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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
What might this be?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
What might this be?
by steggie, Jan 10, 2007 12:00AM
I am 67 years old in good health. About a year ago I started to itch on my torso, upon close examination I noted a pinhead size red spot which over time also broke out on the side of my right knee and the small of my back. The spots eventually grew to about an inch in diameter, the redness dissipated but the spots dispersed mostly in my torso area (around the beltline)They are not really scaly nor are there any blisters, just a little pale red in the center. I tried everything such as Clotrimazole/Betamethasone Cream (Dr.prescribed). Tea tree oil (topical), 10% Providone Iodine, and Colloidal Silver 30ppm (internal & topical). Some helped the intense itch but none made the spots disappear, or stop itching. Sometimes a day goes by where I hardly notice the itch and other times, especially after a shower, the itch becomes intense. Sometimes a certain spot will not itch for weeks where others continue itching and the spot that did not itch for weeks suddenly starts itching again. I am constantly under stress and am wondering if that is causing this, if so, what is the treatment? I did have my cortisol, etc. checked a couple of years ago and all was fine in that regard.
I have tried using different bar soaps (hypo allergenic) laundry detergent and watched what I ate, all of this has not helped. I do not take prescription drugs, so that can be ruled out.
Does anyone have any idea what I'm fighting here??
Thank you.
I have tried using different bar soaps (hypo allergenic) laundry detergent and watched what I ate, all of this has not helped. I do not take prescription drugs, so that can be ruled out.
Does anyone have any idea what I'm fighting here??
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jan 12, 2007 12:00AM
, Jan 12, 2007 12:00AM
Not really. I suspect that all you have is blocked hair follicles that you perpetuate by scratching. It certainly doesn't sound like any serious disease, or like any disease at all. I advise you to see a dermatologist, but to absolutely leave all spots alone until you do. Meantime apply bacitracin ointment (OTC) daily to keep the spots quiet.
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by thane, Feb 22, 2007 12:00AM
Get a skin biopsy to confirm or rule out Grover's Disease, usually seen in males over 50, of unknown origin but thought to be a malfunction of sweat glands in older age; no cure but can be managed with RX Clobex cream. Check Grover's on Internet and compare photos with your condition. It comes and goes, thus the name "transient" dermatitis. Let me know if this helps and we can compare treatment options.
