Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
rash that looks like scratches
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.

rash that looks like scratches

by charlieb., Oct 18, 2001 12:00AM
I have a rash that looks like long thin red scratches (1-3 inches) on the
back of my hand, the inside of my forearm near my hand that has now
spread to both sides of my trunk, belt line, etc. I looks like it could be scratches from a cat or something.  It is not especially itchy
but it is bothering me a little especially as new areas break out. Any idea what this could be? It started on my forearm a couple of days ago and seems to be spreading a little each day.... should I see a doctor?

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 18, 2001 12:00AM
Yes, I think you should.  I am having trouble fitting the image of what you describe with anything I've ever seen, unless of course these ARE scratches.  The only conditions I am familar with which produce long lines are 1)jellyfish stings and 2) dermographism, or hives from histamine release when the skin is rubbed with a sharp object, whether a fingernail or something else.

I would therefore consult a doctor as soon as you can arrange it.  Perhpas he or she will see something I can't picture, or perform a relevant test to see what's going on.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (1)

by shannons06, Apr 01, 2008 03:40PM
A related discussion, rash looks like a scratch was started.

by ellax, May 06, 2008 08:05PM
A related discussion, rash that looks like scratch was started.

by irene234, Sep 02, 2008 06:02AM
A related discussion, rashes was started.
Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
Cataract, Removal, Artificial Lens,...
11 hrs ago by Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.
7 Ways to Reduce Stress During the ...
Dec 07 by Steven Y Park, MD
What You Can Learn From Tiger Woods...
Dec 04 by Steven Y Park, MD