Butterfly Rash on Back of Neck

[HolographicErika]

I have this rash. It has occurred twice now with the same exact pattern in the same exact locations. I have a few red bumps that developed on my chest also both times. I have hypothyroidism if that means anything... I just want to know what this is. It is intensely itchy sometimes and than subsides. It is starting to fade but I've had it for a week now. It was bright red at first and now as it is fading and turning brownish. I've included a picture. Any help would be great!

[HolographicErika]

Hello- this is the original poster 4 years later. The rash is recurring again in the same area and pattern for the fourth time now. It is again following a low carb diet and rapid weight loss, as it happened every other time! I'm convinced it has something to do with reintroducing sugar after refraining from it for large periods of time. Candidiasis? I know it is not common for standard MD's to jump to this diagnosis, but it seems to correlate to my low- carb dieting.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be dermatitis,sweat dermatitis or eczema.

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). Also use good quality hypoallergenic moisturizers.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[HolographicErika]

Thank you.

[jagesh50]

Morphology and location typical of neurodermatitis.Cortisone cremes help, of higher potency during flareups.Stress control is a must.

[HolographicErika]

I forgot to mention that both times have coincided with low carb dieting and fast weight loss- this may be relevant. I was taking 25 mcg levothyroxine as well.