hi all - im a newbe to this forum. Im nearing 21, and having a little trouble trying to figure out whats causing a pretty ugly contact allergy on my face and neck.
Basically a few months back i had to go to ER because it -my eyes closed up and i had huge hives and rashes all over my face. It was diagnosed as a 'contact dermititis' and I went on predisone for 2 weeks and it cleared (thankfully).
So on that basis I began trying to find out what had caused the outbreak- systematically changing my shampoo, face wash, moisturizer etc. I had no symptoms for about a week afterwards and thought i had sussed it. That was until about a week ago when signs of the dermititis came back. My face itched like crazy - and within about two days hives appeared on my forehead aong horrible rashes around my eyebrows. Another two days and my eyelids themselves began to dry up. My doctor recommended anti-histamines and hydrocortisone, which ive been using plenty of over the past week or so, JUST about keeping it under control. Still looks a bit of a mess at times tho.
It really Itches like crazy- and has begun to spread to the back of my neck, chest, shoulders and back. Im a pretty lucky guy in that ive never had anything like it before but now im a little concerned that it could be the first sign of something chronic. I was going to book to see a dermatologist- but im on an exchange year out in north america and go home (england) in about 3 weeks, which is basically not enough time to see one before i leave. Sooo, ive 3 weeks to last it out. My doctor seemed pretty baffled and didnt have much to say except take antihistamines - so any good advice on offer would be great!
I just wondered if - a) does this sound familiar to anyone? if so, what steps did you take to shift it? b) Is it possible to develop a dermititis without there been any obvious allergin? c) well, theres no question for C. Just a big thanks to anyone who can offer some help!
cheers,
Tom.