Spongiotic Dermatitis-Causes-Treatment

[Tim001]

I have been experiencing a rash on the calf of my left leg for about two+ years. The rash starts out with little red spots and then forms tiny blisters which are very itchy.  The rash becomes prominent during the hot summer months but continues throught the year at a lesser intensity.  The rash was treated with Fluocinonide, a topical steriod cream, and was wrapped in plastic wrap during the evening which healed the irritated calf very well.  However, Recently the rash spread to my torso and arms and the itching was relentless.  Prednisone was taken orally and the rash was immediately halted.  A biopsy of a blister was examined by a lab and was diagnosed as "Spongiotic Dermatitis".  
  1.  What is the cause of the rash " Spongiotic Dermatitis" ?
  2.  What can be done to avoid its reoccurance ?
  3.  Suggestions and recommendations that may be helpful for treatment and avoidance of rash

Thank you for your assistance and God Bless you.

[jrsbride3]

I had this 34 yrs ago at the age of 7, they diagnose as Granuloma, it came back at the age of 37 and had a spot on my chin, that grew to the size of volleyball that wrapped around my leg. then magically went away on its on. Now 3 yrs later it's back with a vengance! first was spot on my leg again, then my lower adomen, then my bottem, then 2 more spots on my right leg. And now one on top of my foot, just right above it. the only thing that relives it is Predisone, and very hot water, but can't stay on that. The itching is horrible. I'm not even a scratcher! It's very ugly and sure doesn't make you feel pretty thats for sure. Being single, poses a real problem to the sitiuation. Now we are off to try Elidel which cost $338.00 a tube, and a lotion. Crazy, would really like to know how I got it.... It's driving me mad!

[MDskin]

I am a physician.  It is very unlikely that your rash is pityriasis rosea, although this would be a reassuring diagnosis, as the rash resolves on its own after 4 to 8 weeks and leaves no permanent marks on the skin.  No treatment is necessary.  Typically this is a rash of childhood and adolescents.  It has rarely been described in adults.  Typically it can be preceeded by symptoms of sore throat, lymph node swelling and headache, although you can have none of these systemic symptoms as well.  PR usually presents with a singular lesion (known as the herald patch) which starts 1 to 30 days prior to the other lesions.  This lesion is scaly and red.  This lesion is also usually on the trunk, although very rarely it can be on the legs, arms or face.  Other skin lesions then emerge 1 to 30 days after the herald patch.  These lesions start as red spots and progress to larger red bumps in the shape of ovals.  Again - all of these lesions should resolve on their own - without any treatment, and skin will be normal afterwards. It is theorized that PR is cauzed by a virus.  

[Becca222]

I'm a 15 year old girl and I was recently diagnosed with spongionic dermatitis from having a biopsy done. I was put on steriod cream called "Advantan" and it began to heal. I had it on both inner arms and then spread to my left thigh. It was massive on my leg and once it fully heals it will leave a scar.
Heat is extremely bad for the dermatitis and I learnt that covering it up is really bad for it and can cause infections. Limit walking and strenous activities as this increases the chances of infection. Don't wear anything that is tight as this will limit blood flow and become irritating and will begin to produces a pus-like fluid that dries yellow and crispy. Keeping it clean helps it also.. Sooo that's just hat I learnt.. good luck!!

Rebecca

[AllNaturalHealthyGirl]

I was diagnosed with Spongeotic Dermatitis in February 09. I had experienced the rash-like bumps on my inner thighs, calves and arms. This was sometimes very mild, but got very bad and extremely painful in February. At first, no one could diagnose it: not my Naturopath nor two dermatologists.
I did do a biopsy, which was sent for a second opinion, to finally get the diagnosis.
What has helped me the most is being on a gluten free diet, per my ND. Gluten can cause a lot of inflammation in the body, including the skin. That has helped a lot, but the thing with this form of dermatitis is that the cause is not fully understood. Flare-ups can be triggered by food, contact from self-care products, etc.
Keeping the skin hydrated and mosturized is helpful, too. My dermatologist recommended CeraVe cream, which does help me. Taking Vitamin D, Fish Oil, and changing my diet all have helped a lot. I also use very mild, all-natural skin care products. I have done a lot of experimenting with self-care products and encourage others to find things that work for them.
I hope my experience can help some others out there. I know how frustrating it can be, and wish you well.

[heartbroken09]

I was diagnosed with spongiotic dermatitis after I had to insist on having a biopsy done to confirm what my rash was... Long story short I went to the dermatologist. who happens to practice in a skin surgery and laser office which was my fault for not paying attention when I made the appointment, and she told me that by looking at the rash she could not confirm what it was.  She said she could give me a cream for it!! I'm like how can you give me a cream for something you don't know what it is.  I also told her that a friend of mine thought it might be pityriasis rosea (sp?).  The doctor said she didn't think that it was.  So I asked if there was anything that she could do to confirm... that's when she said we could do a biopsy.  

So a biopsy was performed and two weeks later it noted: spongiotic dermatitis with a special note that said it could also be Pityriasis Rosea!!!

I'm glad I have insurance and wasn't paying a doctor out of my pockets to diagnose myself!

Anyways, i'm hoping that i'm allergic to something and not this PR thing!  From what I researched they still don't know what causes PR!!!

In the meantime, I made an appt. at another doctor's office (someone who specializes in skin diseases).  I hope to have them give me an allergy test to see if I'm allergic to something.

I will keep you guys posted!!

by the way.. the rashes have spreaded all over my arms, torso, and legs!  my beautiful body looks infested!!! :(

[Nina36k]

Dear Heartbroken,
    Am very curious to know what the end result of your testing determined? I have also just been "diagnosed" by a VA doctor with the same condition. Have you been able to resolve your issue? If so, how?

[doey66]

I was recently diagnosed with spongiosis dermatitis through a biopsy from an area on my shin.

My condition started as a small red blister which did NOT itch or cause pain...it was just there.  However, over the course of 3 months it grew to the size of a quarter and was very unsightly.

Two months after this biopsy, I now have a small red blister on my other shin with no other symptoms.

Should I still go along with this diagnosis?  Thank you .