right arm rash

My son has been getting a rash on the inside of his lower right arm.  He has had this rash once before about a few months ago.  He applied cortisone cream every day for a few days, and it went away, now it is back again.  I have not changed soaps or detergents; we do have chickens, and he is in contact with them, but he has only had this rash a couple of times since we've had these chickens about 6 months.  Can you tell me your opinion on this.  

                                                 Thank You
                                                Stephanie

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or urticaria. The exact cause can only be determined after a consultation with a pediatrician or skin specialist.

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. Avoid sun exposure and apply a good sun screen whenever you take him out.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. Maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

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

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for his symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how he is doing.

Regards.