physhstick

Hi all,

During the summer, while working at an ecological research station, I developed a nasty itchy rash on my legs. I visited a dermatologist around this time because I was having problems with the skin on my fingers (later diagnosed as dyshidrosis). He checked out the rash and told me it was probably heat rash and if it gets really bad to use the steroid cream (ultravate) he gave me for the dyshidrosis on it.

Well, here I am several months later and the rash hasn't gone away...in fact, its spread. The steroid cream does some good, but I know that the more I use it, the less effective it will be.

I am making another appointment with the dermatologist tomorrow, but was looking for some advice till then...

I have a feeling that this rash (now on my legs, adbdomen, arms, back...) is because of allergies. I had a scratch test done when I was in my early teens (I'm 24 now) and I was allergic to about 80% of what they tested me for - altho nothing was too severe.

My biggest fear is that I will find out that this rash is an allergic reaction to my guinea pigs! I have had animals all my life, despite being allergic to them. I take allegra (and occaisonally an albuterol inhaler, but I haven't used it in a while) and don't really have any problem with them now. I never hold them on bare skin and had them for 8 months or so before I got the rash.

I just can't think of what else could be causing it and I'm trying to prepare myself for the worst news! But from what I've read on the internet, it seems like cleaning products and metals are mostly to blame for allergic skin irritations?

Can anyone shed some light on this? Hopefully it made sense...its been a long weekend!

Thanks!

jen