Skin Condition/Rash....Neck, Ribs, Back, Elbows, Wrist......Help!!!!

Curious about your thoughts...

I am a 30 year old white male and have had a condition on my neck (sides, front-collar area, and back), down both sides of my ribs and sides of abs, underarms, shoulder, inner elbows, back, left inner wrist, near my waistband, and outer hips for about three weeks.  No real activity on my legs. It doesn't itch and consists of slightly raised or flat round or compressed oval like red spots (.05-3mm) that become "redder" when exposed to water.  Most spots are wider than they are tall and they tend to be "clustered" in the areas I described above with more diffusion on my back and my sides (ribs to waist).   Some of he spots appear to become flatter, more oval-like, and less red over time, but most of them haven't disappeared, although a few appear to be fading and have left a bit of discolored skin.  I noticed the first spot on my sides and on the right side of my  neck and it has spread from there.  A few of these have developed minor crusting and have a bit of white scale (minor) after a few days. New outbreak seems to slowing over past 1.5 weeks, but many spots still exist. I haven't changed diet, clothing, or execise habits over the past few months and feel find other than a  minor cold infections back in December.   I am very clean and haven't had any recent unprotected sex except for receiving oral sex from a female in early November.    Please help!!! I am nervous!!!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you have eczema, a rash that can produce round-to-oval spots along the lines of what you describe.  Eczema can occur year-round but is more common in cold weather.  Despite its reputation, eczema is generally not allergic, related to poor hygiene or to soaps and detergents, and so forth.  Spots get redder in water because water helps skin transmit light better, so you can see the blood vessels.

Treatment is easy enough, but you will need to see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis first.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[SelectiveMind]

I would also suggest doing a search on a condition called Pityriasis Rosea

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Possible.  If so, it will go away itself in a couple of weeks.

Dr. Rockoff

[doubtful]

Maybe you should also research Lichen Planus.   My partner has just been diagnosed with this; symptoms, an all-body itchy rash (lately including genitals), supposedly non-infectious, an auto-immune response of T-cells to one's own skin(!).  So far (still researching) seems to be no 'cure' as such, just topical skin moisturising treatments to prevent it getting worse.  Recent appearance of painful mouth ulcers apparently all part & parcel of the same thing, although these can be treated more effectively.   Gen opinions (off internet) seem to suggest duration of up to 2 years, after which it MIGHT just go away as mysteriously as it appeared.   Good Luck!  I hope your problem is something easier!

[schmoo4869]

Just wanted to say that you are not alone!!   I too have the rash you describe.  I am a 34 year old female and like you, have not changed my lifestyle and am a very clean person.  A monogamous relationship for 4 years as well.  So a sexual thing is definately out.  It started out across my upper back (shoulder blade to shoulder blade)  then it spread to my chest and upper arms.  It slowly made its way to my wrists, sides and only one patch at the lower back(just above the butt).  It also spread up my neck.  It itches unbelievabley.  The doctor put me on Zyrtec to no avail.  Then he put me on a topical cream called Desoximetasone 0.25%.  It helped.  It didn't go all away but did help.  It is now coming back again.  It never went to my legs before but I now have 1 circle on my left thigh and 1 circle on my right upper arm, bothe are scaley and red.  All the rest are just little baby bumps that have no discoloration.  I will have to see a dermatologist but it also takes months to get into one.  I don't know where you live but here it is -19 degrees this morning.  Maybe the weather has something to do with it but I can't figure out why it affects the upper part of the body as opposed to the lower half.  Sorry I can't be of much help other than to say I am in the same boat with you.  Hope you find some releif.

[schmoo4869]

Just wanted to say that you are not alone!!   I too have the rash you describe.  I am a 34 year old female and like you, have not changed my lifestyle and am a very clean person.  A monogamous relationship for 4 years as well.  So a sexual thing is definately out.  It started out across my upper back (shoulder blade to shoulder blade)  then it spread to my chest and upper arms.  It slowly made its way to my wrists, sides and only one patch at the lower back(just above the butt).  It also spread up my neck.  It itches unbelievabley.  The doctor put me on Zyrtec to no avail.  Then he put me on a topical cream called Desoximetasone 0.25%.  It helped.  It didn't go all away but did help.  It is now coming back again.  It never went to my legs before but I now have 1 circle on my left thigh and 1 circle on my right upper arm, bothe are scaley and red.  All the rest are just little baby bumps that have no discoloration.  I will have to see a dermatologist but it also takes months to get into one.  I don't know where you live but here it is -19 degrees this morning.  Maybe the weather has something to do with it but I can't figure out why it affects the upper part of the body as opposed to the lower half.  Sorry I can't be of much help other than to say I am in the same boat with you.  Hope you find some releif.