shaving rash on my legs, but mostly its my arms that itch. I wish there was an answer.

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1/ 6/10 10:52pm

Read my response up a couple of posts and spray the hand sanitiser on. Hope it works out.

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1/19/10 8:43am

Hello,

I posted above multiple times as well. Your problem may be Splenda, or written "sucralose" in an ingredient list...it's in over half of the stuff that I used to eat...read a label...you'll be surprised. I was itching nonstop for two years. It just started up one day in the summer. It felt like my legs and arms were on fire and no matter how hard I tried, I would itch myself raw. I went vegan and slowly added things back...and one day I was itching out of control again. I checked the label. Yo-Plus LIGHT yogurt....sucralose...Breyers ice cream...sucralose...quit eating anything with sucralose or Splenda and all the itching stopped...one morning I woke up and again was itching all over...thought about what I had had the night before...I had a Monster Low Carb energy drink and some Crystal Light...checked the label...sucralose...again was fine for weeks and then the itching started one night...I hadn't had anything new that day out of the ordinary except Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder after the gym....ingredients: sucralose...People reading this, splenda takes time to build up in your system sometimes before the adverse symptoms appear...just because you think you have not changed your diet doesn't mean you are aware if sucralose is in the products you are eating...its in instant oatmeal, cereal, drinks, fruit cups, coffee creamer, anything "low carb" or "less sugar" or "no sugar added"...start checking your labels and see if this helps...I was tormented for so long and I am finally itch free (:

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10/15/11 11:26am

Thanks Kaitlin,

 

Approx 1 month ago I returned to Australia from South America.  I was drinking Yoplus yoghurt in Brazil with no adverse reaction, returned home to Oz where I used Splenda in my cooking and tea/coffee.  I thought I had brought bed bugs home with me and have been trying everything to get rid of the itch (mostly at night while trying to sleep and until morning shower).  That it takes time to build up in the system is an explanation for me as I do not usually partake of yoghurt at home unless it is soy.  I had not had a reaction in the years I have been using Splenda but prior to this last box had been using an Aussie brand of natural Stevia which when I went back to Splenda may have caused the change.  I will try cutting out diet products (have just started on diet drinks also) and see what happens.

 

Thanks again ... Liz

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12/ 9/11 11:38pm

How long did it take you not eating foods with Splenda to get the results? I try not to eat foods with Nutrasweet and Splends/Sucralose. However, I drink an Atkins shake every day for breakfast. Guess what's in that. Sucralose. I am concerned about that, but I am so used to having a protein shake everday, i have to find something to replace it with, but there is Spenda in so many things. Makes it hard to find. Also don't want all the added regular sugars.

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12/ 9/11 11:29pm

rash on upper inner thighs. I have a rash on my upper inner thighs-little bumps. Assume it is from the cold winter weather and dry skin. It seems to stay in that area. When she described like a shaving rash, that is what mine looks like. Like I had shaved and it got irritated. It also gets that way when expose that area to the sun. So it seems to happen in warm and cold weather. But mine is not as itchy.

 

As far as antibiotics and creams , that is good if they work, but I don't know that they are solving the root of the problem, only the symptoms. It would almost seem to be an internal or immun system response or allergic reaction. Problem is no one including myself knows what is causing it. I have yet to find a lotion that calms my skin down when it's irritated. I tried frangrence free Lubriderm, and Eucerine. still gets a little irritated. Fragrence lotions irritate it big time. Anyone out there know of a good lotion or natural skin product to use that does not irritate. Has anyone tried oatmeal baths or some type of natural bath sals, and did they help? I searched up and down Wal-Mart and did not find one good lotion. Even Burt's Bees had frangrence in them. Found ALoe gel l, says 100& pure gel, but the ingredrients beg to differ. That irritates my skin too.

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12/ 9/11 11:30pm

rash on upper inner thighs. I have a rash on my upper inner thighs-little bumps. Assume it is from the cold winter weather and dry skin. It seems to stay in that area. When she described like a shaving rash, that is what mine looks like. Like I had shaved and it got irritated. It also gets that way when expose that area to the sun. So it seems to happen in warm and cold weather. But mine is not as itchy.

 

As far as antibiotics and creams , that is good if they work, but I don't know that they are solving the root of the problem, only the symptoms. It would almost seem to be an internal or immun system response or allergic reaction. Problem is no one including myself knows what is causing it. I have yet to find a lotion that calms my skin down when it's irritated. I tried frangrence free Lubriderm, and Eucerine. still gets a little irritated. Fragrence lotions irritate it big time. Anyone out there know of a good lotion or natural skin product to use that does not irritate. Has anyone tried oatmeal baths or some type of natural bath sals, and did they help? I searched up and down Wal-Mart and did not find one good lotion. Even Burt's Bees had frangrence in them. Found ALoe gel l, says 100& pure gel, but the ingredrients beg to differ. That irritates my skin too.

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1/ 8/10 1:22pm

I started out with this rash only on my wrists. Showed up a month ago. I live in new york so was not out gardening because of the cold weather...not allergic to poison ivy anyway. A week later was on my wrists and ankles. A few days ago started spreading like crazy. Up my shins, then my calves, then up to my butt, at the same time spreading from my wrists up my forearms. Couple spots on my shoulder, one in my arm pit and one on my stomach. They appear as flesh colored but once I start itching them they immediately turn red & open up. They are not oozy with puss or anything. They bleed a little when I itch them which can not be helped because these bumps are the itchiest thing I have ever experienced in life...it's torture. I can't sleep at all. Went to doc yesterday and they said razor burn or poison ivy...come on...bunch of f'in morons. The prednisone helped the itch in about half hour and I am applying betamethasone cream. Helps but need it every three hours and its just disguising the itch the rash is not going away...Pretty scary...W.T.F is goin on!!!

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1/21/10 12:14am

Hi I am 31 and live in Tennessee. I also has this annoying rash show up on my legs in cluster places. After 3 months I went to my dr because I had scratched them so much they were scabbing over and bleeding but it still didnt stop me. HE SAID THE CAUSE OF IT WAS WHERE I HAD BEEN TAKING LONG HOT BATHS AND SHOWERS, ELECTRIC HEAT, AND WHERE I WASNT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER. MY SKIN WAS SETTING UP A BARRIER TO PROTECT ITSELF. BASICALLY ALL THE MOISTURE WAS SUCKED OUT OF MY LEGS FROM THE AIR AND WATER, HE PUT ME ON A STERIOD CREAM, I DRANK 3 BOTTLES OF WATER A DAY AND TOOK QUICK WARM BATHS AND SHOWERS AND PUT A HUMIDIFIER IN THE HOUSE TO COUNTERACT THE DRY AIR FROM ELECTRIC HEAT AND IT CLEARED UP. :D 

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1/22/10 12:04pm

I like to know what it is, I have the same thing, It's on my feet, lower legs and both my arms. I have tryed everything Auti-ich creams, skin mads, and Calamin Lotion and nothing semes to work and its getting wrose. I got started noticing back in late oct early Nov, first I though it was from useing my friends body wash so i stopped useing it then i it got worse, I'm losing sleep over thins, just having to itch it and it worse at nite then anything and I don't have the money to see the doctor, I'd like to have answers, I what this gone can anyone help me? Please e-mail me at heatherfun2004@yahoo.com thanks

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9/ 6/10 7:55am

So  many of you who have said you have itching -worse at night --and live on the East Caost -can it be bedbugs ???

I saw on the news that they are rampant in many places -spreading rapidly-found even in malls and clothing stores and furniture stores.

Costs a bunch to get them treated -hope its just allergies!

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1/25/10 3:57pm

I stumbled upon this website and I see so many people with the same problem that I have been having.  However, I am hoping I am closer to an answer.

