Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

hard red rash with bumps or pustules

Hi folks.. I have a red, hard to the touch, bumpy,very itchy weeping rash on my elbow..a week ago I thought this might be a spider bite.. then it looked more like Tinea so I started using an anti fungal cream.. which stopped all of the itching and cleared it up from the size of a dime to just a tiny pink mark.. until about 3 days ago when I woke up at 5 am with terrible itching and lots of hard bumps where the small pink blotch used to be.. now it's spread to the size of a fifty cent coin and the itching is tremendous.. it weeps yellow and it's driving my nuts.. please offer suggestions if it sounds familiar. I find it odd that an antifungal seemed to do the trick.. then it just exploded.

thanks Ajax
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thanks Vanessa,

went to the doc and it appears to be fungal with a secondary infection.. I'm on an antibiotic, an antifungal and prednozone.. all oral.. as of yet no change but it's been one day.. the weeping seems to have slowed some as well as the itch. Thanks much for the info.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,

This is because corticosteroids are only used to temporarily control or offer relief but not necessarily to treat certain skin conditions. The differentials of dermatitis and fungal infections may be chronic and they may recur from time to time.This is not something unexpected from these type of skin conditions.

I suggest you have this evaluated by your dermatologist.Do keep us posted regarding physician's advice.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks Vanessa, as far as I know I have few allergies, if any. Any idea why it would have flamed up after appearing to be almost completely gone? I'll be seeing a doc in a few days if it gets any worse, the itching is not constant but the weeping is for sure.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,

Differentials will be a contact dermatitis, fungal infection and psoriatic lesion.

These three skin conditions may present with redness and itchiness.They may form plaques with a reddish base and may present with scaling.Dermatitis however, is more itchy and presents with more weeping.

I suggest that you have this assessed properly before applying any medications. Topical corticosteroids may be used to alleviate the redness and the itchiness of a dermatitis. A fungal infection may be readily spread if not managed properly.However prolonged use of the steroids may have some unwanted side effects.

For the meantime, avoid any possible triggers if you have had previous history of allergies.Wash the area with a mild and bland soap.Avoid sharing any towels and other personal belongings.Keep the area dry always and avoid frequently resting the elbows.

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community

Top Dermatology Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions