Recurring skin rash

For the past several years, a skin rash appears randomly on the my calf. It looks like ringworm but prescribed ringworm medication has not helped. It lasts 4-6 months and then eventually goes away on its own. It starts out as small raised bumps that itch and eventually grow into a large red, raised patch. What is this and how can I treat it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is not clear whether these itchy round patches are due to ring worm, nummular dermatitis or granuloma annulare. From the description (red, itchy), it seems like nummular dermatitis but exact confirmation has to be done first. Steroids prescribed in nummular dermatitis can worsen the symptoms if it is ringworm.

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.