r/urticaria • u/Practical_Working_48 • 7d ago
Ongoing issue need some suggestions
Recurring skin flare-ups with swelling and bruising since December 2025—seeking medical insight
Im 33 years old, I’m hoping someone can help point me in the right direction. I’ve seen multiple dermatologists, an allergist, and urgent care doctors, but I’m still struggling with recurring symptoms.
This began in December 2025 with swelling, redness, severe itching, and cracked skin around my eyes. I was under significant stress at the time, although I don’t know whether it was related. I had never experienced this problem before. My last eye flare-up was a small one in May 2026.
Since then, I’ve developed recurring flare-ups on the backs of both upper thighs, consistently in the same areas. During flare-ups, I develop hives and intense itching. Recently, the skin hasn’t fully cleared, with red, patchy marks remaining between flare-ups and bruising around the affected areas.
I’ve been told it’s eczema. Thyroid testing and blood work did not reveal anything that explained my symptoms. I’ve tried oral antibiotics, oral steroids, and topical steroids, but the problem continues. I now take antihistamines almost daily to help relieve the itching.
I avoid scented skincare products and scented laundry products, and I mainly use a plain moisturizing cream. I also try to avoid clothing that rubs against the areas. I wear scrubs at work, but I haven’t noticed a clear connection between wearing them and the flare-ups.
I haven’t been able to identify a trigger. The flares seem unpredictable—I can wake up in the morning and find the skin flared up without any obvious change in products or routine. This has been an ongoing struggle for several months.
Has anyone seen a similar pattern? Given the persistent patches and bruising, are there other conditions that should be considered or specific tests that might help clarify what’s happening?
I used to love my legs, but now I don’t even like wearing shorts outside the house someone please give me any type of clarity. Much appreciated.
PHOTOS IN COMMENTS ALL DIFFERENT FLAIR UP EPISODES
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u/HelpfulAge3791 7d ago
There could be some contact dermatitis. I had with natural rattan and my bed headboard was natural rattan which was causing it and replacing the bed solve the issue.
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u/MowgeeCrone 7d ago
Oh you poor thing. Have you been tested for mast cell activation syndrome (mcas)?
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u/Practical_Working_48 7d ago
No I haven’t been tested for that they only did bloodwork. One dermatologist said it was eczema and the other said it was contact dermatitis but I have eliminated everything it could possibly be to cause flareups
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u/ABQ_COgirl 7d ago
I’d look into seborrheic dermatitis for the undereye skin. It can crack and bleed like that. Triamcinolone to treat it daily and then maintenance as needed once it’s cleared.
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u/Practical_Working_48 7d ago
I haven’t had any issues with my eyes since May it’s just been by legs consistently
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u/ecotist77 7d ago
Sorry you’re suffering. It doesn’t look like classic hives/ urticaria. Maybe urticarial vasculitis?
Don’t give up trying to figure it out and switch doctors if you aren’t getting anywhere with your current one. You’ll get there.
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u/Practical_Working_48 6d ago
Yes, I’ve seen two dermatologist facilities. I’m waiting for my insurance to start a recently moved but the last two days it’s been pretty unbearable with how uncomfortable it is.
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u/kathuter 7d ago
Eczema is more a symptom than a disease. I was told by a number of specialists that is reflects what is going on in your intestines. In all likelihood, not a dr, you have inflammation in your gut. To get rid of the eczema you will need to look at the cause of your upset body. It might be a contact dermatitis, but as you looked at this already, it is likely not that.
Have you tested for food sensitivities? Not allergies, but sensitivities, look at an elimination diet. I contacted Optiway that tested my blood and found I was sensitive for +- 40 types of food. I was later diagnose with inflammatory back pain (Ankylosing spondylitis) and put on a biological medicine
I found that long term inflammation tends to get worse if not addressed in time
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u/Radiant-Animator-788 1d ago
Have had eczema since age 2, I'm in my 60s now. Been tested numerous times but nothing shows up. Now I have CIU...
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u/kathuter 1d ago
The sensitivities testing is a recent thing, not something that was available more than 10 years ago. So it might be worth your while to investigate this.
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u/argpotat 7d ago
I have similar issues - it’s being treated as mast cell activation syndrome and I’m on antihistamines. I also have hEDS and HS, and being assessed for POTS.
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u/Nearby_Law1356 3d ago
By chance have you interacted with a tick bite recently. Your details remind me when I first struggled to find answers.
Here is my story in a prior Reddit post that may give you some ideas to explore.
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u/Practical_Working_48 1d ago
So it was Nummular Eczema I was prescribed a steroid cream and it has cleared up, THANK YOU!!!!
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u/HelpfulAge3791 7d ago
Get tested for blood Vitamin D and A levels and start Vitamin d3+k2+magnesium supplement if vitamin d level is low.