Skin rash of unknow origin!

[Mayqueen87]

I developed a skin rash localized to my arm, small itchy red bumps sort of clustered all over the outside of my arms, elbows and 1 or 2 small spots on my hands. I was put on a Medrol dose pack and the rash cleared up completely after 3 days. I finished the Medrol and 5 days later I was broken out again, this time only on my elbows and small spots on arms, but all over my back, torso and a few spots on my legs. What could this be? I am trying to get in with a dermatologist asap.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These can be insect bites, viral rashes, contact dermatitis or folliculitis (although less likely). Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating. Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort. If there is any itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.
If the symptoms persist then get it evaluated from 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.

[Mayqueen87]

When I was prescribed the Medrol dose pack initially, my regular doctor diagnosed me with a contact dermatitis.