 

About 3 years ago, I got a rash on the top of my knee near my thigh area.  It started out as one pimple that itched unbelievably.  As with anyone else, I scratched it.  Next thing I know I have a cluster of these pimples all over this local area.  The bumps almost start looking like hives.  I could handle the rash, but the itch was unbearable.  It was strange that it did not itch me all day, but as soon as it was night time, it would act up.  It also would itch if the rash got any sun exposure.  At the time, I did not have health insurance, so I tolerated it.  My boyfriend said try putting Witch Hazel on it.  Since no other over the counter creams helped, I gave it a try.  It helped somewhat and although I hated the smell, it gave me the most relief.  Perhaps because it has a drying agent.  This rash lasts about 4 months.  It takes that long for the last eruption to disappear.  When it disappears, all pimples and bumps are gone, but I have a slight discloration in my skin from where it was.  Hot showers makes the discoloration more prominant.

 

I am not sure how much later, but it developed again.  Same leg, same knee area, although more widespread and bigger this time.  This time I had health insurance and immediately went to a dermatologist.  He took a skin biopsy and the results came back negative to everything.  He said I must have a hyper-sensitivty to something.  Gave me the strongest cortizone cream available, which was like putting water on it.  It did nothing with absolutely no relief.

 

Almost a year later, it came back.  This time on both knee/thigh areas.  Geez, a double whammy! What is this stuff?  I went back to the same dermatologist who again took another biopsy.  This time it came back as possible skin lupus.  However, blood results gave back negative to skin lupus, so that was quickly ruled out.  All he did was shake his head and did nothing.  I was so upset.  Not only did I not know what I had, I did not know how to treat it, let alone prevent it!  I was also annoyed because this doctor wasn't curious.  Why didn't he contact all of his associates and friends and ask if they knew what this was?  Why not pursue answers for me?  I am not sure if it was laziness on his part, or the fact that perhaps he didn't want to show others what he did not know, but his complacency left me hanging.  That's when I knew I needed a different doctor!

 

Six months later, I got it on my forearms.  Same thing.  Same unbearable itch, but now it is on my forearms.  I didn't go back to the doctor as he was of no help.  I lived with this itch and a lot of Witch Hazel.  Four months later, it disappeared.

 

Now, it is happening more frequently, although the duration is the same.  However, this time I went to a different dermatologist.  Although she had no answers, she did inform me of a twice a year meeting of all dermatologists and said I should attend so they can all look at me.  Wow!  I finally have someone willing to look for answers and get other opinions! 

 

So, just this past Saturday, I went to this conference.  In the examination room, I had clusters of doctors come in.  Supposingly, 75 dermatologists were attending, although it didn't seem to be that many that looked at my rash.  But, there were at least 50.  I was so thankful I had the benefit of 50 dermatologists with all these years of experience looking at this rash, asking questions, and then giving their input to my doctor.  Although I do not know what they had to say, I do know that I am scheduled to have another blood test, and a more specific type of biopsy later this week.  This biopsy test is called "Direct Immunoflorescence."  What it entails and how is this different, I haven't a clue.  All I know is that it is a different biopsy than the previous two.

 

Although I had the rash on my arms this time, I was smart enough at my last leg/knee onset to take photos of the stages of it with my iPhone.  I then printed them in color to show all of these doctors.  I wanted someone to see what is driving me insane for these past few years.  If I was fortunate enough to see all of these doctors, I wanted them to have every image available of it on legs and arms.  I also took them because if I wasn't going to get any answers from the doctors, I was going to post them on the internet.

 

So, for anyone out there that has had the typical biopsy done of their rash, perhaps you need to have your doctor do this Direct Immunoflorescence test.  I truly don't know if it will give direct answers or just eliminate possibilities.  But, it seemed to be the general consensus of all how attended that I should take this test.  I am just so grateful that I was fortunate enough to have so many dermatologists looking at this, and better than that ... it was free of charge.

 

Now, to get answers!  If I find out anything, I will post here and let you know.

 

So you know, I do not take Splenda, so I am doubtful that is the problem for me.  But for all of you who are itchy and miserable, I do understand your discomfort.  I have been dealing with it on and off four four years.  Only now, I hope I have answers!

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2/21/10 11:57am

FOLLOWUP:

 

I put my answer in the wrong spot.  Internet Explorer 64 bit did not show the original post - but found it thru 32-bit.  Sorry for the repeat:

 

     -----------------------------------

 

The special biopsy showed everything as negative.  The three vials of blood work showed everything as negative.

 

Complete testing with an allergist came back negative.  No allergies whatsoever.

 

At this point, even though I have met up with almost 50 dermatologists at the conference, no one knows what this is.  All their suppositions came back negative.

 

It is now suggested that it is either a drug reaction or a bug reaction.  The drug reaction is ruled out.  I have no bed bugs, fleas, don't garden, don't camp, and no pets in my home.  So, to me, the bug reaction doesn't seem correct.

 

Still looking for answers.  The rash is in its disappearing stage.  Unfortunately, if the pattern continues ... it will rear its ugly head again in May.

 

 

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2/ 1/10 6:58am

The Answer (for me at least).

I read, with great interest, all the accounts above about 3 weeks ago. I had presented with a similar itch on my forearms and shins which developed into an under skin kind of rash. Also, at night it was driving me crazy. I knew it wasn't scabies as I had had that in my college days and although scabies was 'itchier', it doesn't produce any kind of rash (maybe some tiny spots on the wrists).

 

Anyway, I picked up some tips from the reports above, including the Splenda comments. I thought back to the last 4 months (about how long I've had this itch) and the only real change to my diet was in what I ate for breakfast.

 

After watching a documentary regarding the ingredients of some cereals, I changed from Bran Flakes to Weetabix (thinking it was healthier). So, my first option was to stop eating Weetabix and hey presto, about a week later, all the itching (and rash of course) was gone...and has stayed gone.

 

Although not a scientific experiment, it is enough to convince me not to go crazy eating wheat. I must state that we, in Ireland, had some really cold weather over the Christmas period and the itch seemed to get worse. This leads me to suspect that there is some connection between wheat allergy and temperature (possibly temperature changes?).

 

Anyway, I've stopped eating Weetabix and which means that I don't need to lift my trouser ends to scratch my calves while watching TV!! Ah, happiness!

 

Hope this helps someone else.

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10/17/11 12:37am

I have only had this problem since September 2011.  Went to South America where I bought some Prednisone for my asthma (in Australia we have Prednisolone which I have been taking for years).  I did not have occasion to use the Prednisone until I returned to Australia (September in fact) and have had the under skin rash and itch since.  Find the only thing that helps me is a hot shower (the hottest I can stand) and if I wake during the night I sponge my arms in hottest water also which allows me to at least get a few hours sleep.

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2/ 5/10 3:03pm

You should look up the virginia creeper and see if that has anything to do with it.  i only mention  this because you were planting a garden at the time.  However, i recently went to the doctors with a rash on my arms legs and stomach.  it was extremely itchy but strangely enough seemed to come out mostly at night after i took a hot shower or excersized. this rash was not constant. it came and went but was really bad whenever i got hot.  being 16 this scared me because i was starting to get outbreaks in school D:  when i went to the doctor he said that what was happening was that my body had fought off an infection too well and had produced extra antibodies.  he said it was these antibodies that were creating the rash.  he prescribed me zyrtec and prrescription strength zantac.  he told me to take one zantac in the morning and the zyrtec and another zantac one hour before i go to bed. he hopes to supress the reaction for three weeks before taking me off the medication.  so far i have not seen any results but have only been taking the medicine for 3 days.  if you have these symptoms i suggest you go to your doctor.  i am a 16 year old girl so my guess is that you might be prescribed something stronger.  i will write back once i find out whether or not the medicine works. if you have a rash that is coming and going this is probably what you have!!!! however if you have a persistant rash you shhould look at other things such as allergic reactions or scabies.  i really hope this helped i will post my results in a few weeks :D

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2/19/10 3:14am

my rash swelled to cellulitus of the elbow and went through the intervenus.........now I get small area of extremely itchy rashes that swell on hands or ankles....they go away then another area appears............any solutions yet?

