Need help solving my medical mystery

nancy324

nancy324

Cathlete
For those of you who remember my neck itch post, I thought the mystery was solved and that I was allergic to amoxicillin, which I was taking for a tooth infection. The left side of my neck got red, scaley and itchy, and so did my right eyelid and cheek.

I've been off amoxicillin for a few days and on another antibiotic. This morning I awoke with the same symptoms again, so I called the endodontist. He said that it is doubtful that I'm allergic to two antibiotics, and if I were, I would probably have symptoms all over my body. But my symptoms are limited to the left side of my neck and my right eye. He said it is much more likely to be a reaction to something topical that is touching those areas.

I haven't changed anything lately except that I've been using Head & Shoulders shampoo in the winter months. I will stop using that right away. Any thoughts to help me solve my mystery? I did sleep a lot last night, so maybe it's the sheets. I'm going to ask the housekeeper to stop using Bounce on the laundry.

I'm so tired of my face blowing up, and I'm sick of taking Benadryl. I need to solve this mystery ASAP. Any ideas?

Thanks!
-Nancy
 
I assume you haven't changed anything with your eating/drinking habits? Do you sleep on your left side?

Geez, I would think it could be anything. LOL, do you drool when you sleep?

Good luck with the mystery!!! I'm sure there are people around with much better ideas than mine.
 
I think you should see a dermatologist. Rashes are tricky, and most primary care docs will just give you cortisone cream without a diagnosis.
Beth
 
Nancy,

I can only use detergents labeled "clear and free" for anything that touches my body or I turn into an itchy mess. I use fabric softener sheets but only the "free" kind.

I also have to be very careful with hair spray and periodically have to toss all of my makeup, which is a real drag when you spend a small fortune on it.

I wonder if being exposed to a possible allergic substance like an antibiotic would cause increased skin sensitivity?

At any rate, I would definitely call a dermatologist. I imagine they can help you clear up the rash as well as figure out what the problem is.

Good luck - I hope you feel better!!

Marie
 
Nancy, you can develop an allergic reaction at any given time to things you have comfortably used in the past. You may have hit the nail on the head by thinking it's the sheets and the Bounce. Or consider any of your face creams or cosmetics. Hope you get better.


Marla
 
I've been so stressed out lately because of a client from H-E-double hocky sticks. I wonder if that could cause it? But why just these areas of my face and neck??? x(

The rash is stressing me out even more. This is a very busy week, and there is no way I'll be able to get to see a dermatologist this week.

-Nancy
 
That could be it, too. If the Benadryl is making you too groggy, take some Claritin or Zyrtec if you have any. Of course, they could cause sleepiness too, but maybe not as badly as the Benedryl. Plus, they're once a day dosing.
 
Thanks, Marla. I didn't know that Claritin could work on something like this. I'm getting upset about having this to deal with this week. I think I'm going to have to calm down and try to relax here. I'm now officially hyperventilating.

-Nancy
 
Debbie-
I just checked and saw that the housekeeper is buying Tide Free, which says it is free of perfumes and dyes. Sounds like that should be okay. I'm going to tell the housekeeper to stop using the Bounce, though, as that is highly perfumed and could be a problem.

Thanks for your suggestion!
-Nancy
 
Hi Nancy -

I am so sorry about your problems with reactions. I don't really have any suggestions. But I do know my niece almost died once from allergic reaction to penicillin. She now, years later, will periodically just swell in her hands and face - I mean unreal swelling - and no MD in any field has been able to pinpoint the problem.

Just wanted to sympathize and wish you well.:)
 
Nancy, I agree with those saying to see a Dermatologist. I have a rash too that flares up do to stress...I also have a cream from my Derm that keeps it at bay....drives me nuts...:)...Carole
 
Nancy,

Pardon me if you've already explored this, but have you changed any face creams and/or cosmetics? I am extremely allergic to any chemical sunscreen, which are usually in most day creams and cosmetics. I scrupulously (sp.?) check all "active ingrediants" anything other than titanium dioxide will give me the swelling and/or itching rash. I have had my entire face swell up, not pretty!

Best of luck, I know how very frustrating it can be.

Kim
 
Hmmm, I don't know Nancy, I think I'd stop using the Tide Free. Its still a chemical and you never know, something in it making it "free" could be irritating you. I'd have the housekeeper go back to your old detergent for a while.
 
Nancy - Yes, I'd say stress can manifest as skin problems. Acne breakouts, hives, rash... So please try to relax and tell that unpleasant client to go back where he/she came from!!! }(

Also - I personally am prone to extremely dry skin in the winter, which can itch like crazy. I know you live up north where they actually have winters - have you been outside more lately? Could the dry cold air be causing it?

I hope you feel better soon!
 
Nancy, you are right in having her stop using the Bounce sheets. You may be having a reaction to the fibers in the laundry sheets. I developed dermatitis all over my body from using those sheets. The fibers got into my clothes and my skin just couldn't handle it.

Laurie
 
Thanks Carole and Shannon. Yes, Shannon, my skin is very dry and the forced air heat is making it much drier. But I moisturize a lot and the rash is hitting only the right eyelid, and the left part of my neck. That makes me think the problem is quite specific. I'm going to call the dermatologist today, but he's a PPO dermatologist and somehow I doubt that he will have any answers for me. I'm going to try to have an open mind about him though.
-Nancy
 
Nancy,

Shannon makes a good point. My DH has a terrible problem with eczema this time of year that affects primarily his face and hands, so that is a definite possibility.

Michele:)
 
Interesting, Laurie. Most of my clothes are dry-cleaned. The only things that I use that go in the laundry are the towels and sheets and my underwear. But, since I use the towels and sheets on my whole body, why is just my face affected? Pretty weird. I'll have her stop using the dryer sheets in any event.
-Nancy
 
Why is just your face affected? Probably because it has the most sensitive skin on the body. The rest of the body's skin is much tougher and can tolerate more.
 
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