Question:
My girlfriend suffers from sores that usually show up in May or June and
continue until the end of September. These sores start out small, no larger
than 3 cm across, and look very much like a pimple, filled with puss, but
then expand and get larger, sometimes becoming 4 in across, when, at their
largest, they get a white ring around them, and are about 1/8 in deep. They
leak a clear fluid, and then scab over and go away, leaving a small dark
scar, like a tan almost. They do not itch themselves, though she says that
the skin itches around the sore, and they do not hurt unless pressed on.
Perhaps most bizarre is that these sores, only show up on her thighs and
occasionally her arms, but never anywhere else.
We have taken her to more than one dermatologist, and they are unable to
pinpoint even a possibility of a cause. We use hypoallergenic soaps and
usually filter the air. Neither seems to help, and the presence of cats,
dogs, or rabbits does not make the condition worse, regardless of the
cleanliness of the animal or the animal's owners.
Please also keep in mind that she is diabetic Type 1, and there is some
thought that this may be connected to that, but that would not explain the
occurrence during the summer months.
If any one has any information about what this may be, if you could respond,
I would appreciate it.
Answer:
Maybe hives (uticaria). See an allergist for allergy testing,
RAST blood test or skin testing.
Hives can be caused by many things including pollen, heat,
perspiration, foods, tight clothes. But an allergist would be the
one to consult since its a seasonal phenomena, suggesting seasonal
pollens. When hives get large its called angioedema. Here are my links to research:
http://www.vh.org/Beyond/PeerReviews/35Dermatitis.html
Virtual Hospital, Dermatitis
http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/allrasth/otherdis/skin/derm.html
Dermatologic Diseases (AAAAI)
http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip10.html Hives
(AAAAI)
http://www.njc.org/MSU/09n6MSU_Chronic_Urticaria.html
Chronic Urticaria ‘92 NJC
http://www.allergyadvice.com/UrticariaAngioedema.htm
RECURRENT URTICARIA (Hives) and ANGIOEDEMA (Swelling)
http://www.aad.org/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/aadpamphrework/Urticaria.html/map1
Urticaria - Hives AAD
http://www.healthanswers.com/database/ami/converted/000845.html
Urticaria
Based on your description of the sores, their location and the time of
year, you might want to check out the possibility that these might be
bites from the Brown Recluse or Fiddler Spider. If you have this
spider in your area, this is a possibility. Your doctor should be
able to test for the spider's toxin. If the sores turn out to be from
this spider, they could lead to very serious health problems.
