update to my previous posting; PLEASE read

[JessG81]

Well, I have been to 2 different dermatologists and to the ER to hopefully get a diagnosis for my skin problem, but to this day no one can identify what is wrong with me.  One doctor suggested pityriasis rosea, but the other doctors I saw said that my rash didn't follow that pattern.  I had a CBC done, where the results didn't seem to be particularly alarming to anyone who saw them (elevated WBC, high granulocyte count, low lymphocytes).  They tested my thyroid and liver--both were normal--and did a mono test, syphilis test, and rheumatoid factor test.  Nothing came back abnormal.  Meanwhile, the rash is still spreading (all over back, torso, legs, sides, stomach, and a few on arms...some places have just a bright red rash and others have round scaly lesions) and does not show any signs of going away.  I had a skin biopsy which was apparently inconclusive.  I had a bacterial culture done, which came back with no growth.  We are still awaiting the results of the fungal culture, but the doctors say it doesn't look like that to them.  It itches like crazy and nothing that I have been prescribed has helped (fluocinolone, desonide, prednisone, Keflex antibiotic).  I am extremely scared and am afraid this could be cancer--specifically t-cell lymphoma.  I specifically asked one of the doctors if it could be this, and he said no, but I'm wondering if he just doesn't want me to get alarmed before it is absolutely necessary.  Please, if anyone can help me whatsoever, please write...I'm scared I'm going to die from this.  Does anyone know what this could be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since the rash is circular and itchy the possibility of ringworm needs to be ruled out. I suggest you to wait for the fungal culture and if it comes positive then topical and oral antifungals need to be prescribed. Most cases of fungal infection respond to over-the-counter products, which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole. You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Ashwin Bhandari, MBBS]

Hi,thanks for your query.
As per your history and clinical findings looks like u have psosarisis. So It would be better if you can tell me if on scratching with a blunt object does the scales come out or the lesions start in areas were there has been a scratch, and when you peel the scaly lesion it tends to bleed;  if it's so then you will have to revisit a dermatologist. Appropriate anti psoriatic medications may need to be started. Quit smoking and avoid drinking. Drink lots of water and avoid oily foods and decrease your stress levels.
Wish you good health