Horrible skin rash - reaction to allergy test?

[Mostmoses]

Greetings! I'm on Cimzia (which I know can cause skin rashes), but have had no such problems for the 2.5 years I've been taking it. But 6 weeks ago I had the allergy test - where they prick your arm with different types of allergens. I reacted mildly only to grass pollen, nothing else. Good to know. BUT ever since that same evening, I've had significant skin rash (itching, burning, flaring) on the back of my neck, a patch on my back, spreading now to my face a bit. I've had vaccines against shingles, so hopefully it's not that.

Has anyone else experienced this? I fear that the allergy test sparked this new way for my RA to torture me, or tipped me over into a Cimzia reaction. Antihistamines and skin cremes are not touching this. Will see a dermatologist in a couple of days. Interested in whether anyone else has been through this!

[medway-lady]

It does sound like Shingles and I'm sorry but the vaccine isn't 100% effective so might it be a good idea to send photo to GP? and I did geta skin reaction to Abatercept diagnosed as Reactive Eczema. It had to be stopped as it really spread but the rash was distinctive not just a general area but in patches. I'd be careful not to use anything but mild creams on it and very careful with shower and shampoo. You'll know if it's Shingles as it will blister. I hope you can see GP soon.

[Mostmoses in reply to medway-lady]

Dermatologist on Friday. I hadn’t considered shingles!!! Thanks for the reply.

[Chester1975]

I was mis-diagnosed once with shingles and it turned out to be a few infected hair follicles on my back, which turned into cellulitis. I was asked to put a dot around the edge of the rash with a marker pen and if it got bigger to go back to the GP for antibiotics, which I did and ended up on a course of antibiotics to clear it. I now use a body wash with medical grade antiseptic in it as I’m petrified of it happening again. I also add a bit into my bath with my bath soap. I also have dermatitis which flares on my face and the GP has prescribed me a cleanser, which doubles also as a moisturiser, to use daily, to prevent any possible infection. I hope you get the answers that you need. ☀️

[Mostmoses in reply to Chester1975]

Thanks for that! Mine is mostly on the back of my neck, and I have long hair - this might be an issue. Also, it responds solely to an astringent liquid (not to any creams) - that also sounds a bit similar to what you describe. I will visit the dermatologist tomorrow and look forward to some professional diagnosis. Antiseptic and cleanser sounds like a reasonable long-term treatment.

[Jen400]

I am on cimzia 4 years and for the first 3 years I was itchy..taking daily antihistimines ...got pregnant and since then the itchy is gone!! It does come back occasionally..but nothing like it was. I didn't have the rash you described but I would feel bumps on my back but husband always said he couldnt see anything.....i hope you get sorted