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Persistent rash

I have had a rash on my elbows and the top of my feet on and off for several years. I never sought treatment for it because it came and went and really wasn't that difficult to live with. However,  four months ago, it spread to my upper arms, upper back, thighs, and around my knees and now it is very difficult to live with.  It  looks like small pimples, is very itchy, and leaves scars. My GP put me on antibiotics for it. The first antibiotic (I don't recall the name of it) for 2 weeks and now doxycycline. I have taken the doxycycline for 7 weeks now. The antibiotics have not helped and I am not convinced that it is bacterial. Any suggestions you could offer would be very much appreciated.
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Avatar universal
I have a problem that may be similar in nature -- but I'm not sure what the diagnosis would be. I get these rash on my legs (lower parts below the knees, only). I did not know what they were so I went to my dermatologist and she diagnosed it as an atopic eczema. I got a topical ointment prescribed to treat this. It worked for a while but it is not as effective with increased usage of this drug.

Since then, I have found an interesting pattern in the appearance of these rashes which come and go -- that is, they seem to correlate with my having engaged in a sexual intercourse. It sounds weird but they only seem to occur a day or two after having sex with my husband. I am a newlywed and I have not had this kind of problem before marriage. I have gone to an OBGYN for a check up about a month ago because I had a UTI problem -- I got the right treatment to deal with this problem. I also had a checkup while I visited my gynecologist but she said everything seemed fine. My husband has had a physical and blood test prior to marriage and he assures me that he has not had other relationships. Can someone suggest anything?
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242489 tn?1210497213
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I doubt it's bacterial, since I don't know of any bacteria that would affect elbows and feet off and on for years.  It sounds most like eczema which would look and behave exactly as you describe.  I advise a consultation with a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and therapy.  You can't cure eczema, but you certainly can make it better in a way that antibiotics aren't going to (and haven't.)

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
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