I think they usually have to biopsy to make a Lichen Planus diagnosis, cause a lot of stuff looks similar. FWIW, my neck rash was probably the most minor of my skin problems although quite noticeable since it was not covered by clothing. Nothing ever did make it go away so stopped trying, but it was not a very 'itchy' rash like the one I had on my face and elsewhere. Then, about two month after stopping the drugs, my neck rash pretty much vanished. Looking back, I think it was probably an allergic reaction the peg or riba. Other possible diagnosis were seb derm, rosacea or something called "Poikiloderma of Civatte" or a layering of all or some of the aforementioned. Late in tx, the rash spread to my chest, and I got the same confused diagnosis of various layered conditions from a couple of derms. For the chest -- which did itch like crazy -- they put me on topical steroids for a couple of weeks to calm it down. Whatever it was, never had it prior to treating and haven't had it recently anywhere near the extent on treatment.
-- Jim
Thanks both of you. I know the topic is discussed all the time but it's always pointed out that you can make a rash worse by treating it wrong. I'm afraid of having a reaction to what I use for the rash, a lot have made the rash worse. Getting into a dermo takes time, my pcp is on vacation and my PA for hep c is always unavailable. Can you get lichen planus on the back?
About the response to the joke of Rick's--I was very offended by things Myown said and even if she wasn't trying to offend Rick, I would have been offended if I had offered up a joke and had it disected into a gay, woman bashing insult. Myown did not get my point. I understood hers, she did not think I had read her response or understood her point. I don't want to get into it with Myown, she cracks me up most of the time. But I don't want anyone to turn a joke into a political statement, geez don't we have enough to worry about? I think the riba must be getting to her, who knows?
If having a rash on your neck for twelve months confers expert status, then yes, I'm a rash expert :) Is the rash just on your back or did you say "arm", not sure.
In any event, it could be a number of things from atopic/contact dermatitis, to drug specific allergies to seb derm, psoriasis, etc. You might want to check ou the thread "creepy skin..." on the other side. Here's the link:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Hepatitis/messages/45441.html
If simple things don't make it go away, see a good derm for diagnosis and next steps. Self treatment with topical steroids can backfire if you're not familiar with dosing protocols.
BTW I wasn't referring to this thread when I said "not much else going on" -- trying to keep out the fracas if I can.
-- Jim
Of course I am and I often get a rise without trying. But really Bug, she has some of the weirdest responses I've ever seen and I think they're often hurtful. I mean to suggest that Rick's joke came from the gay community is mean and stupid and a gay person reading it could be offended - by the stupidity of the assertion if for no other reason. Next it will be Rev is reading gay magazines and masquerading as Rick to plant the joke. It's just foolishness.
About rashes: I did have some minor problem with rash while on TX but my mouth sores were what really troubled me. So I really don't know what to do about them. I think Jim is the rash expert so if you flag him he will likely tell you more than anyone about possible approaches to treating that issue. NYGirl I think dealt with skin rashes too so maybe flag both of them. I hope you get some relief soon.
Mike
You know you're just trying to get a rise out of her. That's why I didn't respond yesterday to Myown, guess I'm so grown up and all! Actually my daughter told me to stop responding, she's the adult around here. BTW, I am jumping other threads to ask what to do for my invisible rash. I actually have something on my back, & since you're a dr's son, this is about as close as I'm going to get for medical tx. Mostly I just itch and can't see anything. I've tried all the dry skin remedies. It gets worse at night. Know anything about itchy skin?
She'll be up any time now so just be patient and things will get going. It could be another attack of those pesky vapors again. Mike