Rash and Freckle Outbreak

[anonymous401]

Ok, something really weird is going on with my skin.  About six months ago, I got a itchy rash on my back about the size of a half-dollar.  Shortly after I started itching all over.  I thought it was caused by the new laundry detergent my mother started using, so I started using the "Free" detergent on my clothes.  Although, I am no longer itching all over, I still have the rash on my back, just not as itchy as before.  But, I'm getting lots of new spots on my skin all over my body.  Some are very small pin-***** sized red dots, and others are freckle sized red dots in which some seem to be turning normal freckle colored now.  It also looks like a few have turned into darker colored moles.

I'm a 24 year-old Caucasian male, senior in college, without medical insurance.  Is it normal for someone my age to get a sudden outbreak of freckles, or for a rash to be present for six months?

My mother is still using that new laundry detergent, and I use the same washing machine (with a different detergent).  Could detergent that diluted still cause allergic reactions?

Seems really weird to me.  But, I'm broke, and don't have insurance.  I may be able to afford a few doctor appointments, but I doubt I'd be able to afford any kind of lab testing.  Any thoughts or advice?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The only different thing that has been done is the use of new detergent. It can be due to an allergic reaction to the detergent, hives or dermatitis. Apply calamine lotion and take some antihistaminics like Benadryl. If the symptoms persist then topical steroids may be needed. For this please consult a dermatologist.

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

[anonymous401]

I should also add that I'm not out in the Sun very much.  I've quite a few freckles in moles since childhood (but haven't noticed any new ones till recently).  And the only places the red dots don't seem to be showing up are on my neck, head, hands, and feet.