Worried

[VRM28]

I just got back from an island to the states three months ago. Maybe two weeks after I got back, I noticed a ringworm like lesion on my arm. I then started getting spots all over my body but none on the lower half (legs). They were not itchy and turned scaly after some time so I went to the dermatologist. With no biopsy, he said I had pittyriasis rosea. I then used some corticosteroid cream and applied it to the areas and those specific areas went away. Now, I still have some in different areas, mostly on my back and chest. I took a blood test and everything came back normal. Along with this..I went spray tanning two days ago, with no clothes on, and the day after I noticed burning upon urination. I have small red bums on one side of the inside of my butt cheek. Along with this possible pittyriasis rosea (which I don't understand how he diagnosed it when its lasting more than 12 weeks) what is causing this skin irritation on the inside of my butt cheek? I examined the area and its looks just like a rash or something with no raised lesions but it is bothering me! Do you think its possible to have had an allergic reaction to the spray tanning in that area?
I know its hard with all of this information, I just wanted another professional opinion.

Thanks.
VRM

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

If what looks lime pityriasis rosea lasts this long and starts appearing elsewhere, it may be a form of eczema called nummular eczema.  This is common, not allergic, and easy to treat.  You need to see a skin doctor to confirm this and treat it. It's also possible that what remains on your skin is something else, like residual pigment from pityriasis that hasn't had a chance to fade completely yet. As to the bumps on your butt cheeks, they should like clogged pores that have nothing to do with anything.

I don't think you have anything serious to worry about.  But it's not a reaction to spray tanning.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[jarmstrong]

A related discussion, Pityriasis Rosea was started.