Rash

[Michelle Ramirez]

I've had a flat red "dot like" rash that comes and goes.  It is on different parts of my body or the whole body and changes areas throughout the day!  Sometimes it's light in color and other times they're very red.  Though they made fade at times, it NEVER goes totally away.  I've been tested by an allergist, a family doctor, and seen by a dermatologist that refered me to the allergist.  No one has any idea what this is.  It itches badly when very red, but doesn't if it's at a stage where it is light.  Very confusing! The allergist found nothing, the family doctor did a blood work-up and found nothing, and the dermatologist said it's an allergy and also said that if he didn't know better he'd say I had measles.  That's what I look like at times.  This has been going on since December 10, 1999.  That's a long time.  I'm not sick in any sense and at no time during this period was I sick or even not feeling well.  I've only had this irritating rash. Oh, and it's not contageous either.   HELP PLEASE.

[chris]

Greetings fellow red spot rash itchers! I have the same exact symptons. It doesnt itch when I'm active nor for the matter during the day. It only itches when I just took a shower and when I just woke up. I use anti-itch cream and it seems to do fine but when they itch, they really itch like crazy and start spreading around. I thought they were allergic reactions due to dust or other allergen factors. They started appearing one day when I just woke up.  have you guys tried anything that seem to be successful or changed the conditions from bad to good? Pls help.

[from erin to patricia]

i have the same rash!! i woke up with it on thursday am with these red polka-dots all over my chest.  by mid-day they had crept over my shoulders and onto my back.  the next time i looked, i had them on my stomach, arms, and thighs.  i went to the doctor on friday and she told me it was a condition called pityriasis rosea (not rosacea). some of the dota are flat and some are raised.  the raised ones are the ones that itch like crazy.  the rash will come and go throughout the day but usually looks worse when my skin is warm (after showering or sitting outside, etc).  i'll tell you what she told me...  it's caused by a virus but they're not sure which one.  it's common in children and young adults, but more in girls than guys.  it will clear up by itself in usually 6-8 weeks but can last longer in some cases.  the best way to clear it up is to use a mild astringent or sit in the sun for a little while (just don't get too hot!!) it's comforting to know when you're not the only one walking around with a strange illness...  post here if you here anything else about it.
erin ;)

[gloria chico]

I reaad this site and found that I am not the only one with this rash thing going around ,I know now that maybe it will go away and the body has a mind of its own.

[Michelle Ramirez]

Thank you for answering my question so quickly and putting my mind to rest.  I will certainly take your advice.  I'd like to ask if you would please change the fact that my FULL name is listed with my question.  I'd rather you use initials or just my first name.  THANK YOU. This is an excellent site!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Michelle:

I apologize, but I don't know.  I will say this, however: because the skin is right out there where you can see all of it, there are lots of skin changes, ranging from small to widespread and dramatic, which people show me but I can't put a name to.  What I can do is eliminate things I have to take action about, like infection, cancer, systemic disease, allergy, and so on.  I can certainly do that for you as well.

My advice is to treat the symptoms by applying a moisture lotion daily and an itch cream like Sarna or Benadryl (OTC)to affetced areas as needed.  I bet the rash goes away by itself over the next few months (yes, even after all this time.)

When it does go away, drop me a line if you would.  You'll be fine.

Of course, if it worsens, show your dermatologist again, as the new appearance may provide a clue.

Best.

Dr. R