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Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "

Case study ( 5948 views as of December 18, 2024 )

Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash that comes and goes over the last two weeks. It came on "out of the blue" after attending a music recital, and was intensely itchy. It looked like red blotches with raised, fleshy plaques that would last for an hour or so, then settle down. Siri tried over-the-counter anti-histamines, which would seem to help for a few hours, but made her very tired, and made her mouth feel very dry.

Siri has had no swelling to her lips, tongue, or the back of her throat, and no trouble with breathing. She hasn't had any recent cold or infectious symptoms. She has no significant allergy history, other than occasional itchy eyes in the springtime. She is not aware of any food allergies or intolerances, but has been wondering if she's developing some kind of a food allergy. She hasn't taken any new medications or supplements.

Siri would benefit from seeing her primary care provider to confirm the nature of the rash, but this sounds like "hives" or "urticaria". Hives are often associated with allergies, but may also occur in the context of viral infections, or reactions to medications. Some people develop hives in the context of exercise, temperature changes, stress, or for no clearly identifiable reason. Given two weeks of symptoms, referral to a skin care specialist, allergist, nutritionist or other allied care provider may assist in identifying a reversible cause for Siri's rash. An emergency department visit may provide some options for symptoms control, and education regarding dangerous allergic symptoms to watch for. A pharmacist will be of assistance in understanding symptom control choices, and any prescription medications Siri may be given.

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Conversation based on: Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "

Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "

  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 06 March 2024
    Indeed, wheat is a widely cultivated grain from the Triticum plant, with various varieties such as durum and spelt. Its versatility makes it a staple ingredient in numerous foods, including bread, breakfast cereals, pasta, bulgur, and couscous. However, for some individuals, consuming wheat can trigger an immune response, leading to wheat allergy. This allergy is recognized as one of the nine most common allergies in Canada. It's important to note that wheat allergy differs from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains like barley and rye. Wheat allergy can manifest due to the body's immune response to various wheat proteins, including gluten. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include skin reactions, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Managing wheat allergy involves strict avoidance of wheat-containing foods and products. Individuals diagnosed with wheat allergy should carefully read food labels and be aware of potential sources of wheat in processed foods. In cases of severe allergy, carrying emergency medication such as epinephrine is essential in case of accidental exposure leading to anaphylaxis.
    Reply to: Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 13 April 2022
    Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It causes an asymmetrical mole with irregularly shaped edges and multiple colours to appear on the body.
    Reply to: Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 13 April 2022
    Acne causes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads or cysts/nodules to appear on the face, shoulders, chest, neck and upper back.
    Reply to: Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "
  • AllieS
    AllieS 20 February 2017
    Even though she doesn't have a history of food allergy, Siri could try keeping a food record and monitoring if her rash gets worse after eating certain foods. She could try an elimination diet, where she cuts out a food that may be causing the rash for a couple weeks and then re-introduces it. If the rash re-appears, that's a good indication she has developed an allergy/intolerance to the food item.
    Reply to: Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 20 February 2017
      That's very good advise and a good thought on keeping a food diary
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 01 March 2016
    When experiencing an allergic reaction many people immediately think Benedryl - which can cause dry mouth and fatigue. She would benefit from speaking to her pharmacist about other medication options
    Reply to: Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 11 January 2016
    Several years ago I developed an allergic rash or hives out of the blue. I wasn't able to pinpoint it's cause and in the end the doctor determined that it was likely due to some kind of virus. He mentioned that they don't discover the cause of a very high percentage of allergic rashes
    Reply to: Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "
  • AllieS
    AllieS 06 January 2016
    How common is it for adults to develop food allergies, as opposed to in childhood? I've read that if it does occur, it's a result of becoming more sensitive to pollen and associated proteins. Regardless, Siri may want to consider having an allergy test done to determine if she should avoid certain foods.
    Reply to: Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 05 May 2016
      My mother got and allergic reaction to shell fish as well late last year. Lasted for two weeks and was painful.
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 05 May 2016
      My husband developed an allergy to shellfish at 35.
    • ShirleyG
      ShirleyG 11 January 2016
      At 69 years old my Dad developed an allergy to tomatoes and strawberries. These were 2 foods he has always eaten. The doctor told Dad that our bodies change and can develop allergies at any time.
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 12 December 2015
    In addition to reviewing her food for possible causes she should also think whether she has introduced any skin care items, soap, laundry products or makeup. She should chart her reactions to see if she can pinpoint the cause
    Reply to: Allergic Rash " Siri is a 28-year-old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with a rash "
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 13 April 2022
      Dermatitis is caused by an allergen, leading to a red, itchy and scaly rash that may appear anywhere, often turning into blisters.
    • ShirleyG
      ShirleyG 11 January 2016
      An allergy to skin care or laundry detergent is possible. My husband has sensitive skin, therefore we only use certain products when doing the laundry. About a year ago, while using the same laundry soap, my husband developed hives. We thought it may have been diet related as we had attended 2 functions that weekend and had different foods. We continued to watch this and it kept happening. After visiting the doctor and nothing could be found I was speaking to a friend who told me to check the laundry soap. I said I use the same one but infact just opened a new bottle. I called the company to see if anything in the ingredients had changed and it had. We stopped using the soap and the irritation stopped.
    • Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP
      Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 16 December 2015
      @K.Michael - this is a valid point. I have had skin reactions to laundry detergent and soap in the past, and the rash certainly mimicked something I thought was an allergic reaction.

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