Rash on chest

M5M

DH has been complaining of ongoing itchiness on chest, arms, back. There is a visible rash especially on the chest. This has been for several weeks, maybe 2 months. We put hydrocortozine 1% on it which helps, but apparently the itchiness is getting more constant and even disrupts his sleep. I sent a note to the PCP who had him come in, reviewed meds, suggested stopping his gabapentin and to call the dermatologist. He takes Eliquis, B-12, baby aspirin, thyroid, atorvastatin, stool softener. (Stopped the gabapentin yesterday). Doctor eliminated poison ivy, bed bugs, etc. We have changed detergents and soap.

He is not a complainer overall, so I know this is distressing to him. Wondering about other suggestions.

Quilting brings calm

Call the doctor and ask him if an OTC antihistamine could be taken along with the cream. That would help the itching. People recommend staying away from Benadryl.

M5M

ah! good idea. Will try.

M1

Eliquis can cause rashes….of any of the drugs that’s the most likely culprit unfortunately

Marta

Of course, don’t stop Eliquis on your own- he likely is taking that for a life threatening condition.

JDancer

My DH developed an upper body rash several weeks after starting Allupurinol. I would guess it's medication related.

SSHarkey

Prednisone! My DH deals with periodic rashes and welts due to allergies. No number of antihistamines will cut it. I can give him 10 mg of prednisone in the morning and he will get instant results. Nothing long term. Just as needed.

M5M

That's interesting, PCP did not comment on the Eliquis....which, like the gabapentin, he has been taking for years. Going to check on allergy OTC and prednisone.

Cecil Jones

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/202286#Comment_202286

Same with my wife's allergies.

M5M

Aha! Went to the dermatologist, got an appointment sooner than expected. She took one look at DH, said, "Gabapentin is not the issue. You have Grover's Disease"......an unusual disease striking mostly older men, named by Dr. Grover years ago.....its a rash that can get pretty itchy and unattractive, annoying but not threatening in itself. The rash can include some crusty or hardened papules, blisters, mostly red spots. She prescribed a cream stronger than hydrocortisone to subdue the itchiness, hasn't been delivered yet. DH version of the rash looks like a "poster boy" from the photos online.

So far, dropping the gabapentin has not been an issue. DH has not complained about the knee pain it was prescribed for, and can take acetaminophen for that if it is a concern. One less pill is good.

Thanks to all for good suggestions for future.

SSHarkey

Fantastic that you got such a quick diagnosis! I’m sorry it ended up being something like that. At least he’s going to get some relief!