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2/21/10 11:19am

I posted a month or so ago about the same thing and the various tests I had taken and planned on taking.  (Not sure where that post is, because I can't seem to find it now.)

 

The special biopsy showed everything as negative.  The three vials of blood work showed everything as negative.

 

Complete testing with an allergist came back negative.  No allergies whatsoever.

 

At this point, even though I have met up with almost 50 dermatologists at the conference, no one knows what this is.  All their suppositions came back negative.

 

It is now suggested that it is either a drug reaction or a bug reaction.  The drug reaction is ruled out.  I have no bed bugs, fleas, don't garden, don't camp, and no pets in my home.  So, to me, the bug reaction doesn't seem correct.

 

Still looking for answers.  The rash is in its disappearing stage.  Unfortunately, if the pattern continues ... it will rear its ugly head again in May.

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2/26/10 9:07am

Has anyone had their Thyroid checked? I came accross a book that says that rashes and itchy skin are a symptom......

 

Rebecca

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4/29/10 12:02am

Read my response below.  I'm Janet.

 

Yes I had my thyroid checked and everything else inside and out, xrays, skin tests, allergy tests, blood tests and the rash does not go away -- oh yes, temporarily from Prednisone etc but comes back. 

 

The only common denominator I've found is materials (clothing, sheets, etc) from China purchased in the last two years even after many washes in "free" products are used by every woman I've spoken with who has the rash that is on the forearms, shoulders and front of legs and comes and goes and is worse at night and worse from sweating.

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3/15/10 10:53pm

You need to rule out lyme disease. Sounds like a classic lyme rash. Little red spots about 3/4 to an inch apart?! Are u waking up at 3am? Sore neck (cervical 5)? Sore lower back (lumbar 5)? Taking prednisone will make the rash go away temporarily but it is like pouring gas on a fire because it suppresses the immune system during therapy. When you stop the drug, the immune system returns to do battle with the lyme bacteria (borrelia burgdorferi) releasing the bacteria's neurotoxin in the process and giving rise to a worsening of existing symptoms and emergence of new ones (google, "Herxheimer Reaction"). If you get tested, do not settle for a negative Elisa Titer or negative Western Blot test. Talk to Central Florida Research about their lyme test. For good info read Bryan Rosner's "Top Ten Treatments for Lyme Disease" and his "Lyme Disease and Rife Machines". These books give the most elegant, concise and accurate picture of this insidious plague. Look for lyme literate doctors (LLMDs) for help. Your regular doc will not do!

By the way, lyme is transmitted sexually, in utero (to fetus) and by blood. There are currently no guidelines for testing blood bank stores for the presence of lyme. Remember AIDS?

Good luck.

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3/15/10 11:21pm
Me again. Does this sound familiar?> Rash is worse at joint sites (wrists, inside elbow joint, behind knees, hips, ankles) but also occurs on outside of upper shoulders, inside and outside of legs, armpits. Your face has this funny redness on the cheeks under your eyes and sometimes on the eyebrows and across your nose. It is often misdiagnosed as lupus. Symptoms worse at night. Drenching night sweats ( I mean "drenching"!). Headaches, stomach aches, migrating joint pains, symptoms worse in Spring and Fall. Gluten protein (in wheat products) will make symptoms worse as will sugar or high glycemic foods ("sugar-like"). Fits of rage out of no where for 45 minutes to an hour or more. Depression, irritability, weight gain (or loss). If you take antibiotics, symptoms get very bad within 1 to 3 days then dissipate. Is there a patch of red skin on the back of your neck at the hairline about the diameter of a 50 cent piece? Does your baby or child have the same mark? Don't let the OB-GYN tell you that this spot is a "stork bite"!? Unbelievable fatigue that is unrelieved no matter how much sleep you get. Sensitive to alcohol, Eyes sensitive to light. Hot temperatures worsen symptoms and cause new ones. That is because high body temperatures kill bacteria. The bacteria I'm talking about is a spirochete called lyme disease. It is very similar to another famous spirochete called syphilis. Both have been dubbed "The Great Imitator" because they produce neurological symptoms that mimic other diseases but they are stealth pathogens that are very hard to diagnose. There is no cure right now but you can drive them back into "remission" with proper care. Read those books I mentioned in the last "answer" I gave and find out everything you can about this illness. It can make you morbidly ill and even kill you. Do not underestimate it or the inability of our health care system to deal with it. This disease is ravaging not only our country but the entire world. If you are pregnant or the mother of a child under 3 years and you think you have these symptoms you may have lyme and passed it to your unborn child. Make sure they do not have an active lyme infection before you begin vaccinations (see Lyme Induced Autism Foundation). Reply
3/31/10 7:11pm

THE LADY IS RIGHT...CANDIDA YEAST...DOES GIVE YOU A RASH!!!!!

IF YOU EVER HAD ON AND OFF YEAST INFECTION IT NEVER REALLY WENT AWAY THE TOXIC GET INTO YOUR BLOOD STREAM AND ATTACKS YOUR BODY WHICH CAUSES THE RASH HIVES THAT KEEP COMING BACK !!!!!! HOW TO CURE IT... First lay off the antibiotic they dont work for your body has became immune to the yeast FIX. TRY THIS APPROACH...

HOW IT WORKS ...Colloidal silver works in several ways. Its very effective anti-microbial properties have resulted in use by doctors for the treatment of AIDS, Cancer, Epstein Barr, Gonorrhea, Lyme's Disease, Candida, fungus, warts and parasites, lethal cases of candida yeast, etc....

You can drink a tsp straight or dilute in water and take bath to relieve itch. Feel great I do both! I havent had an itch or rash in two weeks.

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4/ 4/10 9:29am

I have had same symptoms on my shoulders/chest and lower legs for 6 months.  I live in Florida and have found that going in the ocean for 5 - 10 minutes a day solved the problem....that and I apply aloe on the irritation directly from an aloe plant ( leaves ).  

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4/ 5/10 10:16pm

Have you tried zinc oxide cream such as Penaten. Although I'm SUFFERING from an unexplained skin lesion/itchy/red bumps/bruising condition - high Panceas levels on one set of tests/ mild kidney disease on the second - I discovered on my own that zinc oxide cream provides some relief from the itching and pain. Of course, you get it all over everything and the cream certainly hasn't cleared up my condition , which just pops up on other parts of my body, but without the cream I 'd be in a lot of bleeding pain......

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4/ 6/10 6:43pm

I am not sure if I had the same thing but it sounds pretty similar. I had a skin condition that was mainly on my arms and legs. I went to many doctors to try and figure out what the problem was and come up with nothing. Finally some time later we figured out that our water softner had a really old filter in it and was clogged! After we fixed these problems my skin got so much better. Eventually we turned the softner off completely because we learned that some people are just sensitive to the salt and chemicals and im guessing that why I reacte and my room mates did not. My skin continues to get better : ) hope that helps!!!

