Small Red Some Raised Rash All Over Atypical Pityriasis?

[AMLerika]

I noticed an itchy rash on my neck days ago, but, being winter in Canada, thought nothing of it-- thought it dry skin, even though my skin is not overly dry, or my somewhat sensitive skin was irritated. Now I have rash all over body-- neck, chest, arms, legs, back, behind. Rash is not *****-- no heads. Some are raised, some are flat. It looks different from my typical allergy, dry skin, razor rash skin reaction. It feels and looks similar to the pityriasis rosea I had seven years ago-- but the dots are not in oval patterns. I know a second occurence of pityriasis rosea is atypical and non-oval shapes are atypical; however, I am guessing that the rash on the back of my neck could of been a undefined herald patch. There is no redness around "spots"-- spots are defined and red to purplish red to brownish skin color. Red spots on tummy are going right to a scarry brown color-- this is exactly what happened with my pityriasis rosea outbreak. Also similar to my p r rash: the initial neck patch is no longer itchy but the new spots are starting to get itchier and itchier and my skin does not like wearing clothing. I would go to the doctor but am returning home to the US in one month: I will have to pay for any health care I receive in Canada since I am leaving less than a year after getting socialized insurance in Montreal. I do not have a fever, no infection, no soar throat, and no food changes. I did spray a baking soda spray on the couch and used a different leg lotion on my legs two days ago; however, the rash is on areas that did not touch the couch or the lotion..and rash does not have that general red irritated look of my typical allergic reactions. I am tired, but have been stressed and am a PhD student-- so tired tends to be part of my life.  I did feel tired and was stressed when I was diagnosed with pityriasis rosea. I use birth control and half adult dose of over the counter sleep meds 3 nights a week-- the same meds for the past 5 years. I did use benadryl the past two nights-- slept well but rash is spreading and itchy. No one else I am  in contact with has a rash or other infection/illness.

[AMLerika]

I do get a sense this is a second case of pityriasis rosea...the past two days the oldest dots are all doing well but got two more itchy clumps on hip and chest...these are raised a lil more...and though not in a perfect oval like my initial case of p r....look 100% like my original case of p r.  I had a mild headache and a slightly raised temp.

Thank you for the advice...sweat and soap do intensify my itching. I do have success in a nighttime, warm shower with hand held set on low; then, gentle towel off  and calamine before clean very soft cotton clothes--AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

My husband says he feels tired and a lil off today. I will keep a sharp eye on both of us...anything gets swollen/ infected looking or one of us gets a high fever we will brave the rigors of the Montreal Health care system.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms, the possibilities of this rash being due to pityraisis rosea are more. Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and itching. Topical and oral steroids are needed. Water, sweat, and soap may cause irritation and should be avoided in the disease. Topical zinc oxide and calamine lotion are useful for pruritus.
If the symptoms persist then please 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.