"STAR" rash on back

[CaseyVA]

Any idea what would be the cause of a pentagon-shaped rash? Location is localized between the shoulder blades on back of 58yr old female. No known allergic contacts, no previous skin problems. Doesn't itch, or cause pain. Originally the pentagon shapes were faintly connected with thin lines which have since faded to this simple star pattern. This photo is from day 4. No fever.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to dermatitis skin after pressure or an allergic reaction to chair, clothes etc. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. Also wear cotton clothes. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to 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.

[maatson]

This could represent a pressure reaction to the back-rest with patterns.A textile dermatitis or a nylon loofah scrub could also lead to such reactions.