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Original poster

Woke in night to alarming rash all over my body. What could it be?

16 replies

JennyJJ · 11/10/2006 09:34

I woke this morning to go to the loo and to my horror saw that my entire body from chest down to knees (front and back) was covered with bright red spots. Some the size of a 2 pence piece and some the size of a grain of rice. The larger ones were yellowish in the centre. They did not itch or irritate but looked awful. My husband and I were quite alarmed. I went back to sleep. When I woke this morning it had changed to an overall dark red 'stain' - it looked like someone had thrown red wine over me and now a few hours later it has faded to just a bit of mottling.

Anyone ANY ideas what it could be? Me husband said heat rash, possibly. But surely not? Never had it before. It looked truly awful.

OP posts:
Beauregard · 11/10/2006 09:39

Could you have had an allergic reaction to something ?

Avalon · 11/10/2006 09:44

Virus? I have a skin reaction sometimes when I've picked up a virus.

Original poster
JennyJJ · 11/10/2006 09:44

No change in washing powder etc.... and not done/eaten anything different so don't think so.

OP posts:
Original poster
JennyJJ · 11/10/2006 09:44

What other symptoms might I have with a virus? I feel ok.

OP posts:
FreakyFloss · 11/10/2006 09:45

dosen't sound like a heat rash. do you feel well? NO TEMP ETC? I would go to see gp - sound nasty.

Avalon · 11/10/2006 09:47

Usually I feel pretty rubbish with a virus tbh - headache, feel weak, hot etc. Sometimes I get the rash with a heavy cold, too.

Maybe it's worth checking with your GP?

mrsmerdle · 11/10/2006 10:08

I don't think you would necessarily have any other symptoms with a viral rash. Both my children have had rashes and been otherwise perfectly fine, and the GP said they were likely to be due to a virus. They did last longer than yours though. I would not worry if it doesn't recur, but if you are concerned then seeing your GP is a good idea.

liquidclocks · 11/10/2006 10:12

Sounds like a rash I have occasionally. GP says I'm allergic to something but we can't figure out what. He gave me antihistamines at first but since it didn't itch and faded with 12hrs there was no point taking them as they just made me sleepy. Equally could be a mild virus, or you may develop other symptoms (achey, cold, shivers etc) up to 7-10 days after a viral rash.

If you've got young kids keep an eye on them and if you're at all worried get in touch with your GP.

Original poster
JennyJJ · 11/10/2006 10:14

Yes - reluctant to go to docs with two small kiddies in tow, for her to say that it is just a virus. I think I will see how I get on tonight and whether it recurs. If it does I will head down there tomorrow - or indeed if the mottling which is left on my body has not gone. Ta all.

OP posts:
Original poster
JennyJJ · 12/10/2006 09:50

Rash died down during day yesterday, but came back worse last night. All over my body this time and was mottled and burning - especially thighs and under arms. I have a doctors appointment this morning.

I used a product 2 days ago that said "do not use if you have a casein intolerance" What is casein? and if it is a bi-product of milk, or contained in milk, if I am not allergic to milk (which I am not) then surely that wouldn't be it? Getting worried now. It is such an unpleasant rash

OP posts:
Original poster
JennyJJ · 12/10/2006 09:51
  • and I took a powerful anti-histamine last night. It made no difference.
OP posts:
Avalon · 12/10/2006 09:56

Sounds awful, Jenny.

Hope the GP can sort it.

peegeeweegeeWITCH · 12/10/2006 10:30

If it is worst when in bed, then could your bed be to blame?? Have you changed washing powder/conditioner? Do you have a pet which could have left bugs in your bed?

I hope you get to the bottom of this soon... A few months ago I had a mystery rash which sounds just like yours, but it did not die down during the day, and the whole experience lasted about 4 days.... The gp diagnosed mystery virus.... we never did work out exactly what caused it...

As yours flares up during the night it sounds bed/pj related. Do you shower/bath before bed with a new product?? New pj's?

LIZS · 12/10/2006 10:39

Have you recently been on any antibiotics or treatment ?

Original poster
JennyJJ · 12/10/2006 12:17

No changes in anything. It flared up last night at around 8pm - I was nowhere near my pyjamas or bed so don't think it is bed-related.

Doctor had no idea this morning and has referred me to see another GP at his practice this afternoon.

OP posts:
honneybunny · 12/10/2006 20:24

hi jennyjj
it sounds like you might have hives. i wnet to allergy clinic recently after having 5 similar attacks over the last couple of years. i thought it might be pollen allergy with me, as it always happens during springtime (april/may). it wasn't though, mine is autoimmune linked to my thyroid problem (i have low thyroid), and is caused by antibodies that i make that attack my mast cells (these are cells that release histamines, which cuase the hives. they also get released after you have been bitten by musketos, and in allergic reactions). anyway, that was my story.. you could have an allergy against something. laundry detergents are always good suspects.. what i was advised to do by gp, was to make a list of things i had eaten and been in contact with over the day that i got the rash. doctor in allergy clinic said that usually hives come up within half an hour of being in contact with the allergen though.... can you think of something that might fit that bill?
good luck, i know how awful these rashes can make you feel, esp. if it makes you look like a strawberry!

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