Breaking out into a rash all over

[BAMA32]

Sounds like hives! It sucks, but is an extreme allergic reaction (but rarely fatal) usually to some particular substance. Did you change to a new soap, shampoo, washcloth, etc? Did you eat anything out of the ordinary for breakfast? Ingestion or skin exposure are usually the two main ways one can break out in hives. But then, allergies are funny. They can come and go, develop to things we use to not be allergic to, or leave us allergen free to something at some point.

Take benadryl, lots of water, and get some rest and it will pass.

 

[BAMA32]

I think you might have developed a [random] allergy to something. Sometimes these are fleeting. It wouldn't be contagious anyway.

 

[chatolandia]

Benadryl and Calamine Lotion!

 

[KaraBulut]

On what part of your body did the rash start?

Is it on the parts that have hair or is it pretty generalized (all over)?

Are you running a fever or do you have any other symptoms that developed around the same time?

Remind me- you're a teacher, right? What ages do you teach?

 

[KaraBulut]

Sounds like a contact or atopic dermatitis- See the sample picture below. Usually it's a red, itchy pimply-looking rash that tends to be on the areas where the contact was made- often softer areas of skin that aren't exposed to light- like the underside of the arms, the trunk and back.. occasionally the face.

The reason I asked about the age of the kids was to rule out measles, rubella and impetigo. Usually teachers are current on their immunizations but it's worth asking.

 

[KaraBulut]

Hopefully you didn't get near a place where there was poison ivy? It's very bad this year.

Antihistamines- oral and topical. There's a solution called Caladryl that has Calamine lotion and Benadryl. Slather it on when you're going to be home. Use a cortisone cream during the day when you're in public.

Avoid hot water showers/baths. Cooler water feels better and it doesn't stir up your immune system like a hot shower or hot bath.

If you start running a fever or it doesn't clear up in 72 hours, then see your doctor. You may require a little cortisone to get it cleared up.

Do some thinking about what might have triggered it- did you eat a new food, use a new detergent, get exposed to poison ivy, etc?

 

[Yooper]

did you eat a new food, use a new detergent, get exposed to poison ivy, etc?

I have noticed that it seems all the soaps and shampoos and detergents seem to have changed their formulas lately. Stuff I've been using for years have irritated me; like a shampoo I've used for a while. Had to find a new one.

Same with laundry detergent. I've been using a 'free and clear' one for years, suddenly the new bottle irritated my feet something awful (socks were washed in it). Tried something different and presto! no problem.

 

[KaraBulut]

Perfumes and dyes in laundry detergents are a frequent culprits. The anti-static substances in dryer sheets and fabric softeners are also linked to allergic responses.