Contact dermatitis symptoms and conditions

I was diagnosed on June 13, 2009 with cellulite. I had a bump and rash on my right elbow and was given 2 antibiotics for it. After 3 days and no results form the antibiotics I went to my primary doctor who told me it was lyme disease because with lyme disease the rash goes away from the heart. I had no other symptoms from it and no bulls eye and the blood tests were negative. I was put on dioxycycline for 21 days and on the 19th day I missed a dose and took another one 6 hours later and then another one another 6 hours later and developed itchiness all over my body. I called my dr. who told me that with only 2 pills left and being on for 20 days I can stop the dioxycycline. OK great! a few days later still itching and he told me to take Zyrtec symptomatically as needed. Still no rash anywhere on my body. OK, so I am on Zyrtec and 2 weeks later I develop a tash on my face. I go to dermatologist and he says it is just acne and gives me tetracycline and erythromycin and call him in 2 weeks. I don't know if I am having an allergic reaction or not and decide to go to another dermatologist who tells me it is an allergic reaction and gives me xyzal for itching and corticosteroid for face and tells me I have high histamine levels. I then go to an allergist and he tells me he thinks its just acne from shaving using electric razor and use erythromycin but NOT to take tetracycline just in case I am allergic to antibiotics. I then go a different dermatologist who tells me I have folliculitis/acne and to take Keflax and a sulfate cream to use. A week and 1/2 after my face is OK with the rash down considerable and I am able to shave again. 4 days into the KEflax I develop a rash on both my elbows. I go to my primary and he says it is contact dermatitis but to take blood test and stool sampler to see about possible infection from antibiotics that destroyed good antibodies. It may be that my good antibodies are not strong enough so continue with yogurt and we will see. I am today having a sore throat, diarrhea and little stuffy nose so who knows what is going on. Also, I am 37 year old male who has nt been the same since going on doxycycline for supposed lyme disease-
I will post again when dr. gives me blood results and stool results.

Hey guys. I just had a few questions that I wanted to ask before I go back to my doctor and spend another large amount of money for some more useless information. I started taking the Dexpak 6 day yesterday afternoon for 'contact dermatitis', though the doctor refused to run any tests or even ask any questions about what I thought was going on. Anyway, Since yesterday my rash of tiny red spots has gone away, but now my face is red and splotchy, as well as the top of my chest, shoulders, and back. There is no swelling or itching, just a slight warm sensation. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Should I go back to my doctor? Thanks for any and all information you guys can share!

I was recently prescribed Doxycycline Hyclate for periodical dermatitis (contact dermatitis around the mouth) It started to get rid of this red, ugly rash right away, however, 2 weeks into the medicine, my head is killing me! I have HORRIBLE non-stop head aches. My head and face hurt like I have one monstrous head ache, and, aspirin does not help! I have also been so angry (hard not to be when your head is pounding!) I also had terrific nausea. Could not sleep at night, and, I had some weird nightmares! I stopped taking it and will be calling my Doctor today to tell him to give me something else.

I am not sure if my side effect is from using Singulair or not. I just started taking the Singulair 10mg last Thursday only in the evenings. After 3 days my face was swollen to the point that I couldn't see. I went back to the doctor and he didn't think the Singulair had anything to do with it since he was treating me for a contact dermatitis chemical burn so I still continue to take the Singulair but the swelling hasn't gone away yet and it has been 3 more days. If anyone can shed some light on if this is a side effect from using Singulair it would be appreciated. I also am taking Xyzal in the mornings so therefore I am not sure if this is what caused my face to swell. Any replies would be appreciated.

Hi,

I just found this site, as I am looking for an explanation for the extreme joint pain that I am having, along with swollen ankles/feet. I have been dealing with some type of chronic contact dermatitis that no one has been able to solve, since last July. I have been on numerous steroids, then on Cyclosporine, for several months, which can play havoc with your kidneys. I also started taking Singulair for the itching, which is one of the few things that has really helped. Since November, I was taking Singulair on and off. But, as I recall, I began taking it daily since around late January. Around late February, I began having joint pain, which still continues, and lately, is becoming excruciating! When it first began, I blamed it on the Cyclosporine and kidney breakdown. But, since I have been off that, the pain has continued to worsen. Then I thought it may have something to do with the Doxepin, which I also take at night for the itching. I stopped taking that two nights ago, but the pain continues to worsen.

Now, from what I am reading, these blogs make me believe it could be the Singulair. Can anyone tell me how long it takes for the pain to go away once you stop taking the Singulair????? I will gladly stop taking it if this pain will go away. In fact I will be thrilled, because I was suppose to begin testing next weak for possible Lupus, because it doesn't seem that the Physicians who prescribe Singulair, are well aware of these issues.

