skin

I ahve worked in a hospital twice and both times i ahve come home with a rash on my legs if i wear a shirt, but to day i have it on both legs wosre than the first time. it is patchy but in the same area on both legs. i wore a gound and full covers today becaue i was working in surgery . i went to a doctor last time he put me on anitbiotics but i did not complete the course becaue it went a away. why has it returned when i have come home from working in hospital. i am on agency work and have had it both times i worked at hospital. i have dermintigis on my hands is it to do with that and the detergents for cleaning or what?the area was covererd all day.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the suddenness of appearance of the rash, it looks more like due to an allergic reaction. 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 symptoms 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).But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.