Odd Skin Welts for a Couple of Months - Allergy?

Updated on June 04, 2007
P. asks from Allen, TX
7 answers

My 3 year old daughter gets odd bumps that look like mosquito bites and disappear within 20 minutes or so, only to reappear elsewhere and then disappear. If she has an itch and scratches it, her skin looks like she has been caned. This problem has come and gone for months. I tried changing laundry soap, dryer sheets, soap, shampoo, foods. I'm not sure what's going on. It seems to improve with Zyrtec or Benadryl so I do suspect an allergy. Here's a photo after she had an itch and scratched it: http://home.earthlink.net/~studio247/images/rash.JPG She is not complaining at all and is not uncomfortable. Of course the problem vanishes completely if I take her to the doctor. Have you ever seen anything like this? We do not have pets (well, just a Guinea and some fish). Thank you so much in advance.

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So What Happened?

My guess is "dermographism" based on info from this page: http://pediatrics.about.com/od/hives/a/0407_hives.htm
It only shows up if she has rubbed her skin with something or worn a scratchy costume or after a bath. She's had way too many antibiotics so there's another clue. We switched to Lactaid from regular milk and there was no change in her condition. Still planning on seeing an allergist. Thank you all so much for helping!!! It was a relief to see it was hives and not some awful thing I've never heard of (my sister had hives as a kid).

More Answers

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

Looks like an allergic reaction to me. My son reacted to something, & he had hives. The doctor had to tell me what they were.

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S.P.

answers from Dallas on

Yep, it's definitely hives. I'd ask for a referral to an allergist. You might keep a journal of her diet, and daily activities-any bites she receives, household and personal products you use, etc. Keep that bottle of Benadryl handy. You never know what an allergy might do!

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G.D.

answers from Dallas on

I have a relative who's Mom thinks he gets hives when he is cold, fyi so temperature changes may matter.

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

Your daughter is getting hives. (http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/hives) This is not a topical allergic reaction. So it is not caused by anything she would have put on her skin. The raising of the skin is cause by a systemic problem internal to her. So don't go buying topical creams to resolve this issue. These are normally caused by allergies to foods or drugs. I would suggest that you take the picture that you have to your doctor and start allergy tests to find out what is causing it.

I'm sorry your little one is going through this!

Jodi

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A.F.

answers from Dallas on

Yes. I would definitely take her to an allergist. Have you showed the doctor this picture? I certainly would. Do you ahve pets? Maybe she's allergic to animal dander.

Good luck! I hope she's doing better soon!

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R.F.

answers from Dallas on

Pam,

My 19 year old daughter has suffered from hives most of her life. She has sensitive skin and reacts to the oddest of things. Her hives have no known cause and we've been seeking a cause for years. She's not allergic to anything specific that would result in hives. The hives sometimes disappear for months and then reappear for no apparent reason. Please have your pediatrician check out your daughter (including the pictures). But, be aware that no matter how diligent you search, you may never find a definite answer to the "why" for the hives. (I, personally, believe my daughter's are caused by stress -- but, that's just my "Mother's MD"). Benadryl does become a best friend during the episodes.

Good luck,
R.

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S.C.

answers from Dallas on

Those are hived. Keep a diary of what she eats / comes near and any even minor changes in her environment.

Go to an allergist. They can do skin tests or blood tests to help narrow things down.. possibly. No guarantees.

Good luck.

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