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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Eczema or Tinea??
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Eczema or Tinea??
by Loranna, Oct 17, 2007 03:56PM
For the last year I have had itchy legs mostly below the knee, but in the last several months I developed 2 and then 4 circular lesions that look more clear in the middle with red small pimple like areas around the edges and surrounding areas. My dermatologist did a biopsy and diagnosed spongiotic dermatitis, but my regular doctor says it looks like ringworm and wants me to take antifungal pills and creams for 1 to 3 months. This rash covers my legs in itchy rough dry patches that really don't go away but seem to get better and worse on some days. The rash is now spreading upward over my stomach area and lightly on my arms below the elbow.. looks like a red pimply rash and on my arms white small papules so far. I also notice a red itchy area under my armpit area on one side yesterday. My dermatologist still insists it's eczema and told me not to take any supplements beside my multivitamin and use Lidex cream twice a day. I am so confused since even my doctors don't agree. Please advise as this is driving me crazy. I don't know whether to start anti-fungals or use the Lidex? Thanks for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 18, 2007 06:54AM
, Oct 18, 2007 06:54AM
To: Loranna
Your dermatologist is correct. (Why would you ask a general doctor after seeing a specialist?) Round rashes are routinely, and often incorrectly, called "fungus." In your case the biopsy confirmed what would have been most likely anyway. Your condition is called nummular (round, coin-shaped) dermatitis. Treatment is Lidex, or something like it. Cause is generally unknown, but it's not an allergy or a fungus. To avoid confusion, stick with one doctor. it sounds as though you already have one who knows the story.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by Loranna, Oct 18, 2007 02:48PM
To: Dr. Rockoff
I just mentioned to my GP when I was in for a checkup and I was concerned because all of a sudden it was spreading but not in the nummular sense but in pink/red pimples of all different sizes, on my stomache, chest, arms etc. when scratched look more like hives.. but anyway I asked to be sure because if it was fungal I didn't want to be spreading it to my family. Glad you agree and at least I can forget about it being contagious. Thanks
