What's this?

[gd1666]

Been checking myself for 8 weeks since a foolist sex encounter.  A number of symptoms - not sure if related, or if were there before.

- Rash of small faint red spots (1mm) both sides of torso, with 3-4 larger spots (0.5-1cm) around the back.  Larger spots lasted few days and sometimes mildly itchy. They don't go, just fade into the general rash.  First thought they were bites, but not sure.  Whole rash is unchanged for several weeks.

- Localised itching in pubic area and stomach for few weeks.  Difficult to describe, but feels like being bitten.  Comes and goes, not persistently itchy - but certainly there.  Last week 3 small red spots came up in pubic area - spread about rather than together - probably in the areas that were itchy.  Once out, they weren't particularly itchy.  Doctor said most likely a bacterial infection on skin and prescribed anti-bacterial steroid cream.   They look like small bites, but doctor said I'm clear of crabs (and they don't itch at night).  Spots cleared completely in 4 days.  At times pubic area felt prickly (could have been the cream?).  Stopped using the cream 2 days ago, and today 2 more spots came - one high in central pubic area, one on stomach.  Neither are itchy.

- Today an angry-looking dry, scaly area half-way down left thigh - level with the bottom of pocket lining.  Could be unrelated, and looks different to everything else.  Doesn't hurt or itch - only noticed as I had my hand in my pocket.

- At the weekend a very itchy spot between the first and second fingers of my left hand.  It had a small white spot in the middle - maybe even two spots in a line.  This opened up with some puss, stayed itchy and now scabbed over.  It's been v itchy, but is easing off after 4 days.

- Fungal infection in groin. Doc prescribed Canesten HC.  Not fully gone  after 6 weeks and doctor's suggested I switch to Daktakort, which I will do.

My main concern is what's with all these spots, especially in the pubic area.

[gd1666]

Many thanks Bhupinder,  However I have to say that pictures of pityriasis rosea on the Internet are very different to my symptoms.  If I'm right, pityriasis rosea looks like patches of rash, rather than individual spots.  The nearest I can describe my symptoms is like a very mild acne, or a shaving rash with faint individual spots often about .5 - 1 cm apart, with one or two larger and itchy.  The new red spots on my stomach and abdomen are very small, and I'd swear look like tiny red bites.  When the doc saw the older ones last week he started looking for crabs, but we saw nothing.  Over the phone he's said I can try the anti-bacterial steriod cream on the spots on my torso to see what happens.

My biggest fear initially was scabies, but I don't think the spots are itchy enough.  Glad of any help - I know it's hard without seeing.

I'm changing the bed clothes tonight to see if anything in the bed's biting me.  Also checked for crabs again.  Doc said I should easily see them if I have them.  Nothing there though.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One possibility that can present with such symptoms is pityriasis rosea. It presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and itching. Topical and oral steroids are needed. Water, sweat, and soap may cause irritation and should be avoided in the disease. Topical zinc oxide and calamine lotion are useful for pruritus.
I would suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get this possibility evaluated as without examination confirmation of a diagnosis is tough. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Warm regards.