Suggest treatment for recurrent itchy red skin rashes

Posted on Wed, 26 Mar 2014

Question: I have had problems with red bumps on me since i was small, i have been to many dermatologist and none can seem to help me get rid of them. How can i clear these up? I have attached pictures of them on my thigh, arms, and part of arm closest to my arm pit. They are also on my legs slightly and my butt. After i get out the shower if i dont apply lotion to my skin immeditaly then my skin dries severly and start to get ashy. Please help me with this, i have tried lotions and nothing helps. The only smooth part on my body is parts of my stomach and my penis and balls. If you nees additional pictures i can send them. Just let me know what you want to see.

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: atopic dermatitis is a possibility Detailed Answer: Hello dear, Welcome to healthcaremagic. I have read your query and understood your concern. I have seen all the attached pics also. They are quite helpful. It seems you are suffering from Atopic dermatitis. It is an allergic condition characterised by frequent skin rash which is usually itchy and is quite bothersome as it is recurrent. I will like to know the following details: 1) Do you have history of recurrent cold and cough? 2) Is there history of asthma in you or your family? You have already told me that your skin is dry and rough. This again goes in favor of atopic dermatitis. I will like to tell you that in atopic dermatitis, there are also prominent hair follicles which gives skin a rough and dry look. The best remedy for this is to put a good and liberal amount of moistrizer over whole body 3-4 times a day , preferably on semi wet body after bath. This makes the skin supple and prevent it from recurrent rash to some extent. But i will like to mention again that it is really a bothersome condition due to its highly recurrent associated skin rash. For acute itchy rash, usually moderate to severe potency topical steroids like mometasone, clobetasol are given. I hope it helps. Kindly get back to me with the reply to my questions. If you have any further query, you may ask me. I will be happy to help you further. Stay healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Charu Bansal (16 minutes later)

I havent had a cold or been sick any. Of course ive had this since i was a child. My fater had some slight asthma not to bad. However, my mother had a critical case of asthma, she nearly lost her life a few times with it. I also have asthma. It was pretty severe when i was younger that required a lot of emergency room visits. Otherwise that is the only health issues ive ever had. And the same goes for both of my parents.

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Atopic dermatitis Detailed Answer: Hello dear, Welcome again. All your history goes in favor of Atopic dermatitis. As i already told you put a liberal amount of moisturizer over whole body daily 3-4 times a day. During acute itchy episodes of skin rash, you may put mometasone/clobetasone cream over the rash till it disappear completely. Take plenty of water in diet and increase intake of green leafy vegetables in diet. Avoid using harsh soaps containing too much of chemicals. Preferably wear cotton clothes. Avoid synthetic woolen clothes directly in skin contact. These additional measures will help in preventing appearance of skin rash. This is my best advice for you. If you do not have further query, you may close the discussion and rate it. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Charu Bansal (9 minutes later)

Will the rash or bumps ever completely disappear? What is the actual cause of the rash? Is it like a chemical imbalance in my skin?

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer: detail follows Detailed Answer: The severity and frequency of the skin rash in atopic dermatitis usually decrease with age. I can understand your situation. But dont take panic. The basic reason for such dry skin is lack of a factor in our skin by birth only which otherwise is required for providing suppleness to skin. That deficiency of hydration in skin has to be supplemented from outside by putting moisturisers. Advantage of putting on semi wet body is that it forms a film of water over skin and prevent it from getting evaporated thus enhancing better hydration. Good luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D