DS (16) rash

[WobblyLondoner]

My son aged 16 has developed a terrible rash all over his torso. It came on today. He says he's once had something similar but it only lasted a day. No known allergies and he feels fine otherwise. No new clothing or change in laundry practices. No obvious food trigger.

I've given him an antihistamine and have drawn round a couple of the patches so I can see if it spreads. I am assuming it is hives? I'll see how it looks tomorrow but thoughts welcome on what could cause this?

Poor love - it just looks so so sore. I react terribly to bites but I've never had anything like this.

@WobblyLondoner that rash looks typically viral, there's all sorts of viruses around this time of year... have you done a Covid test as it often displays itself with a rash in young people? Also, does you DS suffer from constipation as his lower abdomen looks a bit swollen for someone who looks otherwise slim? A rash can occur from toxins being built up due to constipation...

That looks like urticaria, typical allergy rash. You may never find the cause, my DS suffered on and off for about 3 months and it just went away again. It could be anything from your laundry detergent to something he's eaten.

Looks like hives to me, has he rinsed off in the shower in care he come into contact with an allergen. No soap etc just water.

Thanks all. He's had a cool bath and that plus the antihistamine has made a huge difference. He's had this once before - so suspect not viral unless he's had two.