What the heck is this?

[frannyindk]

I am a Canadian living in Denmark and my doctor said " I don't know what it is, let's wait another 2 weeks and see what happens"!  I have had this from the 25 th of april, started on my shoulders and upper back and spread gradually over my whole body now all the way to my toes.  It starts as a red bump and then turns scaly.
I had a sorethroat for a week before (maybe has something to do with it) AND I was at a hotel steam bath a few days before it broke out (maybe I caught something?).  Itches all over me now.  Ignore the hairy legs in the pic but I don't dare shave!

[jagesh50]

yes indeed

[frannyindk]

hmm, it DOES look like this, and I do have mild plaque psoriasis on my elbows and my mom has chronic- moderately severe ones.

I would however prefer the folliculitis diagnosis!

At least I can worry less about it being pityriasis lichenoides.

[jagesh50]

Sure does look like a bacterial folliculitis,if so would respond to a course of antibiotics.Guttate psoriasis could be another possibility for i would have expected the folliculitis to be more localised.But then if so, still would respond to antibiotic,and this condition starts with a sorethroat and is generally self limiting.

[frannyindk]

I have had the rash for 19 days now and new spots continue to appear - does this rash spread?

Thanks for your help

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but the symptoms and picture are suggestive of hot tub folliculitis. It is an infection of the hair follicle with Pseudomonas bacteria and is most commonly seen in people who bathe in a contaminated spa, swimming pool, or hot tub.

The rash usually clears in 2-10 daysand heals without scarring, but it may cause desquamation or leave hyperpigmented macules.Diagnosis is confirmed by bacterial culture of the pustules. I would suggest that you apply calamine lotion and a simple antimicrobial cream like Bactroban or Neosporin on the rash and keep the area clean.If the symptoms persist then topical steroids and oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.