Low Immunity or Allergies? Your Symptoms and Next Steps

Low immunity or allergies?

Hello, doctor.
I am feeling quite troubled and worried because I have many symptoms that appeared almost simultaneously.
I attribute this to fatigue (I just finished a week-long autumn trip and drove for 9 hours to get home), which may have lowered my immune system and triggered an allergic reaction.
I have researched each individual symptom online, but the information seems inconsistent.
Here are the symptoms I have experienced over the past few days:
Day 1: I felt weakness in my lower limbs, followed by chills and then a fever.
Before the symptoms appeared, I experienced a burning sensation during urination and had difficulty urinating.
Day 2: Upon waking, the weakness in my lower limbs had disappeared, and I no longer felt chills.
However, I developed a rash on the front of my torso and on my right thigh near the groin area.
The rash is neither itchy nor painful.
In addition to the torso and right thigh, rashes also appeared on my lower abdomen near the groin and under my arms, with one on the areola (at the 12 o'clock position) on each side.
These areas are tender to the touch, and I only feel itchiness when touching the rashes.
Day 3: I noticed a protrusion in my vagina resembling small blisters, and there is more than one.
I continue to have difficulty urinating.
Day 4: I developed small red rashes on the upper part of my right eyelid, which are tender but not itchy.
Small red rashes have also started to appear on my back.
Currently, the rashes on the inner thigh near the groin and the areola at the 12 o'clock position are gradually fading.
The left areola is not painful when pressed, but the right side still has tenderness.
Could this be due to a weakened immune system or an allergic reaction? Should I see a dermatologist, a gynecologist, or a breast surgeon? Additionally, my eldest son has developed rashes on his thigh, and his appeared a day earlier than mine.
His rashes are also not itchy or painful.
Initially, I thought he was bitten by mosquitoes until I developed similar rashes.
His have already faded.
Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to provide your advice!

C.C., 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/25

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, the issue of infection (suspected urinary tract infection) needs to be ruled out first.
Additionally, any instances of mosquito or insect bites should also be noted.
It is important to have a gynecological examination for the vaginal area.
Please be reminded that online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide accurate diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2017/10/25

More Info

Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that you are experiencing a complex interplay of potential issues that could relate to either a lowered immune response or an allergic reaction. Your symptoms, including leg weakness, chills, fever, urinary discomfort, and the appearance of rashes, suggest that there may be an underlying infection or inflammatory process at play, rather than solely an allergic reaction.

Firstly, the initial symptoms of leg weakness, chills, and fever could indicate a viral or bacterial infection, possibly a urinary tract infection (UTI), especially given the burning sensation during urination. UTIs can cause systemic symptoms like fever and chills, and they can also lead to localized symptoms such as rashes if there is a significant inflammatory response. The presence of rashes on your body, particularly in sensitive areas, may also suggest a dermatological reaction, which could be due to an allergic response or a secondary effect of an infection.

The fact that your son has similar rashes raises the possibility of a contagious condition, such as a viral exanthem or another infectious process. It’s important to consider that some infections can present with rashes and systemic symptoms, and they can be transmitted between family members.
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting a healthcare provider who can conduct a thorough examination and possibly run some tests, including blood tests and urinalysis, to rule out infections and assess your immune function. A dermatologist may be appropriate for the rashes, but a gynecologist could also be consulted regarding the vaginal symptoms, especially since they could be related to a UTI or another gynecological issue.

In terms of your concerns about low immunity versus allergies, it’s important to note that both conditions can coexist. Allergies can sometimes lead to immune system dysregulation, and chronic stress or fatigue can indeed lower immune function, making you more susceptible to infections. However, the acute nature of your symptoms suggests that an infection may be the primary concern at this time.

To summarize, I recommend the following steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible to evaluate your symptoms. Given the potential for an infection, timely intervention is crucial.

2. Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they started, their progression, and any other relevant factors (such as exposure to allergens or sick contacts).

3. Consider Testing: Be open to undergoing tests that can help identify any infections or immune system issues. This may include blood tests, urinalysis, and possibly imaging studies if warranted.

4. Monitor Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention.

5. Discuss Family Health: Since your son is experiencing similar symptoms, it may be beneficial for him to be evaluated as well, to rule out any contagious conditions.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable to be concerned about your immune health and potential allergies, the immediate focus should be on identifying any underlying infections or conditions that may require treatment. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms with a healthcare professional will provide you with the clarity and care you need.

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