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Urticaria + lesions + dry skin on neck like sunburn

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2020 9:52 am
by judefire66uk
Hi there, i hope you can help.

Approx 6 weeks ago I changed my antidepressants from Duloxetine to Venlafaxine after a week on these i developed hives and intense itching and burning all over my body, my GP and I agreed that it was a side effect of Venlafaxine, so I stopped taking them and was prescribed Vortioxetine.
My skin was so itchy, burning and painful that I actually felt ill, i couldn't sleep properly as anything on my skin making me hot made the itching and burning worse. I was prescribed Prednisolone 35mg a day but after 4 days this did nothing so I was told to stop taking them, in fact, the only thing to give me some relief was taking Fexofenadine 180 mg x 3 times a day. I was also prescribed Mometasone 0.1% cream to apply to the rash once a day.
The itching stopped after 3 weeks (thank God) but I still have these remains of a rash on my torso, thighs, arms, hands, and front chest. I also have had all the way through a red inflamed, dry and itchy neck, I have 4 little red spots on the front of my chest which are really painful and my neck feels like its sunburnt. I have not been in the sun as i avoid it where I can as it makes my neck and chest worse. My GP has now said there's nothing more they can do ( obviously in the scheme of things i understand why) but i am still really troubled by the neck area particularly, i can only describe it as a feeling of a thousand needles on my skin... it is very painful, hypersensitive and itchy. Had we been in normal times i would have asked for a referral to a dermatologist, but as this is not possible, I'm asking on here.
I suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and PTSD.
I have attached a photo of the lesions on my torso and also my neck.
I would really like so answers as it is becoming so debilitating. Do you think this may be a menopause issue? ( im a 53 yr old Female), or is it an allergic reaction that just taking ages to go away? Could it be that I've become desensitized to another one of my Meds?
I only use fragrance-free soap, shampoo, and shower gel.
I'm happy to supply a list of my other medications and or talk privately if needed.
I hope someone can help, thank you

Re: Urticaria + lesions + dry skin on neck like sunburn

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 6:30 pm
by professor andrew r thompson
I'm afraid that I'm unable to comment on the medications that you are taking. Your post does not indicate whether or not you have been offered or tried any form of psychological therapy. Talking therapies can be very useful in helping to cope with long-term health conditions and it might be worth considering talking to your GP.

Over the last few years there have been some specialist services developed that have expertise in supporting the psychological needs of people living with long-term health conditions (LTC). Some newer forms of CBT (a type of talking therapy) such as ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) and CFT (compassion focused therapy) are proving effective forms of treatment for people with LTCs. Mindfulness based CBT can also be useful in guarding against relapse for long-term depression. There are also specific forms of therapy aimed at treating unresolved PTSD.

I realise that I have not directly answered your question and forgive me if you were already aware of the information provided but I hope that it may be of some use in considering if there are other forms of support that might be beneficial.

Kind wishes,

Andrew

Re: Urticaria + lesions + dry skin on neck like sunburn

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 11:10 pm
by Dr Alia Ahmed
Thank you for contacting us. As the problem seems fairly complex you may benefit from more specialist input. Your GP may be able to use the pictures you have to discuss with your local dermatologists and suggest treatment. Also your local dermatologists may still be seeing urgent referrals, it is worth your GP checking if that option is possible. I am doing this myself with the GPs in my area. I hope that you are able to access the services you need.