Itchy red bumpy rash on triceps and neck

[sweetpea1981]

Hi. My boyfriend has a red rash which has been progressively spreading and getting worse the past 2 weeks. At first we thought they were mosquito bites. They started off on his right tricep, and have spread up his arm to his shoulder, as well as his right side of his neck. Some are now appearing on his hands, buttock and ankle, and his left tricep. We saw a doctor who said it was shingles and gave him anti viral medication, but he has been taking these a week and the rash has continued spreading. We then saw another doctor who said he had no idea what it was and gave him scabies treatment and said to wait 10 days and see if it gets worse. The rash has continued to spread across his neck. He said it's very itchy, and every time the itch flares up he seems to get very cold. Can anyone please help?!

Photos of the rash:

http://s1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb382/peanutkitty99/?action=view&current=a1feeeb0.jpg&evt=user_media_share

http://s1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb382/peanutkitty99/?action=view&current=efc3bfb8.jpg&evt=user_media_share

[sweetpea1981]

Guys please can ANYONE help?! His rash has spread to his face and neck now!

http://s1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb382/peanutkitty99/?action=view&current=a1feeeb0.jpg&evt=user_media_share

http://s1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb382/peanutkitty99/?action=view&current=ef950133.jpg&evt=user_media_share

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This itchy red rash on triceps and neck which is spreading can be due to viral infection as viral infections are itchy and spread on the whole body. I suggest your boyfriend to get an evaluation done from a dermatologist. For such itching oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Claritin can be used. If the symptoms persist then get an evaluation done from a dermatologist as topical and oral steroids may be needed after confirming the diagnosis.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.