Bacteria in Cycling Water, Rash, HELP!

So it has been a couple days, but there is a rash that is starting to work its way up both my arms. I had a few cuts on both on my hands and have put both arms in the tank (didn't really think much of it)....but now it has gotten pretty bad. At first they were really swollen and red and rash-like (typical rash pattern)...but only on a small spott where the cuts were. Now it's all over my arms/forarms. Looks like i have goosebumps on them except they are red little bumps. Looks like every pore on my arm is a little red bump. Has anybody else had this or know what this is?!?! Could it be the bacteria from the tank (from cycling, algae, ect.).....PLEASE HELP!

 

can be a regular rash from irritation, a regular skin infection (if painful or streaking), or with the little bumps can be m. marinum infection. you need to get it looked at by your doc, and make sure to tell them about the saltwater tank when you do.

 

Definitely go to the doctor and tell them what happened. I've had both a blood infection and cellulitis, which is a deep tissue infection. Neither are something to mess around with. Get to the doctor! It may not even be from the tank, but should be looked at no matter what. And from now on wear gloves whenever you're dealing with your tank.

 

+1 on M. Marinum....ughhhh...looked up some of the pictures for them, it kind of looks like it....i hope not .....maybe its an allergic reaction:-/ ....definitely gonna go see a doctor about it now lol....any home remedies for the mean time? ......my forarms feel like really really coarse sandpaper if that helps....

 

Just thought what it kind of looked like: hives....so maybe an allergic reaction? ....but spreading?.....idk.....

 

if you have health insurance im not sure why you're still posting and not at a ER

 

lol I'm stubborn and a college student. Do have insurance, but still have a big co-pay (i think) for ER regardless if you have insurance....idk, I've never gone to the ER...haven't had anything really life-threatening happen (knock on wood)....in my mind going to the ER is a BIG deal, something like breaking your arm, heart attack, bleeding profusely, ect (immediate help).....def. going to the doctors, but prob. gonna wait till monday or so unless my arm starts turning purple or something..then yes ER lol

 

If you start feeling ill or have red streaks going up your arms, go to the ER immediately. Red streaks mean blood infection which is extremely dangerous. And if you start feeling ill it could mean something serious as well.

 

This is what I dislike about the internet – you have a rash which indicates an issue….go to the doctors and post on the internet afterwards. If you think you got bacteria into an open wound it could become very serious. If you have a minor irritation better to be safe than sorry.

Ok wait, I see you said you are going to dr.s and just looking for interim relief – try some Benadryl.

 

Agree. ER visit not necessary unless breathing difficulty, increased swelling/redness, weakness in arms, dizziness/lightheadedness, excessive bleeding, loss of skin, etc. Unless you have a break in skin unlikely to get bacteremia/systemic infection.

Either FP or ER will likely give you steroid dose pack, tell you to take antihistamine (Benadryl or generic, diphendyramine).

Gloves, they are your friends.