Have had a slight rash on my arm for months. Doesn't itch and doesn't hurt.

I have some kind of apparent rash on my arm as seen in these pictures:
http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/2601/img0011ol.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/5907/img0009ru.jpg

It's not itchy and it doesn't hurt.  It's been there for a few months now, and it won't go away.  After some time passed, it originally looked like it was getting better (very slowly), but now it looks like it might have spread a little.  It's only on the one arm as pictured and isn't anywhere else on my body.

The skin is raised very slightly.  Sometimes it's barely red, and other times, it gets a little red.  The amount of redness in the picutre is the worst I've seen it in a while.  As you can see, it's not horribly bad; I'm just concerned since it's not going away.  I'm not sure what it is or what caused it.

Thank you so much for your help!

[cally1968]

About a week ago I discovered a round pinkish reddish round raised bumps/pimple-like, burns and itches a little if irritate by clothes or me touching it. I am afraid to put medicine on it because I don't know what it is and never had a rash like this one before.  What should I do and what could it be?  It is located to the left side of my armpit, somewhat in the pit of my arm on my left arm.  I do use Dove Unscented Sensitive Skin Deodorant but do not put it on often.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like folliculitis or irriatted hair follicles or contact dermatitis. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.