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4/28/10 11:37pm

I am 56 years old.  My reoccurring rash is just on the front of my shins and on the front of my forearms and shoulders.  It started one year ago one week after I pressure cleaned the driveway and got sun burned.  At first I thought it was sun poisoning.  I was allergy tested for everything.  I switched to "free" everything and started double rinsing my clothes.  I've done medicines and creams galore and stopped perfumes, etc and Oil of Olay body wash seems to be the best for not irritating it ... but I've talked to a lot of people about clothing material, sheets, etc and there seems to be a common link -- cloth of any kind from China even when washed has something in it that might be the culprit.  A woman and her five year old got the rash after receiving new sheets.  I've seen other women with the same rash and they wear the same pajamas (made in China).  My rash really breaks out when I wear Ralph Lauren tops purchased within the last year.  But then I wear old jeans and the rash still comes.  I can't get to the bottom of it.  But there are a lot of us out there who have it.  I don't wear dry cleaning -- never have had to.  I eat Isongenix shakes twice a day and thought maybe that was it.  But the rash doesn't seem to go away when I eat something else.  I avoid the sun but still have the rash (live in Florida).  The dermatologist says it is allergy related and I have to find out by elimination.  Maybe if we continue to chat and compare eliminations we can find out what it is.  I do bath instead of shower and don't use anything in the bath water.  Let me know if you find anything that makes it go away.

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5/20/10 1:19am

well i recenty went to the hospital today at 9:00 am and it seems like i have what you all are discribing its on my legs and starting on my arms but the only difference i think is mine is not to ichy and it seems like its under my skin instead of on top and the spots look like blood forming under my skin and im having trouble breathing and my head keeps getting dizzy aslo they have pain every once and a while its like a stinging pain doctor took 7 vials of blood from me still dont know what it is he also took a culture and that was a neg. too im worried REALLY WORRIED im 20 and i just want it to go away cuz before he gave me my prescription for prednizone he said that it could be a new virus the name im not sure how to prenounce cuz it sounds foreign of some sort but what scares me the most he didnt say there was a cure for it. PLEASE ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT!!!!!!!!!

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5/21/10 2:52pm

Hello,

I am 33 and in florida also.

Does your rash flare up and look like misquito bites as I have seen some people say are happening to them?

I have also had a sinus infection for 2 weeks now that will not clear up.

I am going to the doc tomorrow for the rash and infection.

Have any of you had reccuring infections in your body also.

I also get boils every now and again.

Just trying to see if any of this is related or not related to the same thing some of you are experiencing.

I was a very health young adult until the past couple years.

Keep getting sick now all of a sudden this strange rash coming and going.

Hope I can get to the bottom of it and not just put on prednozone and antibiotics.

 

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6/25/10 9:13am

Seems like we all are suffering from something that is similar to each other. My rash is seasonal. SUMMER only. It starts out the same as what was described here. A small pimple like mark that has only ever appeared on my hands. Usually on a knuckle of one of my fingers. It itches like CRAZY!!! Then it spreads. It will become a few pimples that end up joining together and forming one large red blotch. Strangely when it starts to heal, it heals from the inside of the blotch out and resembles ring worm. I have been to several doctors, I lived in Ontario Canada when it first started almost 15 years ago. Still looking for a doctor who can give it a name but have yet to find one. Biopsy came back inconclusive and I get "some sort of dermatitis" as a diagnosis when the doctors see it. In the past few years I have been diligent to document everything I eat, touch, feel with my hands and have managed to narrow it down to a couple of things. Dirt, is the main culprit as I was an avid gardener when it all started. This year I have put it down to plants in general because I got the rash without even touching any dirt at all. Just from cutting back a few of my rose bushes. Did NOT touch the soil this time. The second culprit could be the sun. I live in Maryland USA now and my family and I went to Ocean City MD for vacation last year. On the trip home my husband was driving and I had my window open and my arm resting on the space there. I got a terrible sunburn and should have known better but the next day, everywhere I had gotten sunburned on my arm was COVERED with the red bumps and it again itched like crazy. I have not found a cure, but I have learned not to have prolonged sun exposure, not to touch plants or garden anymore :( and never never never bury my hands in soil. I know any one of you would agree, anything that helps would be great. When I hear of some of you with it on your legs, it makes me wonder if you were gardening and on your knees while you did it or if you sunbathe... Gloves might work but I wouldnt chance gardening gloves, too easy for the soil to get down in those. Try surgical gloves that you can buy at any pharmacy. I think they would work better. I stay out of the sun now and will probably be better off for it someday lol I had a cream that worked wonders a few years ago and could kick myself for not saving the name of it. For now I am using Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP, 0.1 for it and it does help with the itch but doesnt clear it right up like the cream I had before did. If anyone would like to email me regarding this please feel free to do so. My email is ravensgirl62@hotmail.com. Oh and I KNOW mine isnt from Splenda as Splenda hadnt even been invented when my rash started 15 years ago.

Wendy

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7/ 8/10 8:27am

Your symptoms sound like scabies, highly contageous. Need permethrin cream to cure.

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7/ 9/10 1:31pm

I have been checked thoroughly by several dermatologists, it is not scabies, or ringworm or anything they could identify. I work at the best hospital in the USA and believe me, if it was scabies, they would have known it. They have just said it was a reaction to something, maybe dirt as I am an avid gardener, or to the sun. 

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7/ 9/10 1:44pm

Thankfully. My diagnosis came back as allergic dermatitis, a reaction to most likely a plant allergen (like poison ivy). Cats can bring it in! I hope you find a solution because the itching is terrible. Try a SUPERhot shower in the morning, it takes away the itch for the whole day!

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7/15/10 10:51pm

have any of you looked to see if its intenstilnal , it sounds like symptoms of Crohns disease.  if any of you also suffer from intestinal problems I would get tested .


Skin Rashes

Several types of skin rash can accompany Crohn's disease. None of these rashes are unique to Crohn's, however. They can occur on their own or can accompany other diseases.

* Pyoderma gangrenosum. This is a type of skin ulcer. It tends to appear on the lower legs but can occur anywhere. It starts with a small bump or blister, then expands to a deep, painful ulcer. Multiple ulcers can appear at once. Pyoderma gangrenosum can appear even if intestinal disease is under control.
* Erythema nodosum. This is an inflammation of fat underneath the skin's surface. It appears as red, painful lumps on the lower legs and sometimes on the thighs or arms. It tends to appear when intestinal disease is more active.
* Necrotizing small vessel vasculitis. Vasculitis is an inflammation of blood vessels which leads to bleeding underneath the skin. It can appear as small red spots or larger bruises, usually on the legs or arms.

 

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8/ 5/10 12:44pm

I am 28 and live in Oklahoma USA.  When I was 9 or 10 I started getting a rash that resembled chicken pox but only on the tops of my arms and the front of my legs..mainly knees and elbows.  At that time I went to several doctors, changed soaps, laundry detergent and rinsed my laundry twice each time.  I was told it was a reaction to the sun.  I seemed to have grown out of it because I didn't have another flare up until last year.  I was working in a hospital and at first thought I had contracted something from there but was quickly ruled out as I was the only person with it. 

I do not garden or play in dirt and I do not use Splenda. I have been using tanning beds year round for years and never had a problem until last year.  Last month the rash appeared again starting on my elbows and knees then spread to my upper arms and legs.  They do not appear where I continuely have clothes such as stomach or back.  I went to a walk in clinic and was given a steroid shot which healed it right up but yesterday I woke up with my upper arms and upper legs covered.  I spent 6 hours in the sun (by the pool) Saturday and I did get a slight sun burn on my chest, however I do not have a rash there. 

I thought it was a heat rash but that doesn't make sense either seeing that I use a tanning bed year round.  I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon however I do not have high hopes after reading all the post.  I leave for Cancun in 9 days and I REALLY do not want to take the rash with  me.  It looks gross and people always ask about it. 

If you have any advise please email me at kelliegatlin@gmail.com.

 

Thank you so much and GOOD LUCK!!

