May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Allergies Unique Allergic Reaction Perhaps?
Unique Allergic Reaction Perhaps? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Day 1: I had old carpet pulled out of my house; dust everywhere from cleaning and carpet removal. Slight cough due to tickling in throat. Poor sleep. Day 2: Small swollen glad near my left ear; under my chin was very swollen. Still occasional tickly cough; poor sleep. Day 3: Developed three dime-sized areas on chin and left lower cheek area, slightly raised; initially looked like cyst-like acne breakout with pressure under skin. One area formed two small blister-like spots but never any kind of head. Day 3, later: Swollen left lip; looked like a fever blister (which I've never had before/age 44). Self-diagnosis: Feels like an infection; logically seems related to heavy allergens in air (?); immune system perhaps weak due to lack of sleep. Day 3, evening: Went to urgent care; nurse practioner suggested impetigo, possibly herpes. Got antibiotic shot, oral antibiotics, oral steroids. Question: Reading online symptoms, this doesn't seem characteristic of impetigo or herpes. Could it be infection related to allergies even though my typical allergic response would be nasal congestion? Dear Carin: The symptoms you've presented most definitely suggest of an allergic component. I would most probably look in the lines of atopic dermatitis (eczema) and contact dermatitis. You may need to see an allergist who may perform a wide range of tests and blood-work like a complete blood count, ESR and IgE levels to detect for the presence of allergies. Treatment will then depend on the diagnosis. Eczema is treated with steroid creams, skin moisturizers and emollients and avoiding irritants. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 November 2011 ) |
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