Unexplainable and seemingly incurable rash!!!

[brendanla]

About 2 1/2 months ago (before going on vacation) i noticed that my buttocks started becoming extremely itchy - especially at night and i would wake up scratching.  This has continued and only has gotten worse in the past 2 months.  I have tried everything - switching detergents, etc.  The rash appears to look like small pimples and comes and goes.  I went to my dermatologist who started treating it for exczema (eczema), then got blood work done with my internist to rule out any possible serious health issues (everything came back fine with the exception of high cholestoral) - he referred me to an allergist and, of course, im not allergic to anything! The rash is EXTREMELY itchy to the point that i wake up in the morning scratching and have bruises from it!!! My dermatologist has been treating me with Elidel, Zyrtec and even Prednisone - all NOT helping!!! - i am literally going crazy.  Do you think at this point this is probably psychosematic? I am waiting on a biopsy to come back, but my derm says he doesnt really see much going on with the exception of these non-puss-filled red bumps.  When i scratch it does leave lesions from where i scratched it which then fade and just leave one or two bumps but the anti-histimine's are not working.  What could this be?  The rash is definately the worst on my inner thighs, butt and under arms.  Thoughts? help!!

I have an appointment now for accupuncture as NOTHING is helping - this is a huge mystery!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It certainly doesn't sound like an STD or an internal disease.  It sounds instead like folliculitis (blocked pores), plus perhaps a bit of psychosomatic overly, resulting in itching, scratching, more anxiety, etc.  I can't think of any rashes I've seen that affect the buttocks that itch the way you describe.  I bet the biopsy will be negative or nonspecific.  I'd use an anti-itch lotion containing camphor, menthol, or pramoxine (all over-the-counter--ask your pharmacist.)  Apply it liberally and often, never, ever scratch, and watch the condition melt away.  Of course, I can't be sure about that, but I'd be really surprised if it turns out to be anything else.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[brendanla]

my biopsy came back as Psoriasiform Spongiotic Dermatitis which doesnt really help anything.  The elidel should have cleared that up!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

As I expected, this is a nonspecific finding.  It does rule out anything serious, allergic, or infectious, so that should give you some reassurance.  I repeat my suggested approach.

Dr. Rockoff

[NAMD]

i have just asked this forum about my itchy lesions.
I am dodge grl. The feed back from this forum is worthless.
They say I have hives. I say i don't. 4 doctors say I don't.
No anti-itch creme works for me.  If you want to try a creme. the best one i've used is called Sarna.  I feel bad for you.
I have had every test under the sun as well.
One thing that comes to mind is did you change detergents or change soaps , or are you using anything different?
My allergest did the skin testing for allergies with the scratch test, and it came up negative. The following week he did the allergy tests over with the needle test. Only then did he find allergies. The difference between the two tests is if your severly allergic the scratch test will show allergies. If your alergic (allergic) in any way the needle test is more reliable. This is quoted from my allergist, and he was right I have mold, dust and cat allergies that weren't found with the scratch test.
My problem is still itching just like you,but they don't think my itching is from allergies.

[brendanla]

Sarna is probably the one gel i havent tried - none of the perscriptions creams are helping.  Its so crazy.  Just when i start  to think im getting better the next day i am worse! im seeing another allergist next week.  Now im thinking maybe im allergic to dairy or something? im going to do a food log this week and mark which days are good and bad.

[NAMD]

Please make sure your Allergist performs the needle allergy test. like I said my first set of tests were negative on the scratch test. You can also get a RAST blood test,milk and Gluten test ordered by your Allergest. I'm still waiting on my results. If you have any stomache aches with your rash you could
have a Gluten or milk allergy.

[brendanla]

This wound up being SCABIES i just found out today! ew

[khoweth]

One of my friends is having the same problem and has been going through this for a year.  She's been to dematologists, GPs, and holistic healthcare professionals and can't seem to get anywhere.  Her rash inflames every night, sometimes much worse than others.  It starts on her buttocks and spreads to her back, stomach & arms etc.  She says it is extremely itchy sometimes bringing her to tears. She has even been given the Sarna lotion but it only offers temporary minor relief.  She has resorted to ice cold showers every night to slightly ease the inflamation (inflammation), but doesn't get much rest.   Does this sound the same to you.  I feel so bad for her and would really like to help her cure the problem.

Thanks,
Kelly

[brendanla]

Hi - as i said before i found out that this was scabies.  Treatment is extremely easy and i feel so much better.  Let her know and keep me posted.

[khoweth]

I purchased a lotion for the treatment of scabies through an online pharmacy for my friend.  She used it the night it came in and even though it stated it would take up to a month for relief, she was able to sleep 6 hours that night. It has only been a little over a week, but she seems to be having less and less trouble with it.  I guess we will know in several more weeks if we were right in her diagnosis!

Thanks for the help

[brendanla]

i think a lot of people on this site have scabies that has been untreated.  Scabies is extremely common and hard to diagnose.  Let me know how your friend is!

[Islandgirl64]

A related discussion, Itching powder was started.