It's a red, blotchy itchy rash all over my body. I think it's an allergic reaction to something, but I'm not sure what. Also, my hands are swollen. Well, they go from swollen to normal and back to swollen. I don't have insurance, and I can't afford to go to the doctor. I have tried baking soda baths and lotion, both of which helped for a little bit, but not for long. What else can I do? Please help me!
2007-01-14 11:11:12 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
I think that the rash may have been caused by Benadryl
2007-01-14 11:22:17 · update #1
First of all, I am NOT a lunatic or prankster.
Last summer I had a case of poison oak that made me crazy. It barely responded to the usual cortisone etc treatment. In desparation, I looked at some web sites for help. Some of the solutions were obvious, some shocking, sounded like they would burn a lot. But one or two people said --BANANA, not eaten, but rubbed on the rash. It was pretty gross, had the slghtest tingly feeling at first (which was surprising to me) did NOT draw flies --- and WORKED for hours and hours.
You don't have to tell people, they'll think you are nuts, but try it on a small area and see what you think. Good luck.
2007-01-14 20:12:37 · answer #1 · answered by and_y_knot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's highly unlikely that benadryl caused the rash as it's an antihistamine which stops the allergic reaction. Obviously you were taking the benadryl for a reason....so likely the rash came first. You might need to take benadryl for an extended period.....a week or more because once a reaction has started it takes a while to calm down. If worse comes to worse you may have to see a doctor who might prescribe a steroid called prednisone because of the inflammation. My husband had a severe reaction to some prescription antacid medication he was taking and had the swelling in his hands and face and itching that drove him crazy and he ended up being on prednisone for two weeks.
First try to think of anything else that would have caused it like new laundry detergent, soap, or highly allergenic foods like eggs, strawberries, nuts or seafood. If the benadryl doesn't do it after taking it every 4 hrs. for a week or so you might have to go to a clinic or a doctor. You must be from the States as I guess it's rough with no insurance. I do remember the prednisone was fairly cheap because it's been around forever. Good Luck!
The poster and_y_kno who suggested the banana might be on to something, my daughter has psoriasis of the scalp and we found a shampoo called Exorex which contains banana oil and it helps calm the itch more than any other.
2007-01-14 19:58:24 · answer #2 · answered by lookwid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rash is probably from an allergy that triggers a histamine reaction. My nephew took an anti-histamine, like benadryl over the counter. It really helped. You can ask the pharmacist what's available on the shelf and try a couple. You need to try to look closely and see what's causing the reaction too and avoid it. Maybe some food.
2007-01-14 19:20:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take an over the counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Drink a lot of water to help flush out whatever is causing the allergy. Figure out what you are allergic to and avoid it in the future.
Have you changed fabric softener or detergent? Changed bath products like soap or shampoo? Are you using a new air freshener?
2007-01-14 19:20:29 · answer #4 · answered by Meg M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
calamine lotion, benadryl lotion and the pills (any antihistamine) and cortisone creme (a topical anti-inflammatory), try washing your clothes and bedding in a hypo-allergic detergent (all-free and Downy come to mind) and double rinse. If it is in your clothes you'll normally see more irritation around the tighter areas of you clothes (waistbands, bras, socks etc.) Also watch your diet for anything new. If this continues you really should see a doctor or nurse practitioner. there are some types of Sirius's that can cause this also, they are usually viral and go away on there own but are untreatable.
2007-01-14 19:28:31 · answer #5 · answered by nikomat77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think i got this once....try alcohol...just rub it on your hands
just pure....and it's going to keep on itching no matter what...oh uumm my dad put some pine-sol when i got this huge rash on my arms and it felt much better afterwards
but keep on doing wat ur doing GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!
2007-01-14 19:22:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