looks like chicken pox but not

[shastalee]

6 weeks ago I started itching over all my extremities. Nothing was there until I scratched so much tiny hives would pop up and sometimes bleed from scratching. I thought it was anxiety because the next morning the hives were scabbed but looked less irritated. After a shower was another story, I'd go nuts! My arms were (and still are) the worst part of my body, but in addition, my lower back, buttocks, posterior thighs, and under my knees itched uncontrollably. My thighs are very dry and flaky and have only 4 lesions or pox or whatever between the two and itch just as much as my arms. At first it seemed worse at bedtime, but after 3 treatments with Permethrin cream for scabies I'm not so sure. Neither is the dermatologist who has no idea what's wrong with me. It's never seemed to heal. The sores are so irritated from scratching they have pitted centers. They're also scarring. No fever. Lesions don't form yellow crusts or pus, but are red and irritated. They're not in the webs of my fingers or toes, under my breasts or armpits. After a hot shower the itching is worse and the lesions burn.
What I've tried:     3 Txs Permethrin 5% cream 1 week apart. Washed all clothes in hot water. Boyfriend did tx too. Also, boyfriend is without any S/S since day of onset.
                            Dry skin lotions, Benadryl, Atarax, Sarna anti-itch lotion, Tide laundry soap, Gain laundry soap, 2 different shower soaps, prayer
                       ** Prednisone Z-Pack helped asap until I had no more. I thought the rash was over and went tanning to help heal the scars and am back to square one.
My Meds:            Adderall 1-2x/day (ADD), Motrin 800mg 2-3x/day (back, headaches), Lortab 5/500 2-3x/day as needed (back), NuvaRing (birth control)

[Baseballmom71]

My 8 yr old has these excact symptoms. We thought he had chicken pox in April then again at Thanksgiving and then AGAIN at Christmas. The doctor said it was chicken pox. Put him on a Zpack and prednisone. It did nothing. He has know had these bumps that bled and scab over for almost 6 weeks. He is scratching and scarring. I feel horrible and the Dr has no idea. Did you ever find out what was wrong with you and how did you treat it?

[rounders2p]

I am also experiencing the same thing it has been 5 weeks now.The doctor said it was chicken pox but reading up on that theory they would be gone.I also have 2 children and a husband of whom are not having any problems.I am at my wits end. If you find any information please post.

[sdestiny10]

Did you ever figure out what the rash was?  I am having the same problem since about 1 year ago thinking that I was having a allergy to something but I have been to my doctor and allergist with no good results.  I use the Permethrin and it goes away for a couple weeks to about a month but comes back.  My boyfriend does not have any sign of what the doctors say is scabies so I don't think that is what it is.  The only thing that I can say that we have in common is the Nuvaring which I am finding out has a rash as a not so common side effect. I would appreciate any feedback from whomever because I am about to scratch my skin off completely....

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or eczema.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

You should also start some diet plan and exercise training to help you lose weight.

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.