Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Red Itchy Spots Surrounded By White Rings On Skin?
Question: I have had these itchy red spots for over 1.5 weeks. Initially they happened all at once and then slowed down to only a couple a day. I initially thought they were mosquito bites, but now very doubtful as they occur any time even when fully clothed. My partner shares the same bed as me and has not experienced anything. I have tried insect bite cream and steroid cream fron the doctor and had no relief. They now have evolved to have white rings around them. See photos. The doctor i saw didnt know what they were. If i could get some advice from a dermatologist, i think that it moght give me some answers. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Possibility of Erythema Multiforme Minor Or Hives
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your question and I have also reviewed the Image.
I would keep a possibility of Erythema Multiforme Minor (EM Minor).
I can see that these are target like lesions with a central red papule or bump, surrounded by a wheal and then encircled by a rim of erythema.
EM Minor is a hypersensitivity response most commonly to Hsv type 1 virus. Patients often notice that they develop these target like lesions either simultaneously or immediately preceding Or following an episode of cold sores.
Other reasons for EM Minor include drugs, viral infections (other than herpes).
Another possibility that I would like to keep is that of Hives Or urticaria. However unlike EM Minor, hives are evanescent i.e they disappear after a few hours (usually 4-6 hours) only to reappear again.
Do you have a history of cold sores round about the time when you notice these lesions? and is this the first time you have noticed these lesions? Are they persistent or do they disappear and then new one form at other sites?
Regards
Possibility of Erythema Multiforme Minor Or Hives
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your question and I have also reviewed the Image.
I would keep a possibility of Erythema Multiforme Minor (EM Minor).
I can see that these are target like lesions with a central red papule or bump, surrounded by a wheal and then encircled by a rim of erythema.
EM Minor is a hypersensitivity response most commonly to Hsv type 1 virus. Patients often notice that they develop these target like lesions either simultaneously or immediately preceding Or following an episode of cold sores.
Other reasons for EM Minor include drugs, viral infections (other than herpes).
Another possibility that I would like to keep is that of Hives Or urticaria. However unlike EM Minor, hives are evanescent i.e they disappear after a few hours (usually 4-6 hours) only to reappear again.
Do you have a history of cold sores round about the time when you notice these lesions? and is this the first time you have noticed these lesions? Are they persistent or do they disappear and then new one form at other sites?
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi, i have never had a cold sore in my life and this us the first time ive noticed them. Only a few of the spots have healed and faded, however most are persostent abd have remained itchy the whole time.
Brief Answer:
Oral and topical steroids
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I suggest a short course of an Oral steroid along with topical moderately potent topical steroid cream e.g triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%, twice daily.
I also suggest you to take a tablet of cetrizine 10 mg once daily for symptomatic relief from itching.
Regards
Oral and topical steroids
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I suggest a short course of an Oral steroid along with topical moderately potent topical steroid cream e.g triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%, twice daily.
I also suggest you to take a tablet of cetrizine 10 mg once daily for symptomatic relief from itching.
Regards
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
