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Suggest Treatment For Rashes And Bruising On The Hips

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Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015
Question: I have a rash on my hips and am now seeing bruising there. I read that the use of creams can thin the skin and I have been itching there a lot. I experienced this itching in similar before but not the bruising. I have pictures.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
excess or prolonged use of a steroid cream can cause this

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

You are referring to steroid creams. The over use of steroid creams can cause thinning of the skin.

Over use means using them inappropriately- (1) using too much. NORMALLY it is advised that the person using the smallest amount necessary for the area. Persons can sometimes use excess on the skin

(2)using for a prolonged period. IT is usually advised for 7 days, slightly longer if the rash is severe.
Some persons use steroid creams for a prolonged period causing thinning and/or bruising

(3)using a stronger cream than needed.
There are different strengths of steroid creams, if a very strong cream is used on a rash that only needed a milder cream then side effects can also occur.

When small amounts of an appropriate cream are used for a short period then this effect does not occur.

If you have been using a steroid cream for a prolonged period then it is possible that it is causing the bruising.
If you have not been using any creams then the itching, which is a form of trauma to the skin, is the cause of the bruising.

If you have not been using any creams as yet then you may want to consider a 7 day course of one of the milder steroid creams- hydrocortisone.
Because it is mild , it is usually over the counter.

Small amounts are applied twice daily

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (10 hours later)
Is there any reason why the rash is spreading? I don't know where it came from. I assumed it was dry skin because it is so isolated and have been trying a variety of creams and lotions to dissipate the itching. It seems like there is a circular area in the center with the rash around it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may be a fungal component

Detailed Answer:
HI

The circular area that you are describing wasn't seen clearly in the image, sorry about that but if it is present then it is possible that there is a fungal component to the rash.

Fungal rashes tend to have circular areas and can be itchy as well. They can spread

If this is the case then using a topical anti fungal along with the steroid cream would help.
The steroid cream, in this case would be used for a few days only (3 to 4).

The anti fungal may need to be used for up to 2 weeks in some cases because fungal rashes can take long to respond

Please feel free to ask anything else
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Rashes And Bruising On The Hips

Brief Answer: excess or prolonged use of a steroid cream can cause this Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic You are referring to steroid creams. The over use of steroid creams can cause thinning of the skin. Over use means using them inappropriately- (1) using too much. NORMALLY it is advised that the person using the smallest amount necessary for the area. Persons can sometimes use excess on the skin (2)using for a prolonged period. IT is usually advised for 7 days, slightly longer if the rash is severe. Some persons use steroid creams for a prolonged period causing thinning and/or bruising (3)using a stronger cream than needed. There are different strengths of steroid creams, if a very strong cream is used on a rash that only needed a milder cream then side effects can also occur. When small amounts of an appropriate cream are used for a short period then this effect does not occur. If you have been using a steroid cream for a prolonged period then it is possible that it is causing the bruising. If you have not been using any creams then the itching, which is a form of trauma to the skin, is the cause of the bruising. If you have not been using any creams as yet then you may want to consider a 7 day course of one of the milder steroid creams- hydrocortisone. Because it is mild , it is usually over the counter. Small amounts are applied twice daily I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions