Rash, Pimples, etc.

About 3 weeks ago I got some sort of contact dermatitis (or so the doctor says). He was convinced I was in poison ivy, I was positive it was a bite since I wasn't near poison ivy, and it started as three small dots that I found when I woke up. Long story short, it exploded into a disgusting, pussing mess, and spread violently, so after steroid creams did nothing, I was put on prednisone, 50mg x 5 days. Cleared it up, but looks like it's going to scar (the "blisters" would turn hard, and pop when they rubbed on my jeans).

As soon as I stopped the prednisone, I noticed a rash forming on my side. 3 days later, it was a full blown rash on my torso, my back was like hives, large splotches of red, rasied, my front was little red bumps everywhere. Intensely itchy. Benadryl did nothing, I needed 2x dose of reactine to feel any relief. I spent the next 5 days in cold baths or under cold compresses. Topical steroid cream 2x a day

Eventually the itching stopped. Now, 2 weeks after the itching has stopped. BUT, the rash hasn't faded much. It faded a bit to slightly darker than my skin, and seems stuck there. It's like I'm molted all over, I'm embarrassed to have my shirt off. Not only that, but for the first time in my life, my back has broken out with pimples. Tiny little ones, and they seem to go in clumps. I haven't popped them or anything, but they're not going away. Is this normal to 1, have the rash still visible as pigment change, and if so, how long until it disappears, and 2, have the pimples? The pimples are unlike normal facial ones where they're raised, and larger. They're tiny little ones in groups with a small white head (or so it looks like).

Any advice? Thanks

[jagesh50]

Yes,pigmentation will disappear after some time.Monomorphic acne you describe is typically steroid induced.

[1234Mike5678]

Whew. Even just hearing someone say it is nice. Is there any way to speed up the disappearance of pigmentation? Currently I'm just trying to put some vitamin E on, not sure if that does anything.

How about the acne? Standard OTC b peroxide or saylacylic acid creams?

[jagesh50]

This will not respond to standrd acne treatment.Calamine lotion externally and vitA for a short course of 10days, AquasolA 1 at bedtime.Do consult your doc.