bumpy rash

I have a bumpy rash on the inside of my left leg near my knee.  It was not itchy at all at first, but has now grown slightly and is itchy and more raised.  I had food poisoning about the same time that it appeared, could they be linked?  It seems to have gotten slightly bigger when it was in the non-itchy stage, but now that it's driving me crazy the size seems to have stayed the same.. I'm inclined to just let it run it's course unless you think it could be contagious?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

Is the rash a patch of red skin or are you referring to a single red bump?

This may be a fungal infection or a dermatitis. Fungal infections may present with a reddish border and light scaly centers. Dermatitis has a less defined border and may present with itchiness, and excoriations. You have noted this at about the same time as your food poisoning episode. These may not be related. If there is notable discharge, then maybe you can have the discharge cultured. I suggest that you have this assessed by a dermatologist. You may need topical medications for the rash.

Do you have any known allergies?

[andi11]

It's actually a patch and it's not particularly red at all.. It appears to be blistering maybe a bit (about the same color as the surrounding skin, but raised a lot)..  Hydrocortisone does make the itch feel a little better..  No known allergies..  What other types of fungal infections are there besides ringworm, which it doesn't look like..

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

This may be a case of dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis may present with a weeping  and itchy rash. Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition and may persist and recur given the right triggers. There is no definite medical therapy for this. Corticosteroids and moisturizers may be used.

Have you been using any new lotions or creams lately?

Just observe this rash. Note for any change in size or appearance. You may continue applying the corticosteroid. See if the rash improves after about two weeks of use. Apply only the medications as necessary. Corticosteroids have their side effects when used for a long time.