Red Blotches Everywhere! Maybe Psoriasis or Pityriasis Rosea?

Hello. Over the last several weeks, these small red spots/blotches have appeared all over me, but I don't know what they are or how to get rid of them! I'll try to give as much detail as possible:

BACKGROUND:
I'm a 23 year old white male. I live in a northern climate with very cold winters and warm mild summers. About 2 or 3 years ago, I noticed a few of these spots on my left arm and on the left half of my chest (see Picture 1). At first I thought they were scars from grease burns, as I used to work behind a deep fryer. They never really went away, but they were never too outrageous so I didn't worry that much. However, in the last couple of months, there have been a lot more of them appearing on other parts of my body, and it's gotten a lot crazier looking!

APPEARANCE:
Mostly pinkish to red spots and blotches scattered around my chest, belly, genitals, arms, underarms, and shoulders. They're not really raised above the skin, and they don't itch or peel. On my forearms and neck, it actually seems like the spots are lighter than the tone of my skin, instead of darker. Last year, the spots that were on my left arm became brighter around spring/summer time. However, now they're all over! And they seem to get more red and noticeable after a shower or after being in the sun for a while. Also, the skin around my genitals has always seemed redder for as long as I can remember, but I figured it was from friction and sweat.... Now, however, I've noticed that it looks nearly the same as the blotches on my skin.

GENETICS:
My dad has psoriasis. However, he has the scaly flaky kind, and it doesn't seem to be nearly as severe as my condition. Otherwise, the only other genetic thing it might be is allergies. I remember 2 years ago my skin would randomly itch really badly everywhere, but it would go away after I took an antihistamine (there weren't any spots then, though).

OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES:
- It seems like it becomes more noticeable in the springtime (around now) when there's more sunshine. However, it has never been as bad as it is this year.
- My stomach has been quite sensitive to food lately. Maybe there's a correlation?
- I don't smoke tobacco, but I do drink rather often.

IMAGES:

1.) My arm. It has looked this way for a couple of years now.
http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/ed1c9aa862c779d95bedcf00f37e09c88f628e22d8f8bb68d7aa13709bf7a2e76g.jpg

2.) My chest. Spots everywhere now!! Notice how my neck seems to have the reverse effect going on.
http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/bc926a71badb1e47c76757c8111b4c6ecca23162927c8d574a5f76b8c9376a906g.jpg

3.) My shoulder. My skin has looked normal here until recently.
http://img13.mediafire.com/c342e1d3573a01b3c5ada93757de74aec639e22ca45ac5844650bd571bd31d7c6g.jpg

4.) My torso. Another angle.
http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/874f797ee2f4f326c08423549fb22c6a66f4276479749828dbda5314624f214b6g.jpg

5.) My lower abdomen/genital area. GRAPHIC Content!
http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/ab8ac748bd6bc1895b94862be23d89a146afe01248110bb8c8b6fc3811b8c7616g.jpg


FINAL NOTES:
I know this is the kind of thing that I should get checked out immediately, as I don't want it to get worse. However, I have absolutely no health coverage right now, and there's no way that I could afford to see a dermatologist. That's why I'm here. Does anybody know what could be causing this? Is it psoriasis? Some kind of virus? Maybe an allergic reaction? Would it be worth trying antibiotics, or an antihistamine? Or does this seem like something much different? To me, it seems like something I will need to battle with some kind of internal medication (i.e. I don't think that topical moisturizing lotions would do anything). If someone can identify what this is, and how it's usually treated, that would be amazing. Thanks!!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like pityriasis rosea rather than psoriasis which presents as thick white and red scales. Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and itching.
Initially, a primary plaque, called a herald patch, is seen. Then it is followed by a distinctive, generalized rash 1-2 weeks later. The rash lasts approximately 2-6 weeks and is found in a Christmas tree pattern over the trunk and abdomen.
Topical and oral steroids are needed. Water, sweat, and soap may cause irritation and should be avoided in the disease. Topical zinc oxide and calamine lotion are useful for pruritus.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.