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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Itchy rash that won't go away
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Itchy rash that won't go away
by jellio, May 01, 2003 12:00AM
5 months ago I developed an itchy rash on my chest and breasts. It eventually went away, only to show up on the backs of my calves. When that went away it showed up on my elbows, then my upper arms. I went to my GP and was given steroid based creams that helped a bit but didn't get rid of it. I was referred to a dermatologist who did a biopsy but couldn't find anything specific. I was treated for scabies, but it didn't do anything. Then I was put on 10 days of Prednisone. The rash went away while I was on Prednisone, but as soon as I was off it came back on my stomach, arms and chest again, mainly on my breasts. It doesn't look like anything, just tiny raised bumps that aren't even really red. But the itching is so terrible, I can't sleep at night and I have itched to the point of bleeding many times, which causes ugly scabs to form. I am getting really tired of it! Any ideas about what it is and how it can be treated? PLEASE?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, May 02, 2003 12:00AM
, May 02, 2003 12:00AM
This sounds like eczema (certainly not scabies.) Eczema comes and goes, has no specific cause, and itches a lot. Steroid and other creams suppress the condition, so I think that's what you should keep doing, since it isn't safe to keep using prednisone (the fact that predisone worked is another piece of evidence in favor of eczema.) The condition is likely to remit at some point, but in the meantime you may need to treat it with regularity. I suggest checking with your dermatologist about this.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
I see a correlation between this rash and ovulation and about two weeks prior to my period. After my period all rash calms down. Consuming salty food makes me itchier and redder I've noticed. I have used hydrocortisone, elocon (in the past, worked well, but a steroid), zinc cream (baby rash cream - its ok), zinc powder (worked pretty good, but did not get rid of it). Now I have been using a triple antibiotic ointment when it gets bad, and some 1% hydrocortisone, which helps. But it never totally goes away. Have you noticed anything like triggers?
I also have some other things going on in my body which may be something to look out for for you - I have red areas that appear and flaking skin on my face during the ovulation and getting worse the week before my period. I'm starting to think its a hormone allergy.
Anyway, I'd really like a normal looking chest. I'm 31