Long Lasting, Red Blotchy Chest Rash.

[JGT]

I have a rash.  It is red blotchy marks on my chest, and upper legs.  There are no bumps it is just red marks on my skin, blotchy and sometimes look like i've been scratched.  It is worst when i get out of the shower.  That is when it is most prominent and itchy (not very itchy, but enough to be annoying).  It doesn't really bother me normally, i dont usually feel any discomfort, unless i'm really hot.  I've had it for quite some time.  Well over 4 years.  And i can not figure out how to get rid of it.

I'm a 24 year old male.  I'm in very good health.  I eat very healthy for an American of my age.  I take a multi vitamin every day and exercise regularly.  

I saw a doctor about it a year ago.  He told me it was a fungal infection and to wash with Selsun Blue.  I've been doing that for over a year now and it is not getting better.  Actually it seems to have getting bigger in the last year.

I don't have health insurance so it's hard for me to go to a dr. or specialist to resolve the problem.  Is there anything I can take/do to help me get rid of this rash?

[jlclester]

Thank you for such a quick response.

[arbindo]

jlclester are you posing a new question here? I thought you were supposed to start a new thread elsewhere. Anyway to answer your Q- You have Fitzpatrick type-1 skin and the sunbed is a definite no-no. You are high risk for basal cell cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. If it is burning you are worried about there are lots of different types of sunscreens around which protect against UVA &UVB rays both of which are excellent skin cancer causing agents. Havn't you heard about the slip-slap-slop campaign Down-Under which has effectively brought down the incidence of skin Ca over there? You are encouraged to slip on a shirt,slap on a hat and slop on sunscreen each time you venture out. The rash bothering you is ofcourse none of these but is probably PLE or polymorphic light eruption. UVA is the main culprit. Some people get it every spring on sudden exposure to intense UVA. Treatment? Avoid sunbeds,use sunscreens >SPF 45 if possible, antihistamines , a potent topical steroid cream like Betnovate or higher for a short period. Some may even need oral prednisolone to abort the breakout. mild steroid creams may not touch. High dose B-carotene helps some. Persistent rashes will need hydroxychloroquine or PUVA light treatment. If you can avoid the sunbed(which emits UV rays) you may not need to go thro this hassle. Was that helpful?

[jlclester]

I also have fair skin, blue eyes, and have a red tone.  I have layed on the sunbed off and on for several years.  Last year I layed and broke out across my kneck, and down my chest.  It will go away after a few days. It looks terrible, and itches.  I have put Elidel on it and take Benedryl.  I continues to happen each time I lay.  I want this to stop or to find out what to do or cream to use.  I did go to the doctor, but what he ever he gave me did not work either.  I burn very easily if I don't get a tan started at the sunbed.  If you have any suggestions please tell me.

[arbindo]

It is difficult to visualize the rash from your description. Are they like wheals?(hives)- which go off after a few hours and reappear elsewhere? I am thinking of physical urticaria which can be chronic. It can present along scratch lines(dermographism) and occ.after exposure to cold or hot water. Need more details.But one look by a doctor is enough to exclude urticaria.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Not really.  Rashes usually need to be seen to be diagnosed.

Dr. Rockoff

[JGT]

No recomendation on what it might be?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You need to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.  If it is a fungus infection, there are simple ways to treat it.  I can't imagine it's anything serious, but after 4 years I guess it's time to find out what it is.  It should take you one visit to see what this is and treat it.  That's my suggestion.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff