Questions about Rash that has been growing over 2 months

Questions about Rash that has been growing over 2 months

I have a dark red/going purple rash on the back of my leg that is itchy.
It started just behind my knees then started to spread a bit up and down my legs with blotchy red spots and turned almost a dark purple where it started.
The skin is also going dry and flaking.
Beside the knee that is worse I also got a a weird bruise, but it may have been from pintching my leg to get a better look.
I have never had a rash like this before. I do not have it anywhere else on my body except my legs. I am not allergic to anything that I know of.
Here is a picture of the rash. I use hydrocordisone cream on and off, but has not made a difference.

My question is what could it be and what could I take? I get mixed results online. Thank you in advanced.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This rash can be due to atopic dermatitis, erythrasma skin, intertrigo skin or lichen planus. An intertrigo is an inflammation (rash) of the body folds.It most commonly occurs due to bacterial, viral or fungal infection. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.
I suggest you to get an evaluation done from a dermatologist as treatment is specific for each one.
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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.