skin

[Lyd777]

My Mother has had a skin issue going on for almost 2 years.  She started with a rash on her hands and face, was given a high dose of erythromycin and became much worse after being out in the sun.  She was taken off the antibiotics after going to Urgent Care and since then has visited her pcp, dermatologists, dermatopathologists (2) who took biopsies, rheumatologists, an endocrinologist and no one appears to know what is going on with her.  She tests positive for Lupus on first blood test, then after a workup from rheumatologist it comes out negative.  She has been given prednisone and cortisone shots but they don't last long.  She suffers much and must take benadryl due to the itching.  It has affected her quality of life as she can hardly leave the house.  Diagnoses have been eczema, dermatitis, but no one doctor seems to know how to treat her.  She was given doxycycline and landed up in the hospital for 5 days because it caused her severe constipation and the inability to urinate.  No one seems able to help her...any suggestions.  Any topical ointments prescribed just burn her...hoping you have suggestions for us.

[Lyd777]

She cannot tolerate any kind of creams that have been prescribed, even the .05%.  Her rash is on her face and neck.  Her hygiene is maintained with mainly water and glycerin, nothing harsh at all.  She cannot be in the sun, wind, etc.  Is there a particular reason that she should see a gynecologist??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You have not mentioned the symptoms that your mother is having. Please leborate on the symptom s and the rash. Eczema is a form of atopic dermatitis. You may try calamine lotion on the rash. She should also maintain hygiene and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid deodorant / cosmetics. You can also use a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste or petroleum jelly applied directly to wet skin after bathing.

If the rash persists then it will be best to get it evaluated from a gynecologist. 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.