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7/13/10 4:23pm

I am 60, and I have had this rash several times in the last 15 years.  This time I noticed it started right after I was working in my garden, removing some dead and slightly mouldy plant material.  I was wearing shorts and a sleavless tank and the exposed areas are the areas that developed the rash.  I have tried several medications for execma to psoriasis, and it seems that only time works.  An anti histamine helps some times and cold showers without soap give the most immediate relief.  At night I use an anti itch cortizone cream. Arghh!

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7/21/10 1:07am

I may have the answer to the itchy bumpy rashes on the arms, wrists, under arms, behind the legs, neck and on the ankles. For example if the rash is on your wrist, turn on the bathroom water facet with warm water and let the warm water flow over the wrist. Slowly turn on the hot water valve more and more until you get a sensation that feels as if you are scratching the itch. When the sensation goes away then turn up the hot water more and you will feel the soothing scatching sensation feeling again. Do this until you cannnot feel the sensation anymore or the water gets so hot you can't stand it anymore.

When your done be sure not to scatch it with your anything especialy your nails. just blot it dry with a clean towel or paper towel, The area will be very red since your skin was scalded by the hot water. The itching sensation will be gone and within a few hours you will notice that the rash area may seem to have a slight dry scabing and the rash will be less red then before you did the scalding. After the scalding you may put on some ointment which will help the rash speed up the healing process. I will not recommend an ointment since I am not a Doctor but there are many over the counter ointments that the pharmisists will recommend. The scalding alone will stop the itching and make it go away but I find that the ointment speeds up the healing process.

Do the scalding 2 to three times a day unless your skin is too sensitive.

You may also use a blow dryer but it is very hard to control the amount of heat to the rash to keep it at a constant temperature but it does give you that same sensation ot scratching that itch without breaking the skin.

If the hot water does not give the sensation of itching the rash then this method is not for you and should stick with only ointments.

Please be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water and this method is to be used at your own risk and I am not responsible for anyone who uses this method.

Thanks Steve.

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7/21/10 1:08am

I may have the answer to the itchy bumpy rashes on the arms, wrists, under arms, behind the legs, neck and on the ankles. For example if the rash is on your wrist, turn on the bathroom water facet with warm water and let the warm water flow over the wrist. Slowly turn on the hot water valve more and more until you get a sensation that feels as if you are scratching the itch. When the sensation goes away then turn up the hot water more and you will feel the soothing scatching sensation feeling again. Do this until you cannnot feel the sensation anymore or the water gets so hot you can't stand it anymore.

When your done be sure not to scatch it with your anything especialy your nails. just blot it dry with a clean towel or paper towel, The area will be very red since your skin was scalded by the hot water. The itching sensation will be gone and within a few hours you will notice that the rash area may seem to have a slight dry scabing and the rash will be less red then before you did the scalding. After the scalding you may put on some ointment which will help the rash speed up the healing process. I will not recommend an ointment since I am not a Doctor but there are many over the counter ointments that the pharmisists will recommend. The scalding alone will stop the itching and make it go away but I find that the ointment speeds up the healing process.

Do the scalding 2 to three times a day unless your skin is too sensitive.

You may also use a blow dryer but it is very hard to control the amount of heat to the rash to keep it at a constant temperature but it does give you that same sensation ot scratching that itch without breaking the skin.

If the hot water does not give the sensation of itching the rash then this method is not for you and should stick with only ointments.

Please be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water and this method is to be used at your own risk and I am not responsible for anyone who uses this method.

Thanks Steve.

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8/ 7/10 9:18pm

I have finally discovered what is causing my rash. I have an allergy to the sun. I found it out this past week on vacation when I got a sunburn and then broke out in the rash everywhere I had sunburn. It is itching like crazy and looks hideous. I will be going to the doc for confirmation on Monday. It was a toss up for me between sun and dirt. At least now I know for sure. I wonder how many others get this for the same reason? Anyone relate to this at all?

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8/ 7/10 9:18pm

I have finally discovered what is causing my rash. I have an allergy to the sun. I found it out this past week on vacation when I got a sunburn and then broke out in the rash everywhere I had sunburn. It is itching like crazy and looks hideous. I will be going to the doc for confirmation on Monday. It was a toss up for me between sun and dirt. At least now I know for sure. I wonder how many others get this for the same reason? Anyone relate to this at all?

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11/ 1/10 9:45pm

I'm 16 years old and ive had the same rash as everyone is describing. it has been accuring for 2 years around the same time( in the winter). i cant find anything that helps my rash or itchiness. I've been on medicine off and on and none of it has helped, ive had creams, taken oatmeal baths and yet i still itch! the 'rash' or bumps accure behind my legs from legs ankles underarms belly boobs neck and arms. I am going to a dermatologist because my doctor says its only allergies. i refuse to believe that. If anyone has anyy information that will help

-thanks!

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11/ 1/10 10:57pm

Hi Sarah,  (My Scalding technique)

I may have the answer to the itchy bumpy rashes on the arms, wrists, under arms, behind the legs, neck and on the ankles. For example if the rash is on your wrist, turn on the bathroom water facet with warm water and let the warm water flow over the wrist. Slowly turn on the hot water valve more and more until you get a sensation that feels as if you are scratching the itch. When the sensation goes away then turn up the hot water more (as your skin will get used to the hotter temperature) and you will feel the soothing scatching sensation feeling again.  Do this until you cannnot feel the sensation anymore or the water gets so hot you can't stand it anymore. Your skin will be real red from the hot water. Try to keep the hot water only on the rash.

When your done be sure not to scatch it with your anything especialy your nails. just blot it dry with a clean towel or paper towel, The area will be very red since your skin was scalded by the hot water. The itching sensation will be gone and within a few hours you will notice that the rash area may seem to have a slight dry scabing and the rash will be less red then before you did the scalding. After the scalding you may put on some ointment which will help the rash speed up the healing process. I will not recommend an ointment since I am not a Doctor but there are many over the counter ointments that the pharmisists will recommend. The scalding alone will stop the itching and make it go away but I find that the ointment speeds up the healing process.

Do the scalding 2 to three times a day unless your skin is too sensitive.

You may also use a blow dryer but it is very hard to control the amount of heat to the rash to keep it at a constant temperature but it does give you that same sensation ot scratching that itch without breaking the skin.

If the hot water does not give the sensation of itching the rash then this method is not for you and should stick with only ointments.

Please be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water and this method is to be used at your own risk and I am not responsible for anyone who uses this method. This is how I get rid of mine when it comes on. The doctor called the rash Prickley heat. It seems to be caused for me anyway from my skin sweating and drying on my skin several times and it creates a form of fungus and the hot water kills the fungus and the skin heals.

Thanks Steve.

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11/19/10 5:54am

Are any of these posts from Men?  I just noticed nobody has put thier gender when describing self & symptoms.  I have all the symptoms everyone else has, except I can't think of any artiifical sweetners used.  I am a 45 year old female in Sacramento, cant sleep!!

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12/12/10 12:33am

Guys I had some weird rash and it wouldn't go away. My derm gave me a cortisone shot and it started going away within a week. Hope this helps you guys, the rash was horrible for me.

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12/22/10 11:14am

Hi, i am from scotland and have been suffering with this rash for about 6 months, i have been to the doctors plent of time and have been prescribed many different creams that have not worked including fungal and steroid creams. The doc does not know what it is, i have had my bloods taken too. He will not refere me to a dermatoligist either convinced that it is ezema but i have always had really good skin and not suffered with any alergies. my friend also has symptoms of this ras but alcot worse so i think it is contagous. i have come to the conclusion that it is CANDIA not sure how you get it but i have started to take garlic capsules and oregano complex and been topping up on probotics for the tummy. i have noticed an improvment but the sypmtoms are still there. i am quite concerned about the lhyms desiease thing because i think their is something defienatly going around that the doctors are not taking seriously! i think that it is a internal fungal infection type thing but it hasn't been diagnosed properly! i have also been using a carbonic old fashioned soap and that seemd to be helping. i find that keeping the skin moisturised makes the itching worse because fungus thrives in moist conditions. do not scratch becase this will make it spread too. hopefully soon the docs will come up with a true diagnosis before it gets out of control like it already seems to be! im also cutting down on mushrooms cheese alot of yeast. not conviced one secon its exema, defianetly a desiese or fungal infection. god hope we find a cure soon!

