arm rash

[worried1981512]

Hello. This  is a bit  of a long story, but I will try add be brief. A couple months ago I had an on-off itchy/blotchy rash on my elbows. I was prescribed Clobetasol Propionate, which cleared the rashes quickly. In the interim (to prevent additional rashes) I was putting Gold Bond on my arms daily. One day at the driving range it was very hot and I broke out in a heat rash on my arms, which disappeared when I cooled down. I continued to use Gold Bond, and whenever my body was hot (e.g. after a hot bath) my arms broke out in clear drops.

Now, for the past few weeks, I have an on/off red rash on my arms (mostly the left). The rash is very pimple-like with what looks like white fluid in the center. The most parsimonious explanation is that this is due to clogged pores, but I wanted a professional opinion. I realize that rashes are difficult to diagnose, but any thoughts would be welcomed.

[worried1981512]

Thanks a bunch for your comments. I went to see a doctor about it (not a dermatologist) and he thought that it was simply some form of contact dermatitis. I was prescribed a mid-level topical steroid along with doxycycline in case it was bacterial folliculitis. After a week of treatment the rash has improved slightly, but is still there. I am now out of the steroid cream.

If it was bacterial folliculitis how long would it take to clear with or without an antibiotic? What about Keratosis pilaris? I have had this for almost 2 months now and just want it gone. :(

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to clogged pores or folliculitis skin. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin.It starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).

Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.

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.

[Caryopteris]

So they think it's psoriasis?