I would appreciate anyone who can give information as to how long it takes for the side effects to subside. Thank you!!!
(In pain in Boca Raton, FL)

Here is the list of asthma drugs mentioned.

Flovent- growth velocity reduction in children/adolescents, Agitation, aggression, depression, and restlessness. Asthma exacerbation, bronchospasm, chest tightness, cough, dyspnea, immediate bronchospasm, paradoxical bronchospasm, pneumonia, and wheeze. Upper respiratory infection, influenza, Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia and stomach disorder. weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, changes in the shape or location of body fat,

Advair - asthma-related death, Agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression. Behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and irritability, have been reported very rarely and primarily in children. Muscle injuries, fractures, wounds and lacerations, contusions and hematomas, burns, Rhinorrhea/postnasal drip; ear, nose, and throat infections; ear signs and symptoms; nasal signs and symptoms; nasal sinus disorders; rhinitis; sneezing; nasal irritation; blood in nasal mucosa. Sleep disorders, tremors, hypnagogic effects, compressed nerve syndromes, Cushing syndrome, Cushingoid features, growth velocity reduction in children/adolescents, hypercorticism, hyperglycemia, weight gain, osteoporosis

Albuterol - Dizziness; headache; nausea; nervousness; sinus inflammation; sore or dry throat; tremor; trouble sleeping; vomiting. Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; ear pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; new or worsened trouble breathing; pounding in the chest; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe headache or dizziness; unusual hoarseness; wheezing.

Pulmicort - rash, contact dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema and bronchospasm; symptoms of hypocorticism and hypercorticism; glaucoma, cataracts; psychiatric symptoms including depression, aggressive reactions, irritability, anxiety and psychosis. neck pain, abdominal pain, dry mouth, vomiting, weight gain, insomnia, infection, taste perversion

Symbicort - Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists may increase the risk of asthma-related death, psychiatric symptoms, e.g., irritability, anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, agitation, depression; skin bruising. immediate hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylactic reaction and bronchospasm; symptoms of hypocorticism and hypercorticism; glaucoma, cataracts, psychiatric symptoms, including aggressive reactions, behavioral disturbances, psychosis.
confusion; insomnia; seizures. dry hair; dry skin; urticaria; rash; pruritus; purpura; photosensitivity; increased sweating; alopecia, erythema multiforme, Conjunctivitis, dysphonia; blurred vision; earache; eye pain; blepharospasm; altered taste, Dry mouth; abdominal pain; anorexia; increased appetite and weight gain; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; constipation; flatulence; gastritis; dyspepsia; thirst; hiccough; stomatitis. Urinary discoloration; altered micturition; menstrual irregularities; impotence; vaginitis; urinary retention; urinary incontinence; breast enlargement, Wheezing; upper respiratory tract infection; nasal dryness; pharyngitis; epistaxis; nasal congestion; dyspnea; coughing; rhinitis; hemoptysis; sinusitis; sneezing; bronchospasm; bronchitis; laryngitis. Breast pain; arthralgia; myalgia; malaise; chest pain; leg cramps; asthenia; back pain; fever; peripheral edema

I've developed a rash all over my torso and even down my legs. Also extremely tired at times. I thought all was well for 9 months but at times I feel extremely tired with vision problems.

