Embarassing Skin Spot Issues

[DepressingItches]

Beginning in my teens I experienced small areas of my body that became inflamed and irritated out of the blue. I have had the same "rash" appear on my wrists, elbows, back of knees, and hip line. In my early teens, a doctor proscribed me a hydrocortisone cream, as well as antibiotics to help with the infection. The treatment did not help, nor hinder, my recovery.

The rash begins with a small group of little bumps filled with clear fluid that itch moderately, but not severely. When these arrive, I apply hydrocortisone cream (OTC) as well as pay special attention to those areas to keep them hydrated with scent-free lotion. The bumps usually get mildly better until they become worse, spreading to an area the size of my fist or greater, becoming progressively more itchy and painful. My skin itself in the red patch seems to leak clear odorless fluid.

I currently have this rash on my inner elbow. My skin is red and irritated, feeling rough to the touch. The rash is currently at a 2 1/2 by 2 inch red blob, with the center being my elbow crease. I apply natural aloe vera on it every night before I go to sleep, wrapping it to keep myself from scratching in my sleep. I have tried everything I can possibly think of to help it heal, but it has been consistent for four weeks now. I am taking vitamin E orally each day to help with my skin, but it has had little effect on this rash even when placed directly on it. In the past these rashes have lasted up to four or five months before finally dissipating and eventually healing, leaving me large scars.

I cannot find any photos of skin conditions online that match what I see on my body. The skin is inflamed with tiny fluid filled bumps that have spread into a (I hesitate to use this word) mass. The skin is slightly raised and sensitive, but I have it no where else on my body than my elbow.

[DepressingItches]

Hi,
I have been to a Dermo more than a few times in my life (right now it isn't affordable for me) and each time eczema and psoriasis were ruled out. I never use scented soaps (bathing, laundry, lotions) and it still seems to keep appearing at random points in time.

Thank you for your suggestions! I very much appreciate it.

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
Your symptoms could be due to eczema, contact dermatitis ,recurrent Miliaria crystalline,Impetigo or Psoriasis . Please consult a dermatologist to know the exact cause and treatment . Please avoid using soaps on the affected area as such conditions get aggravated on using soaps , detergents and skin cleaning products . Hope this helps you. Take care and regards !