My boyfriend has a spreading rash with open blisters that have not been responding to the antibiotics. They are covering most of his arms, chest, back and some of his legs. No fever, or aches but the areas itch and burns if he itches.
The first doctor prescribed Cleocin 300mg 4x daily for Folliculitis, but the rash spread and I took him in again when I noticed it spreading more and onto his face.
The next doctor prescribed him Keflex 500mg 4x daily + Bactrim DS 800-160mg 2x daily for Cellulitis.
Some of the spreading from the first antibiotics has receded but it is still spreading blisters and he now has them on his genital area.
We live in a remote area with not a lot of medical office's and the doctors he has seen seem to be in such a rush that they are barely in the room 2 minutes before leaving to write a prescription without any tests or any more examination than him lifting up his shirt to show how bad it is.
I have pictures but I'm not sure the best way to show them here.
If anyone could give us some advice it would greatly be appreciated! We live a couple of hours from any other doctors or specialist.
He has had the rash for about a month now and it started on his arms and legs.
Thank you in advance
Here are some pictures of his rash:
https://ibb.co/i9f1V5
https://ibb.co/cpGfOQ
https://ibb.co/eH2tck
https://ibb.co/g1j6xk
The rash isn't completely solid and some areas seem to be completely clear. He hasn't started using anything new like soaps or laundry detergent.
Have you tried changing your washing powder/gel etc.? Is he allergic to something in that? Manufacturers change their ingredients fairly frequently.
Are you in the UK?
I have sent you a message
Good luck
Has he been in contact with poison ivy or oak? That will cause those symptomss
Sounds like he needs some Steroids wrether it be pill or cream. Have you tried calamine lotion?
Try finding out what triggered it. What was he eaing that day, any medications or drugs, was he around any animals or what did he touch? Try antihistamines if he is itching, keep him cool and don't let him shower long.
Has he had the measles or chicken poxs?
As he has no fever I'm agreeing with the others who have answered. Maybe an allergic reaction to something. Animal,or food,drink or even a plant. Do you have anything which is in full bloom near you. Some pollens can cause this sort of rash.
What sort of work does he do? Anything been introduced to his working routine or environment? Have a good long think....its often quite suprising what it turns out to be.
I have now had a look at your photos.
Has your boyfriend had patch testing by a dermatologist?
A lot of years ago, I bought some really cheap rubber gloves & subsequently started to itch & then I developed a rash, not dissimilar to your boyfriend's.
After a couple of years, and eventual patch testing, the doctors found that I was allergic to formaldehyde [used in the rubber making process] & formaldehyde releasers & not the latex which it looked as though it might be.
I then changed my car to a Skoda [from a Volvo] & things got a lot worse.
I then learned that formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of some cars. But not in cars from Sweden [the Volvo!] & Japan.
My Dermatologist prescribed a 'very potent' steroid cream & my GP prescribed an antihistamine called Atarax.
That looks more like the hives then a rash. He needs steroids and cortisone. He has to be giving crazy itching. Honestly I read about Dr issues, but until he's able I don't see how it will go away. He might try an oat meal bath for itching.
After viewing the photos, I think it look more like hives. He has to be itching like crazy! Hives usually go away without treatment, but antihistamines are often helpful.
After looking at your pics,I'm even more convinced its an allergic reaction. Get some antihistamines from doctor or pharmacist. I reacted like this three times in my life.
1.......eating white fish. Have to avoid now.
2.......moved house and had 3 mango trees in the garden...when they bloomed I was in agony,but it took a while to realise what it was. We had to remove the trees .
3.....Extreme stress. Especially if you are facing a life changing crisis.
Has your boyfriend bought new clothes? or changed his shower/washing soap/gel etc. Some new artificial fabrics can cause this sort of reaction.
Hope it gets sorted soon. I know how stressful these rashes can be,especially when you dont know the cause.