Spreading rash on arms?

I'm on Accutane and have had itchy skin since I got on it. I had a red rash on my upper arms (both arms) near the elbow last month and it lasted for about a week and went away. Well, on Sat. went to bed itching and I scratched and I woke up with major rashes on both hands and arms. The part of the arm where I scratched is no longer little bumps,but a flat patch of raised skin. I went to the derm. and he said that rashes happen and he gave me a cream and an anti itch pill. I thought you weren't supposed to put anything on a rash. Anyway, my hands are really bad - circular rash bumps everywhere. I can't go to work like this. I'm getting off of this Accutane TODAY. I'm having an allergic reaction I think. Anyone know of anything I can do to get rid of this?

Spreading rash on arms?
How long have you been on the Accutane? If you think you are having an allergic reaction you need to notify your dr. The rash could be just the beginning of a severe allergic reaction. If you experience any shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat call your dr right away or go to the ER.


I looked this up:


What are the possible side effects of Accutane?


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Accutane and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:


depressed mood, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, crying spells, aggression or agitation, changes in behavior, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;





sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;





blurred vision, sudden and severe headache or pain behind your eyes, sometimes with vomiting;





hearing problems, hearing loss, or ringing in your ears;





seizure (convulsions);





severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;





loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);





severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, black, bloody, or tarry stools;





fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, purple spots under your skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or





joint stiffness, bone pain or fracture.





Continue taking Accutane and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:





discomfort with contact lenses;





joint pain, back pain;





feeling dizzy, drowsy, or nervous;





dryness of the lips, mouth, nose, or skin; or





cracking or peeling skin, itching, rash, changes in your fingernails or toenails.





Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.








What other drugs will affect Accutane?


Before taking Accutane, tell your doctor if you are also taking:





steroids (prednisone and others);





seizure medication such phenytoin (Dilantin); or





a tetracycline antibiotic such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Sumycin, Tetracap).








http://www.drugs.com/accutane.html








I think you need to call your dr. Maybe he can give a Benedryl
Reply:It sounds as if you are having an allergic reaction. I would suggest you return to the dermatologist and have it chequed and perhaps there is another medication you could try.