Stupid rash :(

[DJRSXS]

Hi there, just wanted to see if anybody out there knew what this was as it's very annoying. I had it in the crease of my arm to start off with (first picture) and had thought it was heat rash. Then it moved to a few spots on my back, and onto my chest (second picture) , now it's creeping it's way up to my neck.I've had it for about a year, it's gone off my arm now, but still there on my chest/back.  It is not raised at all, it gets itchy, especially whenever I'm sweating or very hot. (I predict this to worsen considering it's warm weather now)

I've tried to do everything possible to get rid of this, but everything fails. I change shirts 2 times a day, I've used anti-itch creams, shower twice a day using antibacterial soap, change my sheets and blanket multiple times a week, rubbing peroxide all over it, etc etc.

Somebody please help me, I don't have medical insurance and I cannot afford to go see a dermatologist living on my own :(
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6323/wtfisthis001cp0.jpg
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/8061/wtfisthis004bl4.jpg

[Nurseynurse714]

Glad to hear that it may be it. It could be something else as Vanessa mentions, but I will tell you that when I had it, it would stick around for a year or so and then eventually go away on it's own. It is a condition that will come and go. If you don't mind it (the appearance that is) you don't have to treat it at all. It is a harmless condition unless you are immunocompromised in which case it has the potential to cause some minor problems.

I forgot about the Selsun Blue thing.... that is indeed a treatment for this condition, but I will warn you about leaving it on sensitive skin areas--- can cause a bit of a "sting" the next day. They tell you to leave it on overnight and then wash off in the morning. I put some on the crease of my arm and chest and my skin was so irritated for the next couple of days I just went to the doctor and got the prescription cream which didn't burn or anything. Anyway, if you try the Selsun Blue, let me know how it works. If this is TV, the SB should work if you can stand the irritation. Take care~

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

I have seen the images. The rash has been present for quite sometime, so this may be something chronic. Chronic skin conditions may suggest a fungal infection and dermatitis. Other possible differential is a sweat rash or miliaria. Sweat rash may also be itchy and they may occur over areas of the body wherein heat or seat may be usually present. Prevent too much sweating and changing to dry clothes often may help alleviate the rash and the itchiness. Topical steroid creams may help for miliaria as well as anti itch creams with camphor or methanol to soothe the area may help.

[DJRSXS]

Thank you for the reply! I just looked it up, and it may indeed be TV. Alot of the pictures look very similar as well as the descriptions. Thrives in warm, humid conditions (sweating and when I'm hot) usually affects the upper torso (back and chest) and sometimes limbs (crease in arm)

Says on here that you can treat it with Selsun blue shampoo? Or many kinds of OTC fungal creams,  I'll have to go get a bottle and give it a shot I suppose. If that doesn't work I think I'll just try to save up a couple hundred and go to the dermatologist I guess.

Either way, if thats what it is and I can actually get rid of this, I will paypal you some money for your services! (probably not much but I'll see what I can do lol)

[Nurseynurse714]

I don't know for certain, but the stuff on your chest looks like it could be tinea versicolor. If this is indeed what it is, it may get worse with the warmer weather. It is a harmless condition that is easily treated with anti-fungal cream which will have to be prescribed by a physician. I'm not saying that this is what it is for certain, but that would be my best educated guess. Good luck.