Question: Five months ago, I got a very hot, red, very itchy rash on my neck that spread all the way around my neck, front and back. The itch was so deep and skin was so hot it was unbearable. I was given a steroid cream that only made it burn worse. My only relief came from using a very cold cloth. I also had a raw rash on my middle finger and between it and 4th finger. At one point it was so painful, swollen and breaking open that I thought the whole finger would split open. The rash went away but has returned monthly, like clockwork. The recent return has been the worst. It has spread to my chest, arms, back and is moving down to my abdomen and legs and along with it comes swelling. My left hand and arm have swollen up slightly, but my face is horribly swollen. So much so that I can barely open my eyes. A trip to the ER showed blood work was all good. I was given Benadryl and prednisone and sent home. I woke up today even more swollen. My skin is now very dry but the redness is subsiding and so is the itching. I'm in desperate need of answers. I can't get in to the dermatologist for a month. I have not changed anything in my life that could attribute this to an allergic reaction. I don't used scented soaps or detergents or harsh cleaners. I also had 3 moles on my neck that fell off because of this rash.

Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you for your help. Here are my answers.
1. I noticed it first on my neck on the left side, and it spread slowly each day reaching further until it was a complete circle. This took about a week. It also affected my scalp on the back of my head. it was very hot, burning, and had oozing bumps as well as thick scaling skin.
2. Yes! My oldest sister had this last year in the summer and it finally went away after 2 months. This year, my other sister, also older than me, has experienced the same problem on her hand as I am, and at the exact same time. We had not seen each other for months.
3. Yes, I have pets. 3 dogs and 2 cats.
4. The rash is not in my groin but it is on my chest, stomach, abdomen and today it is moving to my upper thigh. The skin is very rough and dry.
Also, the rash was solid, not blotchy, and it was not raised. It felt very hot and prickly and was extremely painful.
Sorry Dr. XXXXXXX I realize you meant anyone in my household who has the same rash. The answer is no. My husband does not have this.

In April, I had a fungal infection on my foot that I believe was athlete's foot. I treated it and it went away in May. I did not consider that it could be the cause for the rest of the skin rash but now I wonder if there is a connection.

Another correction: the skin is slightly raised on the rash area.

Thank you so much!!! I started to use a anti fungal cream yesterday and have already noticed a slight improvement.

I am on 50mg/day of prednisone for 7 days to address the swelling in my face. will it also cause the fungus to flare or is it more the topical steroid creams that cause it to flare? Would an oral medication such as Canestan Oral help? I can purchase that over the counter.

I can not tell you how relieved I am to have an expert answer after having suffered for so many months. Thank you again Dr. Kumar!

I have already noticed a marked improvement in the condition. The redness is fading, the rash area is decreasing and there is less itching. Thank you again for your assistance Dr. XXXXXXX Your expertise has brought me a great deal of relief.