Multiple persistent rashes

[Sad n Rashy]

Doc,
    I am 34 years old, and for the last year and a half I have had persistent rashes under my armpits,around my neck, and in my crotch between around my thighes and vagina.  I have been diagnosed as having contact dermatitis in the past.  Lately, however, I have also had some very peculiar "dot" like rashes occrring on the outside of my buttocks, and on the swell of my lower back.  They are multiple raised "dots" that are very similar to the rashes described for Scarlet Fever. (Just an example, I am not afraid I have that).
My other rashes usually dissipate (but come back shortly after I stop using it) with cortizone, and I also use a prescription clobetasol propeinate ointment in the vaginal area and this rash goes away.  These new peculiar rashes range in size from a dime, to slightly bigger, and are coarse like sandpaper.  I am so exhausted trying to straighten out my skin problems which seem to have developed since my original and massive contact dermatitis.  I also suffer from the rashy spots on my bottom which look like pimples.  I have started using Bacitracin, and these have started to go away. THANKS FOR THE HINT!  I have been trying not to obsess on these new rashes, but I am so tired of being embaressed about the condition of my skin, I was hoping for some of hint that might help me with these before I trek once again to the doctor!  Thanks!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Sad:

Although I appreciate the care with which you describe your rashes, it's awfully hard to diagnose with precision without ssing what's going on.  I would, however, make the following observations: 1) You may well have ordinary eczema (as in hereditary) as opposed to contact (a specific allergy.)  If so, you may just have to put up with the need for regular cream application when symptoms warrant, as opposed to "clearing it up once and for all," which is just not possible.

Finally, you shouldn't be using clobetasol in the vaginal area, since this preparation is too strong for use in a sensitive-skin area.  For an alternative, as well as more precise diagnosis, please see a dermatologist.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff

[Susan]

hi this is the only way i can get a response to my question as i have a rash on my upper arm, it only seems to come out when i get into the shower and it looks like red circles on my arms like i have a bad rash, it goes away after 10 minutes when i put cream onto it, it doesnt pain me or itch but it seems to be spreading, can you tell me what i have or should i go to a doctor

[Susan]

hi this is the only way i can get a response to my question as i have a rash on my upper arm, it only seems to come out when i get into the shower and it looks like red circles on my arms like i have a bad rash, it goes away after 10 minutes when i put cream onto it, it doesnt pain me or itch but it seems to be spreading, can you tell me what i have or should i go to a doctor

[Melissa]

I think i have the same thing you seem to be having. I have a rash under my arm pits, on my shoulders and inside my upper thigh and around my crotch area. I went into the doctor worried that I might have gotten an std, they said that i probably had contact dermatitus and gave me a prescription to get some pills that helped with the itch. The pills seem to be helping with the itch, but i dont know how to get rid of this. (i am going to go to the doctor again soon) What i am asking you is if your medicine your taking has gotten the rash to go away.

[Sad n Rashy]

This rash first appeared around my genital area  and was horrible. (not just on the crotch, but severe swelling of my vaginal lips, too) I ran to my doctor worried about what the heck it could be.  He diagnosed it as contact dermatitis, and told me to not wear thongs anymore... He also said I should check my detergent.  Since I had received my clothes from a cleaners, he feared it was a sever reaction to the strong detergent.  Since then I have changed to a Tide free, but I believe my skin has now been sensitized to get rashes that are no longer contact... but maybe just some sort of general dermatitis.  I know the fear you have.  I was not sexually active when this first occurred, but I feared it was some horrible dormant ???? Something!!!   3 Doctors later.. all with the same basic opinions... Except for an internist which prescribed me some pills for the armpit rash thinking it might be yeast related...Although my gynecologist find no trace of yeast in vaginal area.  I stopped taking the prescription, because I think that doctor was incorrect.  My rashes now come and go, however, they are not as bad as they used to be.I can almost predict when I will get one.  These steps have really helped me a lot. 1. I have changed to Tide Free to avoid harsh dyes and chemicals. 2. I use Aveeno (an oatmeal based soap. (Got rid of the perfumes,etc... ESPECIALLY in the genital area. My gynecologist told me that WATER is actually the best thing to wash that area, but I do use Aveeno there.  3. Use Cortizone/Cortaid on the rashes  4. Use Eucerin Aquaphora and Aveeno lotions on my skin.  5. Realized that these rashes are in area primarily where skin rubs against skin.  I am not the thinner version of myself I wish I was.  I am not severely overweight, but thinj that these rashes have come with an addition of 10 extra pounds.  I think if I were to lose weight, the skin would not rub on itself so much.
    The rashes on my neck area could be stress rashes. Women have a tendency to get them in that area (so I have read).  Maybe if we could stop stressing over the rest of the rashes, these would go away!!!!!!!)  Also, keeping the affected areas as dry as possible to avoid irritation... If you work out, make sure you don't let sweaty clothes stay on any longer than necessary.  Please let me know if you try some of these things.  I think you will see improvement!!!!

[Sad n Rashy]

Dr. Rickoff: Why would my gynecologist prescribe an ointment such as clobetasol that should not be used in vaginal area... and that is what is was prescribed for?  This worries me.