Round rash on inner elbows-rash on neck and eyelids-rash on arms.

About six months ago I got a very itchy and red rash on my neck and eyelids. My neck and eyes became completely inflamed and itched very badly. Anti-itch creams only helped a little. My doctor prescribed Clariten in the morning and Benadryl at night as well as a 5 day regimen of a steroid. The rash cleared up until I was done taking the steroid and then it came right back. But this time I had a quarter size round rash on my left inner elbow. The Clariten and Benadryl only helped a little with the itching but they never made the rash go away. My doctor then prescribed me Pregnasone (excuse my spelling) for five days. Again, the rash went away but as soon as the prescription was gone, it came right back. Now the rash on my neck and eyes was not as bad. They didn't turn red and only itched occasionally. But now the rash on my inner elbow itched very badly and my arms would itch as well causing bumps everywhere. And a small red round rash was forming on my right inner elbow. Then about a month ago I woke up in severe pain. My skin hurt all over. Anything that touched my skin caused me extreme pain. I noticed though that my rash began to go away and the itching stopped .The pain continued for two days. Clothes hurt, towels hurt, the bed sheets hurt. When my dog jumped up on my stomach when I sat on the couch which he normally does, it hurt so bad that I saw stars. It wasn't just the skin that time. I took a couple pain pills and it subsided. Then suddenly it went away as quickly as it came. And the rash came back. Now today, my neck and eyes are peeling (which they did in the past as well) and they itch but are not as red as they first were. I have a large red round rash on my left inner elbow and a medium sized round rash on my right inner elbow. Both of my arms itch very badly as well as the rashes on my inner elbows. I also have a rash in between my breasts that is also extremely itchy and inflamed. They are very dry and peel quite often. I try to keep lotion or vaseline on them but it only helps a little. I would like to know what this is so I can get rid of it and stop my suffering. Thanks.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be pityriasis rosea. 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. 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.
I would suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get this possibility evaluated as without examination confirmation  of a diagnosis is tough. Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Warm regards.