long term rash

I'm a 20 year old caucasian female. I developed a rash on my shoulder  in August of last year (2011). The rash was small, light pink, itchy at times but I did not think much of it. Today, the rash in quite large, around the size of a hockey puck and a deeper shade of pink. The rash no longer itches; however, the rash has a cycle of turning  to a dull but normal shade of pink skin color, crusting, shedding the crust and  then turning to a deep shade of pink as well as having a “wet” feeling to it. Seeing as it is not clearing up with Neosporin, I will be going to my dermatologist shortly. In the meantime, does anyone have an idea of what it could be? I did see pictures of Bowen’s disease and some of the pictures look similar to what I have; although, I am fairly young for skin cancer, I have never gone tanning, I wear sunscreen and no one in my family has ever had skin cancer. Any thoughts?

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

HI and thanks for using the forum.

I am glad you are going to see your dermatologist- rashes are hard to deal with and interpret without being able to see them.  In the meantime, you should take a picture of the rash how it is now and then try some hydrocortosone cream until you are able to see the dermatologist.  Bring the pictures with you to the dermatologist in case the rash clears up with the hydrocortisone cream.  Good luck.

Bridget