Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Developed Red And Itchy Rashes. Taking Steroids. Noticed Swelling On Face And Scrotum. Eczema?
Question: i am asking for my husband, he developed a skin rash. very severe, started to outbreak 4 weeks ago. He is now taking steroids. The doctor says: eczema, but it looks more like lupus if i compaire the symptoms: back is on shoulders very bad blistered, legs: entire leg inside round shaped ( looks different than back), no apearance in inside elbow or back of legs at all), excessive scaling, flaking, dryness. It gets worse after eating dinner. We eat a healthy diet. Now even more: no more sugar, enough cold pressed oils , no coffee, no alcohol. It now is also in his face, steroids have been taking of the redness on back and helped with itching, but now the face started to swell and burn, especially at night. The scrotum as well.
Hello XXXXXXX,
Thanks for the detailed description and photographs.
With the excellent details give by you, I can straight way rule out eczema.
There are two possibilities of this condition.
1. Dermatitis herpetiformis.
It is an autoimmune disorder related to wheat, barley or any other gluten containing diet.
It manifests with severe itching and blisters on back.
The blisters soon dry. Sometimes there are also associated loose stools.
2.Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliform Atrophicans . The name is huge so it is called as PLEVA. This also has similar features and is related to lymphocytes of blood.
Here are my suggestions.
1. Search on net about gluten containing diet.
You will get a list and your husband must avoid these food items.
2. XXXXXXX a dermatologist and discuss regarding the above conditions mentioned by me.
A biopsy is must to give a definite diagnosis.
Steroids are good for initial relief so let him take that.
Hope my advice could help you a bit.
Wishing your husband a good health.
Thank you.
Thanks for the detailed description and photographs.
With the excellent details give by you, I can straight way rule out eczema.
There are two possibilities of this condition.
1. Dermatitis herpetiformis.
It is an autoimmune disorder related to wheat, barley or any other gluten containing diet.
It manifests with severe itching and blisters on back.
The blisters soon dry. Sometimes there are also associated loose stools.
2.Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliform Atrophicans . The name is huge so it is called as PLEVA. This also has similar features and is related to lymphocytes of blood.
Here are my suggestions.
1. Search on net about gluten containing diet.
You will get a list and your husband must avoid these food items.
2. XXXXXXX a dermatologist and discuss regarding the above conditions mentioned by me.
A biopsy is must to give a definite diagnosis.
Steroids are good for initial relief so let him take that.
Hope my advice could help you a bit.
Wishing your husband a good health.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thank you very much for your fast reply.
No signs of Coeliac disease. Gluten intake is minimal, since he does not like bread. I am addicted to bread and keep it therefore out of the house.
Our meal this evening was: salmon, sweet potatoes, sauerkraut (some cabbage prepared in a German way), we drank oolong tea. The burning and itching started within 20 minutes.
Our lunch was a noodle salad ( Durum wheat>>>gluten!!!) with homemade mayonnaise, canned salmon and had no reaction. breakfast was a fruit cocktail in blender with an egg, also: no reaction.
He had some chocolate in between, also: no reaction.
My husband is taking the steroids in the morning. i was wondering, if they are wearing off in the evening and it is coincidental that all hell breaks lose around dinner time?
We will definitely get a test done ( biopsy). Do you have any other suggestion?
No signs of Coeliac disease. Gluten intake is minimal, since he does not like bread. I am addicted to bread and keep it therefore out of the house.
Our meal this evening was: salmon, sweet potatoes, sauerkraut (some cabbage prepared in a German way), we drank oolong tea. The burning and itching started within 20 minutes.
Our lunch was a noodle salad ( Durum wheat>>>gluten!!!) with homemade mayonnaise, canned salmon and had no reaction. breakfast was a fruit cocktail in blender with an egg, also: no reaction.
He had some chocolate in between, also: no reaction.
My husband is taking the steroids in the morning. i was wondering, if they are wearing off in the evening and it is coincidental that all hell breaks lose around dinner time?
We will definitely get a test done ( biopsy). Do you have any other suggestion?
Hello,
Thanks for the follow up query.
You mentioned he took durum wheat.
Actually, wheat is the most important source of gluten.
Yes, surely steroid is going to wean off by evening, so the lesions will be more in evening.
He must take antihistaminic like avil in night.
This will give him a good sleep.
Another important thing is ask the doctor to do the following things on biopsy specimen.
1. Histopathology
2. Direct immunofluroscence for detecting antibodies.
This will give you a definite diagnosis and hence he can be treated accordingly.
Thank you
Thanks for the follow up query.
You mentioned he took durum wheat.
Actually, wheat is the most important source of gluten.
Yes, surely steroid is going to wean off by evening, so the lesions will be more in evening.
He must take antihistaminic like avil in night.
This will give him a good sleep.
Another important thing is ask the doctor to do the following things on biopsy specimen.
1. Histopathology
2. Direct immunofluroscence for detecting antibodies.
This will give you a definite diagnosis and hence he can be treated accordingly.
Thank you
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
