General Medical Question - Non Urgent - What's making me ill?

[Foxeh]

So this isn't exactly first aid but I just wondered if I maybe have a bug that's going around, or whether anyone reckons I should be concerned.

When I went to bed on Sunday night, I had a angry-looking, itchy rash come out on my forearms. I had been working in the garden all day and, assuming it was just a reaction to something out there, I applied Sudocreme and forgot all about it.
The next day I nearly came home from work. I felt nauseous, hot & shivery and light-headed. I worked through it though (stupidly) and after about three or so hours I felt alright again, apart from a headache.
Felt fine apart from waking up with a splitting headache again this morning...then felt fine.
Just now though I experienced the worst case of diarrhoea known to man and my tummy feels horrible.

Do you think these things are connected? Or just a coincidence...anyone experienced any of this themselves?

Also. My Dad is convinced that the dinner my Boyfriend cooked for me this evening was to blame, but I experienced diarrhoea literally five minutes after finishing eating, so I don't think so. Food poisoning doesn't get to your intestines that quickly...does it?

[Gracehasaname]

Your right - food poisoning isn't generally that prompt!

The rash on your forearms, is it still there or has it gone? If it is still there I would head to the doctors as soon as you can, and get it checked out a rash along side other symptoms can be caused by an illness - or as you said it can just be a coincidence.

If its gone make sure that you are drinking plenty of water, or watered down squash, stick to dry foods and make sure that you go see your GP if you don't get better/get worse within a couple of days.

Make sure you check your temperature, if its high try taking paracetamol, if its something that you normally take, if you never/dont normally take it then again - go see your GP.

Any significant fever should be checked out.

Dont forget that as you are in the UK you can call NHS direct for advice, the nurses there are great, and it might be worth giving them a call before you go to the doctors - as it might save you a visit!