Small Red Dots and Leg Swelling

Hope this is the right area to post this to as I've been to five doctors who haven't a clue.  For over a year I break out in a "rash" that does not hurt.  Really it's three phases.  The first is small red dots, the next break out is larger red blotches and then the third some of the blotches will turn into blisters or deep sores.  My legs swell during all three phrases.  I have had blood tests and biopsies with no results.  I use a topical steroid cream and sulfur antibiotics to clear it up when it gets to phase three.  I've tracked it and it is not food, soap, or any other reaction.  It does not follow any pattern.  It is not caused by stress or current meds, to the best of our knowledge, as I have stopped meds and not been stressed and still broke out.  Again, it does not hurt until the lesions form after phase three and is not raised.  The first few times I had it I did not swell however I am noticing that as it progresses my swelling increases.  Oh, and it is only from my knee's down.  It does not progress, ever, above my knees.  Also, it will usually be to one side or the other and one leg will always be worse, but it will always be all over my ankles and both sides of my feet.  It does occasionally spead to the top of my feet and for the first time spread this last time to the bottoms of my feet.  Any ideas would be great.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

How old are you?

The said rash is only localized in a particular area. I would assume that your physician would have considered contact dermatitis in your case. This does not sound like an infectious process. However, an overlying infection may be present which causes the sores and the ulcers (deep sores).

What did your biopsies show?

This sounds like a dermatitic condition. Dermatitis is a  chronic inflammatory condition that may persist and recur. I suggest that you seek consult with a rheumatologist just to rule out any autoimmune condition.

Have you been assessed along this line?

[Reilly3]

If you're wondering, I also broke out in this rash, at the beach, we just came home. It has worsened over the days and the dotty rash sort of itches. It's on my face, stomach, back, legs, and arms. It hurts to itch. The "dots" are red and are big and sort of are in groups on my stomach. I also know this isn't chicken pocks because I got the vaccine before.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

This sounds like a dermatitic skin condition. There is also a possibility that this may have a photosensitivity component. You have mentioned the rash to occur in most parts of the body.

Does direct heat aggravate the condition?

Dermatitis or eczematous skin conditions are chronic and inflammatory in nature. There is a whole spectrum of these diseases. The skin may react to unknown triggers. Even stress, smoke and change in weather may cause dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis and contact allergic dermatitis may be considered here. There is really no known single medical treatment for dermatitis. You may have your biopsy results reviewed to help shed light on the diagnosis.

[wmac]

Sounds like Schamberg's disease.. Im no doctor by any means but I also get the red dots I get break outs off and on for years finally I went to a dermatologist and he did a biopsy.. Also know as leaky vessels.. I only get the red dots no itching or sores which some people get. Also most doctors have never even heard of it only Dermatologist. Its weird. look it up on the net.