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Desperate For Answers! New To The Rash "party"

Qb69

By Qb69
in Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Recommended Posts

Qb69 Newbie
Qb69
Posted

Hello everyone,

I have been on a nonstop search for answers since strange bumps/blisters began forming on my fingers and feet, in between the fingers and on top of the foot. Then fast forward a few days later, bumps begin to form on my two elbows. Now I am covered head to toe with a nasty super itchy, keep me up all night, never can sleep rash.

I found this site and open to any and all answers. Will be uploading pictures momentary...

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Qb69 Newbie
Qb69
Posted
  • Author

This is within a span of 5 days from the initial mild bumps scattered across my body. To this full blow explosion.

http://i62.tinypic.com/x6igzc.webp

http://i61.tinypic.com/sdp8ir.webp

Any words of wisdom welcomed.

LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

Have you seen a doctor yet?  That should always be the first step.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I am not a DH expert (since I have not experienced it), but previous posters have described it as being insanely itchy. So, it could be DH. Cold compresses can help. Do not take steroids (even topically) and search within this forum for proper testing procedures you can share with your doctor. It is tricky to get a skin biopsy. Continue to consume gluten until all testing has been completed.

I hope you find your answers!

Qb69 Newbie
Qb69
Posted
  • Author

Saw a doctor and he has no clue. The rash keeps slowly progressing and spreading, it has almost consumed my whole body. :(

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Did you see a dermatologist? Do that & insist they do a dh biopsy. Make sure they do it right. Read threads on here for info. on how the dh biopsy is correctly performed, 

Meanwhile, try limiting iodine intake in your diet. Iodine for some reason is like pouring gas on a fire for most of us with dh.

Google Thyca.org for a low iodine diet.

SMRI Collaborator
SMRI
Posted

Saw a doctor and he has no clue. The rash keeps slowly progressing and spreading, it has almost consumed my whole body. :(

 

I'd call around and find a dermatologist that is experienced with DH and go there.  Make sure they know you are having major acute symptoms so they get you in faster!!  Do you have a major teaching hospital/clinic anywhere near you--that might be the best place to start.

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Qb69 Newbie
Qb69
Posted
  • Author

Saw several drs and derms in the past weeks. All claim its contact dermatitis and that it will just go away. Its just getting worse as the days progress. But the itch has really calmed down. Still itchy but I can resist the itch now. In the San Diego area, major medical research hospital UCSD is in town.

SMRI Collaborator
SMRI
Posted

Have you changed your detergent, soap or anything that would bring this on?  I'm sure they asked you all of that but something is causing this.  It looks miserable. How about a new sun screen or anything like that?

Qb69 Newbie
Qb69
Posted
  • Author

Yeah, drs said contact dermatitis. But the fact that every day I wake up and its spreads to a new spot or grows in size makes me think its internal. Also given that its been so long makes me feel its a bigger issue than contact. :/ but im waiting on blood tests.

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

What bloods did they do?

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Welcome QB!

Great to see you Squirmy...carry on ;)

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Saw several drs and derms in the past weeks. All claim its contact dermatitis and that it will just go away. Its just getting worse as the days progress. But the itch has really calmed down. Still itchy but I can resist the itch now. In the San Diego area, major medical research hospital UCSD is in town.

Well...it helps when I read the entire thread. I live in San Diego and know UCSD very well.

You want to see Dr. Sheila Crowe, the director of UCSDs celiac center. Ask to speak with her assistant or advice nurse. The normal receptionist does not understand the need to fast forward possible DH biopsy.

If you run into the usual "next appt is in three months" ... Send me a PM and I'll see what I can do.

Edited to add:

Open Original Shared Link

Hang in there :)

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Excellent GottaSki! Excellent.

Qb69 Newbie
Qb69
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for all the great advice!! I go to the dr tomorrow to review blood work, and will go from there. Thanks all!!

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Thanks for all the great advice!! I go to the dr tomorrow to review blood work, and will go from there. Thanks all!!

Great.

Always ask for written or electronic copies of testing.

It can help you now....and trust me, it will help in your future health needs.

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