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What Causes Rashes On Back, Arms And Thighs?

Posted on Wed, 15 Oct 2014

Question: A week ago I was steam cleaning my entire home and sweated excessively, a couple of days later small goose bumps like rash eruptions appeared on my back, arms, elbows, thighs, legs. I applied Ice and suthol.
But after 2 days the bumps turned red and my whole shoulder back arms were covered, they were violently itchy. I did some studies online and found out they resemble what is called "Miliaria Rubra (Prickly Heat)"
I have applied calaminol lotion and suthol, for temporal relief. Its been close to 8 days but they are still there, though in some areas the bumps have smoothed outto little patches.

What should i do to get relief from the ithces and how long will it take cure them ?

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lichen urticatus

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM.

I read history and saw photos. Most probably you may be having lichen urticatus. There are discrete erythematous and mild scaly papular papular and macular lesions. You may be having mild to severe pruritus along with burning sensations. You gave the history of cleaning the house. At that time you might have contact with insects. That would be responsible for the lesions of lichen urticatus. It is also called papular urticaria. It is a hypersensitivity reaction to insects. Still, you consult dermatologist for firm diagnosis.

I might give following treatment in my patients having such problem...

- application of mild steroid combined with antibiotic like gentamycin
- steroid in tapering dose for few weeks...like methylprednesolone
- antihistaminics like levocetirizine to relieve itch
- if there is secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics for short period
- dettol or savlon bath
- soap may be avoided
- precaution may be taken to prevent exposure to insects

I think this would be helpful to you to manage your disease. Still any query, you may ask.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (10 hours later)

As far as I am aware of , there we not any kind of contact with insects. I used a steam cleaning machine that generated ample amount of steam causing me to sweat tremendously for about 2 hours. A couple of days later these rashes started appearing. so I think they are what is called prickly heat ( miliaria ) . I googled images for prickly heat and the images showed something that is quite similar to my condition.
They are on my both arms, back, thighs, buttocks and a little amount in the groin area.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lichen urticatus

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back..

Most probable diagnosis is lichen urticatus, a hypersensitivity reaction to the insects. The insect could be mites, which are very small ..can not be seen easily. Do not worry about the diagnosis..just follow the treatment under observation of the dermatologist. I feel that you may be alright after few days to few weeks.

Still any query, you are welcome.

Have early recovery.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

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. Vinay Bhardwaj