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1/14/11 4:08pm

I am a 47 y/o male in FL as I write this on Jan 14, 2011.  There seems to be a few different strains here.  Some who get it only in the summer (not me).  Some who get it in the winter (like me).  Some who get it near the joints (not me) . Some describe it as painful (not me).  Most have mentioned being outdoors (yes), eating wheat (always have) or consuming splenda (possibly, but doubtful).  Here's my story.

   I get these bug bite-like pimples that spread and get inflamated when scratched.  They itch like crazy, especially at night.  I have tried taking an oatmeal bath which made me scratch like crazy.  It burned and felt great at the same time.  It starts on my shins and forearms, then I get it on the top of my thighs.  When it gets bad, I get it in my torso, neck, shoulders and back.  I never got it on my face, feet or hands.

   The skin looks dried out, patchy and somewhat flaky.  It looks like eczema or psoriasis, or scabies, but it is not (I had scabies once, so I know the difference).  Nothing helps.  Even after it goes away, there is a redness that gets left behind.  It comes back every winter.  I have eaten the same foods, used the same detergents, etc for years.  Why has this just begun in the last three years?  How long has everyone else been dealing with this?

   It seems weird that so many people can have the same symptoms and no one knows what it is.  Is it possible that it has something to do with the chem trails that are being sprayed to break up the clouds? Maybe I'm reaching, but I need to know what this is; soon!

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1/27/11 11:42am

Hi.....I too had this awful rash.  It started the beginning of December and I was losing my mind with the itching.  I used to get into really hot showers as hot as I could take it.  The water felt like a 100 nails stratching the rash.  It was so soothing.  The doctors gave me some cremes...they didn't work.  I found something that has worked.  For about 1 1/2 week I have put Vasoline all other the affected areas and its working.  The redness on my hands has disappeared and my arms are clearing.  It was really bad around my elbows.  We also bought a humidifier for the house....had to get more moisture in the air.  Try the Vasoline, wear loose clothing and no wool.  Apply after your shower, pat dry don't rub.  I kept the shower running with the door open to keep moisture in the air while I applied the vasoline.  It didn't take long for the vasoline to absorb into my skin.  I am also drinking alot of water....flavoured water.  Its easier for me to consume alot of water when its flavoured.  Try this and I hope it helps.  Good luck!

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2/13/11 2:08pm

my wife has been suffering with similar symptoms for 9 months,we found the answer.It is a form of celiac disease called dermatitis herpetiformis.cut all wheat gluten out of your diet,you need to research a little to find how many ways wheat is used in various products including spices.We are naturopathic doctors and been researching like crazy people.Change your diet it will go away.We welcome contact,e mail russellcrain@att.net  

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2/24/11 9:00am

Thank you so much for this post.  I have had a rash on my lower legs behind the knee and forearms and these sore itchy circular things on my hands.  When I looked up dermatitis herpetiformis right there in my face was exactly what I have - specifically what I have on my hands THE EXACT SAME THING.  My sister has celiac disease and now it all makes sense.  Thank you thank you because I was driving my self crazy back and forth to Drs.

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12/10/11 3:11am

Thank you for sharing. I have not had the severe symptons that the others have had, but have had enough other issues, that I have concluded have to do with my diet and yeast issues.  I have cut down on wheat the last few years, but am amazed at how much wheat is in everything.

 

The fact that so many people have the same issues over several years, cannot be unrelated. I have heard that there are alfotoxins in our grains. Moldy grains. Have you heard that?

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12/10/11 3:11am

Thank you for sharing. I have not had the severe symptons that the others have had, but have had enough other issues, that I have concluded have to do with my diet and yeast issues.  I have cut down on wheat the last few years, but am amazed at how much wheat is in everything.

 

The fact that so many people have the same issues over several years, cannot be unrelated. I have heard that there are alfotoxins in our grains. Moldy grains. Have you heard that?

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2/ 2/11 9:30pm

I just cannot believe I am not the only one going through this ordeal. I am 54 and have never had a problem until last April after my hysterectomy. I broke out with a terrible rash all over my breasts! My gynecologist was dumbfounded and put me on an oral steroid which helped for a few days but it came back shortly afterwards. I then went to a dermatologist and they too were kind of confused but put me on a steroid cream. I was OK for a short time but then my breasts broke out along with my legs and arms. :( In the meantime, we moved so I had to go to another dermatologist and they did a biopsy which showed it was being caused by something from within but they could not tell me what. :( I continued with the cream which helped  but my legs continue to break out (mostly at night) in itchy rashes all over along with parts of my arms such as my elbows. I am so frustrated!!!!! My legs look terrible all the time and actually bleed from all the itching... I wish someone could tell us what is causing this and how to put an end to it.

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2/24/11 1:29pm

look up or google dermatitus herpetiformis,see if this fits your symptoms It is a form of ceiac disease . I have been suffering myself and just figured it out. My husband and I are naturopathic DOCS and suggest gluten free diet. Any questions contact me at russellcrain@att.netItchy red rash answer

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5/ 4/11 12:02pm

I disagree with this diagnosis as the bumps are not blisters at all and do not occur in the areas described. 

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3/28/11 6:10pm

hi to all..  First of all let me say I can't believe how many people have this. I thought my boyfriend who is 21 was the only one with this skin issue he has had this for three years. He has been to a doctor and the doc was amazed of how sever it was on his fingers ,arms, legs neck, upper eye lid etc..he prescribed him Prednisone mg 20 and it worked. but the rash came back when he was done with the medication . The creams dont help eaither... I feel bad for him i wish a doctor could help him. He has lost faith in medicine..... anyone Please help us !!

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3/31/11 10:39am

I know how you all feel.  I'm 21 from Wisconsin. It all started back in October when I found out I had lyme disease (noticed the trade-mark red ring on my leg where the tick had bit me several weeks before). Went to the doctor, got the antibiotics, took them and was cured.  A couple weeks later, however, I noticed that the red ring  was still there and it began to itch.  Tried cortizone cream...didn't really help.  So I itched and scratched and itched and scratched until it bled. Then shortly after my birthday in November is when my other leg also started to itch.  Soon it spread to my arms and thighs and stomach.  I had itchy little red bumps all over my body.  The more I scratched them, the worse they got (but as you all know, it's SO HARD NOT TO SCRATCH THEM!) And the itch became the most intense at night.

 

I went to the doctor again in November after my boyfriend suggested they were SCABIES. He had them a couple years back and knew what they looked like and how they felt.  The doctor said they looked like scabies and prescribed me Permethrin Cream.  I used the whole tube in 2 seperate applications,  2 weeks apart.  The bumps and rash started to go away, but the itch never left.  In January I went and got my refill of the Permethrin Cream and applied it again.  The itching went away for about 3 weeks and then returned again in February.  The bumps started to return on my legs. 

 

Taking extremely hot showers makes it feel better, but also worse.  They itch INTENSELY when exposed to hot temperatures.  I scratch myself raw and bleed every time I take a shower.  I've tried all sorts of things to stop the itching: sulfer soap, neem soap, lavender soap, camomile, eucalyptus, neem lotion, cocoa butter lotion.  The only thing that helps a little is Aloe Vera.  It takes away the itch, but is short-lived. I am losing sleep over this problem and getting distracted at work.  I have done a little research of my own and found that it might be a STAPH INFECTION.   I am going to the doctor tomorrow to get some tests done and find out what this devil rash is!