Having the Mirena IUD put in was the worst thing I have ever done to my body! I am 33yrs old, have 3 kids - 9, 2 1/2, 1 1/2. They told me to come in when I started my period because it would be easier to insert, so that's what I did in early November 2007. (Since then, I have had non-stop bleeding or spotting every day.) I didn't have as much pain as some people have described, but it was more uncomfortable than I expected. The next day I developed a bad, bumpy, itchy rash on both of my legs from my ankles to just above the knee. I thought it was just a fluke, and it starting going away after two days. It was gone within a week. I started having very bad mood swings - angry, short-tempered, irritated, irrational, paranoid, and I wanted to cry over everything. (I normally don't cry over anything - I am not an emotional person.) I got a few deep, itchy pimples on my face, which normally I don't get either, but I figured I just needed to get used to the hormone. Then, my upper back and chest started itching really badly the second week, and I got pimples all over those areas - I have only ever had them at about age 13-14 and not as bad as I do now! I became fatigued, and I have gained 5 pounds. Don't get me wrong - I have been eating everything in sight, but I feel terribly hungry half an hour after I am done eating. So that part is my fault, but I'm not used to be being hungry all the time for no reason. I have religiously gone to the gym 4-5 times a week for an hour and a half a day for the past year and a half. For the past two months I have gone twice a week, and struggle to make it an hour. My endurance is terrible. My muscles - particularly my legs - burn like I've had long strenuous workouts, which I just mentioned is not the case. My sex drive - NONEXISTENT. Luckily for my husband, I know it's a side effect and haven't told him - he would probably take it personally - so I just go along with sex when he wants it. I finally had to get over the fact that I had non-stop spotting, but sex is not enjoyable when you feel self-conscious, and no foreplay because of the spotting if you know what I mean. (Sorry if that's too much information but I'm sure some of you can relate.) My husband was also not thrilled about the strings - I wouldn't be either if I was him. I had a non-stop migraine for 9 days straight - I maybe get two of them a year before Mirena, and they last about 3-4 hours. I normally have 20/15 vision - better than most people - and I found I was struggling to see things I normally could. I have been occasionally nauseous, but that has been minimal. My breasts have been sore. I am sure I am forgetting other effects, but as you can see the picture here is pretty grim. I went back to the doctor three weeks after insertion, and he told me that he couldn't tell me what to do, but that it is not rational to expect to feel perfect after 3 weeks, and that most people adjust just fine after about three months. He further explained that he has personally put in several hundred, and only one person has ever wanted it removed. He said my "side effects" probably had other causes and this was coincidental, and that the few that could come from the Mirena would settle down. Well, for the next month it got worse. Yesterday, after working a 12 hour graveyard shift, I forced myself to stay awake three more hours until the doctor's office opened. I went in with no appointment, and told them I would sit there all day if I had to, until it was removed. They managed to fit me in with the nurse practitioner, and she also asked if I was sure I didn't want to give it one more month to settle down. After reading everyone's stories on this site, I was pretty sure that was pointless. So she removed it as I asked, and at least treated me with respect and didn't try to tell me it was in my head ( like the doctor did.) She said it could take up to 20 days to get the hormone out of my system. (Which is funny, because when you get it inserted they tell you the hormone acts only locally within the uterine area and doesn't get into your "system" - LIES!!!) Well, I went home, went to sleep for 4 1/2 hours before I had to be back to work for another 12 hr shift. But guess what - even after getting little sleep, I felt much better than I had in two months. My headache was gone. While sitting at work, I noticed I could see things at a distance again. I had a pretty stressful night, and not once did I feel emotional. Just a little tired from lack of sleep - but it was worth it!!! I am almost 24 hours from when I had it removed, and see a light at the end of the tunnel. I hate to sound pessimistic, because I wanted really badly for this to work out. If anyone tells you what you are feeling is in your head - or has another cause when you know the symptoms started at the same time you got the Mirena - DON'T BE BULLIED. They will try to make you feel like you are the only one complaining, but you're not. There are many of us. Trust me on this one - you will feel better if you get it removed. If you are reading this and haven't gotten it yet - keep this info in the back of your mind. If you want to try it and it works out for you, great! But if it doesn't, don't stick it out any longer than you have to. I also extend my sympathy to those of you that had it in longer than I did and are taking longer to recover, especially those who have experienced traumatic pregnancies and miscarriages since. I hope you take some comfort in knowing your stories have helped me make a great decision - having it removed. I also had a friend read all of your postings because she was considering this as well - she has since changed her mind.

I was taking an over the counter guaifenesin-based cough syrup twice a day (150mg each dose) for approximately 10 days in an attempt to make my cough more productive. A nickel-sized pink patch appeared on the right side of my chin. I continued to take the guaifenesin thinking the reaction on my face was contact dermatitis from my phone. The pink patch turned dark red, then got very swollen (the whole lower side of my face swelled) and began to weep clear fluid. I immediately stopped taking the guai (I hadn't used my phone for days, clearly it was not the culprit). Surrounding the original red patch was a new pink patch which looked like it was going to take the same route, but because I stopped taking the guaifenesin the reaction was never as severe. The hives eventually scaled over and peeled.

Over the past two years, I have developed severe allergies and hand contact dermatitis. To cure what I have the doctors have given me numerous injections of kenalog. About 3 months ago I discovered a large indentation on my hip in the vicinity of where the injections were given. So to research the possible condition I have, I found this sight. Any suggestion??

I'm 27, and have never taken BCP's before.
I've been on Yasmin nearly 4 weeks with few side effects (one unacceptable).

