Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: I had surgery 3-4 weeks ago, have not taken any pain meds since 4 days after surgery.  I have itchy red bumps all over my body? What is causing this?  It started after I was put in a fiberglass cast on ankle.  I was told that was most likely not the cause of the rash.

ANSWER: It doesn't sound like medication is the cause either (unless you started a new medication). The case might cause a localized reaction but it shouldn't affect your whole body. Clearly you are sensitive to something and you should see your primary care specialist for an evaluation.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have not done anything different so I am not sure why I would be getting this.  I have never had an allergic rxn to anything before.  It started around the edges of my cast, when I went to get my cast changed (b/c it got wet) it was on my lower leg where my cast was and on my thighs.  The nurse did not appear to be concerned.  Now it is on my arms/chest/back/thighs.  Benedryl is helping with the symptoms, but as soon as I stop taking it ,every 6 hours, the symptoms reappear.  The nurses at the office where I had my surgery think it is not related.  Is it bad to take benedryl for 4 week until I get my cast removed?  I have an appt. with my family Dr. tomorrow.

Answer
If it started around the cast and is the same type of rash then it might be related. Could they possibly change the cast to a different type (e.g. plaster of paris)? I would not take Benadryl for so long because you don't want this mild allergy to progress to anaphylaxis. See your family doc and see what s/he thinks.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston