strange rash

[grandpa6409]

For a number of years, I have been plagued by a strange rash--primarily in hot weather.  No one can seem to give me an answer re:  origin (my wife has come closest).  My dermatologist thought it was just older skin, which doesn't make sense, as my skin is the same age year round, and the spots are itchy and in selected areas.  Other docs, so far, have just said they didn't know.  Description:  mosquito bite-like spots, itchy (but in areas impossible for mosquitos to reach) scattered around trunk, particularly in areas sweat-prone, as groin.  My wife told me they looked like a staph infection our son had (35 years ago, good memory, eh?) and I began scubbing them vigorously with either Phisohex or Dial liquid soap--with considerable imrovement within 48 hours.  Any suggestions or intelligence beyond this, gratefully accepted.

[grandpa6409]

Thanks so much for the responses!  Still a mystery, but some good "clues" in your suggestions--quite sure it is not a contact dermatitis, as have had some experience with that--it is distributed oddly, mostly in the area covered by clothing.  The sweat dermatitis may well be a good place to look, as the worst areas have been in areas where the most perspiration occurs, and it is primarily a summer-spring phenom.  Phisohex seems to be helping along toward clearing it up somewhat.

I did consult a dermatologist--who basically threw up his hands, and told me I have "old skin" (I am 74).  

Cortisone did not help--I have some prescription strengh that was prescribed for something else--doesn't seem to help at all.  Benadryl helps with itch, but unfortunately after a day or so, made me too loopy to take.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be contact dermatitis,sweat dermatitis ,heat rash,eczema or fungal infections.

Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime.Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating.Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

If the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist as without examination confirmation of a diagnosis is tough.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Asteatotic eczema,apply hydrocortisone at bedtime,and moisturizer after bath.Oatmeal baths will be most useful.