Bad: After 2 weeks on Yasmin, I developed unbelievable scalp itchiness (never before) to the point of wanting to scratch holes in my head. Often. Random spots of amazing itchiness (arms, ears, chest, legs, back, hands) arrived a few days later that rival contact dermatitis in severity. There is nothing else I can attribute this to besides Yasmin (I hope it is not allergy based, as I basically have no allergies).
I've tolerated the itching for nearly 2 weeks, and will give it another 6 to see how it goes. It's not an acceptable side-effect.
Otherwise, I've just gotten slight spotting (skipping placebo pills) and a decrease in sex-drive. Not impressed. I had no sex-drive for 2 years because of a prolactin secreting pituitary tumour. Once that was treated, my sex-drive was amazing. Everyone should be able to feel like that! I'm attuned to that now, and it is diminished. Will give Yasmin a trial though. Sadly a catch-22, since I'm taking it because I've found someone special.

Good (?) side-effect: Oh my god, I've lost my chocolate-drive. I enjoy one chocolate, not most of a packet like I used to. Could not believe this. Hormones are amazing.

Sorry to hear all the serious side-effects posted here. I hope you all find what is right for you. Without quality of life, what is left? Best wishes.

I am a 31 year old male, have always been in good health with no known allergies, eat a healthy diet, and have worked out with weights and cardio twice a week for the last year.

I recently went to see a doctor for strep throat. I was given amoxicillin and the strep went away after 7 days.

Two days later, the strep symptoms started to gradually reappear. I went back to the doctor and was prescribed 10 days of Levaquin. I did notice some side-effects of rapid and irregular heartbeat, mild panic attacks, confusion, depression, vivid epic-long dreams, and minor dizziness. I had not previously read anything negative about Levaquin and just thought these were normal symptoms of being medicated for strep throat. The strep symptoms went away after 1 day of being on Levaquin.

Then my REAL NIGHTMARE began. After about 2 days on Levaquin, a SEVERE rash/hives started to spread over my body, starting with my hands. I went back to the doctor, was told I had contact dermatitis from "something" I was allergic to, and was given an anti-inflammatory shot in the arse and Kenalog ointment to apply. As directed, I had always taken great pains to avoid being in the sun whatsoever while on antibiotics. The rash continued to grow worse and worse over the next several days.

I went back to the doctor and was given another anti-inflammatory shot. I asked if the rash could be a result of the Levaquin, and the doctor quickly brushed that "absurd" notion aside! By the 9th of my 10 day trip on Levaquin, the rash had completely spread all over my body, even under my palms. Frightening! Only the soles of my feet and groin area have been spared this horrible-looking, itching madness. On that 9th day, it even started to appear on my face. Though the doctor insisted I should, I did not take the 10th dose of this "poison."

I wish I had done my research and found this website sooner! I have now been off of Levaquin for 48 hours and the rash is still raging strong. The itching has almost brought me to the brink of insanity. I have taken Benadryl tablets and used Benadryl gel and thankfully, they have brought me some minor amounts of comfort. My NIGHTMARE rash does not seem to be going away. I look like some sort of medieval, infected "plague victim." I am severely depressed and the rash is now so horrific-looking that I do not even want to leave my house! I have now read some accounts on this site about this sort of rash happening, but never learned just how long I can expect to endure this HELL?

I was never given ANY warning at all about how serious this medication is, and how threatening it's side-effects can be. I would rather have that nasty strep throat back than now look like some plague-victim and be itching non-stop, unless I'm stoned out of my mind on Benadryl!!!

I have never in my life enjoyed wearing the mantle of a victim, but I truly feel that some sort of cruel injustice has been done to me. Having this never-ending rash has now dragged me into such a deep depression that I feel I may soon need to seek professional mental help. Any advice on how I might make this rash go away and be back to looking like a normal human being would be greatly appreciated.

I wish all of you out there a speedy recovery from your personal LEVAQUIN NIGHTMARE. Thank you.

I must say, I'm sure glad my friend found this discussion forum for me. I had severe contact dermatitis that had gotten infected. The doctor prescribed a topical steroid cream to me, as well as a 7 day supply of levaquin. I've noticed since I started taking levaquin last week, that I've been "jittery", and haven't been myself. I missed my pill yesterday, and felt even more strange than normal (withdrawl perhaps?) I took another pill this morning, and the shaking/slight light-headed-ness, and swelling are back. I'm taking myself off of levaquin starting immediately. Having only taken 5 500mg doses, will these effects wear off fairly quickly once I stop taking it? I don't have insurance, therefore I don't have any income right now (I work construction).

Thanks for anything.

Thomas