Itchy Red Rash (NOT DRY SKIN) on forearms, neck, back, chest, and upper thighs

[goochr0413]

So I have never posted in a forum before... But I can not find a doctor that is able to figure out what is wrong with me. I have had a rash that has gotten progressively worse since Feb 2009. The rash began one and a half months after moving into a new area (College Park, Md). The rash is on my neck, back, forearms and chest. It itches like crazy! Let me help by saying that it is not caused by dry skin. I have always had dry skin and I know what it feels like to itch from dry skin. The itching is worse at night and if the affected area is warm, moist, red and raised. Sweating makes the condition much worse and it does not ever just go away. I had a biopsy done that showed allergic dermatitis. So I went to an allergist and found out that I am allergic to nothing! Prednizone completely clears up the rash and it takes about 3 days for it to come back after the prenizonde. I have tried taking 4 benedryl at night, and zertec in the morning. That did absolutely nothing! I have also changed lotions, laundry detergent, bed cloths and type. I saw an herbalist who said I had a Candida infection on my skins. I had a Dr prescribe an antifungal and also tried the herbals from the herbalist which did not help. I can't sleep at night and find myself taking a tone of showers to temporarily relieve the itching. Please help if you can...  I have a tone of photos if more will help. Please note that the itchy area is not dry, leaving it dry almost itches less

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be tinea corporis.It is a superficial fungal infection (dermatophytosis) of the arms and legs however it may occur on any part of the body.
Wash the area daily and then dry thoroughly by pat drying,not rubbing. The damp skin is an ideal site for fungi to multiply.Also wear cotton clothes and change them twice a day and do not share other people’s towels. Most cases of fungal infections respond to over-the-counter products, which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole.You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients. Some of them are Lamisil, Monistat derm, Mycelex, and Nizoral.

If the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist.Oral antifungals may be needed.
Hope it helps.Take care and regards.

[gagootza]

from the picture it looks like exema (eczema).try using a anti fungal cream ,you can get it at walgrees.i had one like that on my thigh and put the cream on never came back