 

I am glad I'm not in this boat alone. I will post more information after my doctor's appointment.  Good luck to all of you, and hang strong!

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4/ 4/11 4:31am

How do you know if a product has Splenda? 
I have rashes all over my arms mostly and I'm getting itchy too.  

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12/10/11 3:24am

It should either say Splenda or sucralose.

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4/18/11 11:40am

Ok, so it's been 2 and 1/2 weeks since my post.  Here's what happened:

 

Went to the doctor on April 1st, told her what's been going on.  She said it's most likely my skin over-reacting to the scabies I had. She prescribed me Triamcinolone .1% cream (apparently a steroid cream of some sort). She also prescribed me Hydroxyzine (anti-itch pill) and Cephalexin (antibiotic) in case it was something bacterial.

 

In other words, she had no idea what it was and could only guess. 

 

The anti-itch pills made me dizzy and sleepy so I could only take them at night (and honestly, the only reason they helped is because they put me to sleep).  But i'd wake up the next morning and still be itchy.  I used the cream twice daily for 2 weeks and saw all the red bumps going away, but the itching continued.

 

My legs look 10x better and all the bumps are pretty much gone.  My armpits, waistline, lower legs, and breasts still itch quite a bit, but there's no rash.  I've been using unscented lotion to keep everything hydrated, which seems to help.  I don't understand why the itching hasn't gone away...I'm afraid all the bumps are going to come back.  I fear that I've only temporarily solved my problem...put it on the back burner.  I wish doctor's would just FIND OUT WHAT THE HELL IT IS!

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4/11/11 3:09pm

I have had off and on problems for many years with the same types of rash. The only thing I found that worked the most effectively was to start by using baking soda in the tub during a long soak, then have a shower after to clean off even more. After this I would use any thick lotion that was scentfree as well as being non chemical as possible.

 

Getting sun exposure also helped immensely as well ( again be cautious to NOT use any scented sun screen and an aloe based lotion after.)

 

This has limited my rashes to happening only once or twice every few years.

 

A person's body goes through changes every 7 years so allergies or skin sensitivities can develop at any age or be outgrown. What may have once been an unnoticed minor itch reaction one year, may become a strong one later and seem completely new.

 

Whatever you do, DO NOT SCRATCH! This almost always causes more itching, a larger rash area and even broken skin where there may not have been before and will take longer to heal.

 

Extremely itchy skin can be eased by using Xylocaine jelly 2% lotion from a pharmacy but be sparing with how often as you can develop an immunity to that and then it won't work in future. (This is the same as what a dentist may use for local freezing.) 

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4/25/11 2:09pm

I'm dealing with similar issues, though I do have allergies.  However, just wanted to say, not all "free and clear" detergents are free and clear of bad chemicals.  Sun Free and Clear, which I had been using, has quaternium 15 - one of the "avoid" chemicals according to my dermatologist.  I switched again, this time to All Free and Clear.

But remember, too, you can develop new allergies at any age, even after not having had a problem all your life.  Are you taking any anti-histimines?  It might be worth a try.  Good luck - to both of us!

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5/ 4/11 10:45am

I'm posting this in reply at the top of the page in hopes that it will be read first! I have had the same condition that all of you have, and in the past have had  bad reactions to laundry soap. I do not believe that is what it is.

 

I have two words for you "anti-fungal cream" and i'm almost positive it will help a majority of you. I've researched from company names to pictures of all sorts of rashes. I did this not only because i was miserable, but i came on to this website and saw how many people were also affected by some unknown cause and suffering in their own skin.

 

If any of you have old basements, basements that have had water damage, are likely to have mold (even mold that has been covered up with remodeling) it is a probability that you have something similar under your skin. If it the area is scaling and peeling in the center and red and blotchy under the surface of your skin. If it itches like crazy and then doesn't itch for long periods of time. If it burns or gives the sensation of humming after they are not washed for long periods of time( ten hours or more), then please try it. Apply to just one of the spots in each affected area, one on your arm, one on your thigh, one on your ankle. Do this only after you have washed thoroughly with a soap you trust, then apply althetes foot creme, prescription strength to the area.

 

If you have animals that hang around in your basement or that lay in your laundry or beds, please do not allow them to do so and take them to a vet to see if there is antifungal treatment for them as well, or maybe dilute some of the over the counter scalp shampoo for scalp fungus for your pets and use the full strength for your self. Yes it is possible, you probably have it on your scalp as well. Walgreens has cheaper brand of the fungus cream at $7.99.

 

If you wash your bedding or laundry in your basement, for the moment find another place to do it until you can have someone come and inspect your basement for mold. This doesn't have to be in your basement, if you've been in a grassy area, or frequently used public showers that aren't that cleanly, such as a gym shower or locker.

 

I would do it in this order.

1. Test application- apply small amount of althetes foot cream to a few spots on your body. If they begin to look better... less cracking and redness then I would follow the step by step process below.

 

2. Wash your pets with vet recommended pet shampoo or diluted human anti-fungal shampoo (I'm pretty sure it must be anti-fungal to work) and keep them from any possibly moldy areas.

3. Take clothes to laundry matt and wash them in hot water.(make sure other people that aren't broken out do not touch the laundry) I would run a second cycle on towels and blankets just to be sure.

4. Make sure to set out some of the Freshly cleaned laundry to wear, socks, underwear, bras, shoes, everything.

5. Wash with your trusted soap, and fungal shampoo. I wouldn't condition just yet.

6. Apply a liberal amount to the affected area if it has decreased with the test application I spoke of earlier. You will want to shower twice a day and apply the cream twice a day everyday. Treatment for athletes foot is four weeks, I assume that treatment could take as long if you have a severe case. If not then apply until there aren't anymore symptoms but watch for more. Do not lotion your skin, or oil your skin for awhile, fungus grows in moisture.

 

I would also have your home inspected for mold, and keep children or pets out of dark or dusty areas.

 

I hope this helps some of you. I  promised myself that if I found something that made it go away I would let all of you know.

 

I have learned alot more on rashes for sure!

 

For those of you that itch mainly at night, that is a symptom of scabies. It is a disgusting thought, but they are common just like head lice. They'll usually affect areas where your clothing meets the skin. Ankle sock area, bend of your arm, arm pit, stomach, wrists, knuckles, and groin. If the cream isn't working they can give you an oral medication aswell.

 

yay! no more skin fungus!

 

P.S. I think everyone should refrain from using Gain laundry supplies in general. It is still a little coincidental that a majority of you have recently switched to one of there products.

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5/ 6/11 11:57pm

OMG........I have never had any kind of allergies in my life..... but the same thing has been happening to me for the last 2 1/2 months I also have done the steroid treatment which helps with the itching... but the rash keeps coming back...and it is so much worse at night and when it is hot...the strange thing is that it does not always come back in the same spots and not all areas have the rash at the same time...the itching is maddening....it makes it impossible to relax or sleep...I have tried benadryl cream cortisone cream and any other cream for itching that is on the market,,,but none of it really helps..the one thing that gives me a little relief is taking cool showers...as cool as you can tolerate it....it fades the rash and allows for a couple of hours not itching... I end up taking 3 or 4 showers in the middle of the night sometimes...I feel your pain and frustration...so far the doctors don't know what it is...

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5/10/11 3:20pm

SmileThank you everyone.

I was just looking up "rash" before going to yet another doctor.  Now I will not waste my time or money at any medical facility.  I will go to the health food store first (grape seed oil) then to the pharmacy (hydrocortisone cream and anti-fungal cream), then take a really hot shower.  I thought I was alone with my insane rash problem.  It seemed as though the doctors weren't taking me seriously, but now I understand that the doctors don't know the answer. 

