Schamberg's on Legs Red Dots on Arms Bullseye on Palm

(I have no idea if these three incidents of rash are related or not.)

My boyfriend was diagnosed with Schamberg's disease last year.  He is very embarassed by the large pepper-flake like spots that stretch from his sock-line to his knees. The doctor said the cause was unknown and there was no treatment available.  I have read that in some cases Schambergs can show up around the same time as a tooth infection. (He did experience a dental infection at that time.)

1. Is there really no more information about this disease and how to lessen the appearance of the darkening brown spots of Schambergs?

Around the time that Schamberg's showed up, he also has been noticing hundreds if not thousands of tiny red pin-***** sized dots on his arms and chest.  The bright red dots yield no fluid if squeezed, they are not raised.  It's almost as if someone has dotted his arms and chest with a thin red Sharpie marker. It has persisted for a year and does not itch -- the dots are increasing in number, however.

2. Is this related to Schambergs, and what this could be?

A few weeks ago an interesting looking rash showed up on the palm of his left hand.  (He is left handed.) The rash is not palpable or raised. It is not scaly or itchy.  It seems to be a discoloration of the skin that looks like a half-oval bull's eye that ends at the crease in his palm. It's about the size of a nickel.  There is only the one mark which has not faded with time, and no other marks have appeared.

It does not resemble the pictures I've seen of the lyme rash or ringworm.  I have read alot about syphillis (syphilis) (sp) causing a palm rash, but this rash is a single discoloration that seems almost to be airbrushed on the palm, and does not resemble pictures I've seen of syph related rashes.

3.  What could this be?


Thank you for your time and attention.  Since we do not have medical insurance, your answer will help us decide whether we need to save up for a visit to a doctor.

If I am not allowed to ask 3 questions, please feel free to delete #3 and I will re-submit the last as a new question (with a new payment).

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Schamberg's Disease is something we know almost nothing about, so there really is no more information available.  We do know, however, that it isn't associated with internal problems.  It sometimes goes away on its own, but there's no useful treatment.

I don't know what the little red sots your boyfriend has are, and I also don't know what the palm rash is or means, but I can't think of a connection between either of these and Schamberg's.

Schamberg's Disease is the kind of diagnosis few doctors other than dermatologists have ever heard from, so I assume he saw one who made the diagnosis.  I recommend calling that doctor to ask about the other issues and help decide whether another visit would be useful.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff