Spreading Red Bumps

I have these red bumps that are spreading from my stomach to my neck, arms, back and now legs. The bumps have a black center and itch when touched. I have already tried benodryl, hydrocortizone cream, and now alclometasone dipropionate but the bumps just keep spreading!!! I've been using the same lotion, soap and detergent in my clothes and am the only person in my household who is having this issue. Does anyone know what causes this or what this may be a symptom of??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It looks like a fungal infection. Fungus and yeast infections have little to do with hygiene—clean people get them too. In most cases, they are not highly contagious between people either.

Diagnosis is by skin scrapings. This is examined under a microscope, or put on an agar plate in a microbiology laboratory and allowed to grow.

You can try OTC antifungal creams including 1% clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) and 1% terbinafine (Lamisil)or those containing miconazole (Daktarin, Micatin & Monistat).These might help.

Also avoid sharing clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets and walking barefoot

If the symptoms still persist, then pls consult a dermatologist.

Take care and regards.