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5/12/11 6:54pm

I suffer from the exact same thing on my arms.  They started last August and lasted 6 weeks.  Now, 9 months later they are back. THey start out looking like little bumpy bug bites, and they itch like crazy.  Then I scratch and there is a "head" that pops off and a little bit of liquid oozes out and they bleed and scab over.  They appear randomly.  One hour I will have 3, and by the end of the day, I have one or two more, but a couple of the older ones vanish.  They leave little purplish scars.  I've read all the suggestions....however none of it applies to me..I am gluten free (2 years), I am vegetarian (15 years), I don't ever consume Sucralose or any other artificial sweetener, I do not have scabies or syphilis, I do not have candida, never have had a yeast infection in my life.  As an alternative practitioner, I haven't had a prescription  or over the counter drug in 25 years. (I'm 51) so it definitely is not a reaction to any of these things.  I have attributed it to one of two things, and I'd like some feedback as to how many of you have had a similar situation.....

 

1...I'm in the throes of menopause, and don't have the typical symptoms so am wondering if this is just another symptom.

 

2.  And this is the one I am most interested in...I never had this problem until last summer when I inadvertently stumbled on a hive of wasps.  My dog and I were attacked badly.  I had about 22 stings all over my upper body.  They got under my shirt and in my hair.  I remember how awful the stings were while they healed.  They itched me intensely.  I was trolling the internet the other day, and a guy was complaining about the same "rash" and mentioned he noticed it's onset a few months after a hornet encounter.

 

 These bumps are most definitely a histamine response, and I am wondering if those of us who have been stung by venomous insects  in our past have latent autoimmune responses.  What are you thoughts?  This is the only thing that makes sense to me, as I have lived 50 years without even one rash on my body...then I get stung by wasps and I have this recurring problem.   Hmmmmm.....

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6/ 7/11 11:02am

This is so amazing to me.   I too have the same thing going on with me.  Recurring bouts with 3 to 4 itchy, red blotches -- I am experiencing my 6th bout right now.   The itchiness runs a course from about 5 to 7 days.   Gives me a break after I use alcohol and both over the counter cream and a prescription ointment that I previously had gotten for eczema.  I medicate the area daily and often as soon as it starts flaring up with the itchiness.   It is so bad, I hate it.  And yes night times are the worse.  I try real hard not scratch, for it will leave marks.  After it heals, It goes away only momentarily like for about 3 to 4 days and then recurs in a new area.  But always only 3 to 4 patches in each area, it is not a spreading rash.  This may be due to me, not scratching it.  It is concentrated in the one area at the time of each performance.  My areas are my arm and leg as well.   The weird part about it all is that all of these occurrences have only been on my right side.  I have no idea why my left side is not being affected.   Does anyone else have the problem of only one side?   I have not yet gone to the dermatologist.  Am watching to see if another bout will come after this one.  If it does, I am running to the doctors.   I have not implemented anything new into my diet, so have no idea what is happening with me.  I am going to look into the spenda thing.  I don't know of any foods I ingest that has spenda in it.   My condition started about 2 months ago. 

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9/12/11 9:57pm

One-sided rash might be linked to nerves(think shingles).  Try getting a varicella vaccine shot, given for prevention of shingles.  It might help.

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6/27/11 7:49pm

I have experienced the same symtons as many of the posters. Have been to three different doctors, had steroid shots, creams and antihistimines and nothing has worked. I have finally found something that is helping and may clear this up. In my search I found this http://www.justnaturalskincare.com/Psoriasis/skin-vinegar-body-rinse-natural.html, It says it is for Psoriasis but it is clearing up the rash. I have been using it for two weeks and after one week some areas of the rash are cleared up. The others are much improved. I apply it twice a day and leave it on for 10 - 15 minutes then rinse it off or shower.

 

I am of the belief that since the itching occurs before the rash we are producing too much histimine in our body. Whether this is from food or a defense of some sort of allergy I am not sure. I am also taking supplements that are known to reduce the amount of histimine in the body. I take Bromelain and Vitimin C, I am also starting to take Quercetin. You can search the benifits of these supplements for more information.

 

I had taken Bromelain for over a year for joint health and stopped when I started taking something else. It was right around the time that I stopped taking the Bromelain that I first developed the rash. I am not sure if it is connected but I am back on it now.

 

I hope someone finds this helpful. Good luck to all who suffer from this.

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7/15/11 5:37pm

Just a follow up. While some areas of the rash cleared up using the product listed there has been no improvement in the other areas. This is dissappointing but I wanted to let people know.

I am now trying to go gluten free since many of my symptoms are the same as those associated with dermititus herpetiformus mentioned by another poster.

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7/15/11 5:51am

first day i had a swollen face and It developed into rash's on the bend of my arms.. then it spread to my thighs and back of the knees.. and then one on the front of my ankle.. i assumed it was poison ivy so i took benadryl and it lessened it for a few hours.. when i went to sleep it became worse and it would start all over again in the morning.. for 3 days it was like this.. then i went to hospital because i accidentally bit my nails.. and it was in my throat.. i was given an iv and given benadryl and Decadron..it was a relief.. and i was given a prescription for prednisone it sort of helped not that much.. 1 a day.. for 5 days.. and an oitment Fluocinonide 0.05% and it worsened it.. it made the rash spread.. i went to the doctors after my last day of taking prednisone and there was no change what so ever... my doctor gave me a shot of another steroid and then gave me a prescription on a schedule of prednisone.. and the shot that was given had a side effect of water retention.. and i thought that taking a water pill would be good idea.. not so much.. i bloated so much that it started to swell my throat.. it was fluid and it would settle on its own.. when i got home i couldnt sleep for a while and then i urinated alot and i lost a few water weight.. today i began my prednisone schedule 3 a day morning noon and night.. and it bloated me just the same.. tonight i layed in bed and lifted my legs in the air and water surrounded my shoulders and vneck.. my throat started to salivate and i spat out mucus and i kept spitting up a lot.. after an hour i sat up and felt a rush to go.. so i went to the bathroom and urinated for about 40 minutes on and off not constant.. i think i lost a couple pounds im not sure it could just be all the water rushing out and i came back and spat up a bit more.. and i saw a few small green dots with red dots on the dots.. so i assume it is poison sumac in my body and i was spitting it up and i am still spitting up and i want to to make sure it is all gone.. i had all of the symptoms that are on this forum and i hope that this helps in anyway..

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7/15/11 10:44pm

From my own experience, i know it occurs to me every time the weather changes extremely. Usually the itchy legs and arms are the result of the bad liver and intestinal function. hwoever, when weather changes to an extreme condition, such as sudden change to extreme cold cold or heat in difference of temperature range between 30 to 50 degree, (note: a sudden change of the weather, not a gradual change", then the rash will pop up. usually betwenn seasonal transitions betwenn summer and winter. mine barely got over with, i had the last two three weeks nearly non-stop. and it's true that the more you scratch the more it irritates the skin. that doesn't mean the skin sensitivity is not there if you're not sctratching, but it means the skin is in a dormant mode. when you scratch then it irritates. nails can agitate the skin aggresively. once i caused my toe swell when i scratched a bit. at that time i had my nails trimmed freshly. but the main problem for itchy legs and arms are the liver and intestines. an untreated infection causes the itchy rash too. herpes is considered a main source for the rash as well. again these symbtoms come and go with the changes in the atmasphere and changes in your body condition. it's stupid of doctors to call it allergy, because allergies just don't come on on their own, but conducted by a poor function of other organs. doctors disgust me. 

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7/28/11 7:33pm

so i have this same problem...mine all started about 2 months ago after i weeded my flower garden...my forearms and calfs itch so bad that i scratch them til they bleed...ugh...nothing seems to help...and it comes and goes..help!

 

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