Whats is this Rash?

[kitkat2189]

Hello Dr,

Approximately 2 months ago i found a circular,dry,red patch of skin on my left buttock,further down my thigh there was the same dry,red patch of skin but this time in an un-even shape. Both patches of skin do become itchy if not heavily moisturised. Then a month ago i noticed a rash appearing on my chest,my shoulders,my stomach,the tops of my thighs and my lower back along with another patch of dry,red skin on my left hip. All the rash covered areas do become itchy if not moisturised but this does not seem to be the case of dry skin as the redness still persists.
I have changed my clothes detergent and soaps etc but nothing seems to work. I have recently discovered i have eczma on my scalp and have been using ''betnovate'' scalp solution as prescribed by my doctor which does the trick.
I wondered whether any of this is connected and exactly what this rash is. I shower/moisturise everyday and have a reasonable diet/excersie regime. I have not yet been to see my doctor as lately i seem to be there quite often and do not want to cause a stir if this rash is something as simple as an allergy or heat rash. I would be most grateful if you could shed some light as to what this may be.

Regards
Kitty

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From the symptoms that you have described,it looks like nummular or discoid eczema. It is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.Other possibilities like ringworm,psoriasis and pityriasis rosea have to be ruled out.

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

[margypops]

Sorry not a Doc just some soul wanderiung through trying to help....at a guess you are allergic to something so check out anything new you have used, or eaten, have you used a new shower gel, os something that is used on the parts that get red, It could be that this simply has to take its cause I am allergic bit it gets better as time wears on and I never have found the allergen.Good Luck