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What Causes Break Outs On Torso?

Posted on Mon, 8 Jun 2015

Question: Why does an almost 67 yr. old female have break outs on her front and back torso and also around the neck area. Have been fighting this for almost three years and the meds that I have been using does not help. No one will give me a cause, just meds. These on my stomach look like chicken pox. Have these breakout areas also on my back. Dermatologist says it is not an allergy. Please help me with some advice. No blood test has been given for this skin issue.

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
kindly upload images

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome to Healthcaremagic.com.
I have read your query. I understand your concern.
As per details, the most likely possibility for your symptoms is a condition of skin called Dermatitis herpetiformis. It is an autoimmune condition of skin characterised by fluid filled lesions over body distributed symmetrically.
Still I would like to visualize the lesions so that I can help you to my best.
Kindly upload images of the lesions here so as I can see to it.
Stay healthy.

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

Follow up: Dr. Charu Bansal (2 days later)

Is there anything that can be done for this? I have uploaded the pics. My body looks awful and it is beginning to bother me as I used to have beautiful skin. For information, these places do not heal fast if they heal at all. The stuff on my back has been here for approximately two years. It flairs up and then temporarily goes away and then it will flare back up. The sores on my head do the same. Those on my stomach have just come up in the last month and those are the ones that look like chicken pox. Those around my ears have been there about six months or more. Should you do any more information, please advise. Thank you for shedding light on this.

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
PLEVA and Dermatitis herpetiformis are differentials

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome back.
I have seen the upload images.
As per details, I put a possibility of Dermatitis herpetiformis.
From the pics , I would like to add a differential to it that is PLEVA (Pityriasis Lichenoides en Varioliformis Atrophicans).
It is characterised by formation of multiple types of lesions including fluid filled as in chicken pox so the term Varioliformis.
Another type of lesions are crusted lesions, atrophic lesions, Lichenoid lesions.
For this, topical potent steroids in combination with topical antibiotic is advised.
Oral antibiotics like Doxycycline / azithromycin is also helpful.
I will advise you to visit your Dermatologist so that he can do clinical examination. He may order Skin Biopsy for you to confirm the diagnosis.
You can share my opinion with him. I hope it helps.
Stay healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Charu Bansal (7 hours later)

Thank you very much for your help and may God bless you. I am going to make an appointment today. Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Its my pleasure to help you here.

Detailed Answer:
Its my pleasure. We doctors here are to help you. You may talk to us and share your problem further also.
THANKS FOR YOUR KIND WORDS.

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. Pradeep Vitta