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What Causes Rashes On Stomach, Back Chest And Arms?

Posted on Fri, 27 Nov 2015

Question: Hi doc, about a month ago i developed a small rash on my stomach. It has now spread all over my back, chest, arms and neck. It itches like crazy when my body temp rises. The can be from physical activity or just a nervous reaction. Once i cool down it conpletely stops but the bunps remain. See attached pics. I saw a doctor and they thought it was keratosis pilaris but that doesnt appear to have the same horrible itchy symptoms. I have been using cerave SA and cocunut oil but the condition hasnt changed. Please help. It is ruining my life.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Keratosis pilaris; Urea Or Ammonium lactate Or glycolic acid based cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Image.

Yes, you do have keratosis pilaris (KP). I can see follicular, pointed, papules with some of them also showing a central horny plugs. KP is part of a extreme dry skin conditions and itching is a feature of both dry skin and keratosis pilaris.
Moisturisers are an essential part of treatment of KP's; what is even more important is that you choose the right kind of moisturiser. A moisturiser which contains urea, ammonium lactate or glycolic acid are the one which are usually preferred for skin affected with KP's.
Urea, ammonium lactate or glycolic acid are hydrating/ hygroscopic (retain moisture in skin) and exfoliating agents and therefore help shed follicular plugs of KP's as well as benefit associated symptoms like itching.
I would suggest that you user either Ureative 20% cream Or Amylac cream Or Xerina cream, twice daily in consultation with your doctor.
The cream/ lotion (cerave SA)which you have been using contains salicylic acid which also has an exfoliative action but is not as effective as the ones I have suggested.
You may also take a tablet of cetrizine 10 mg once daily in evening for symptomatic relief from itching.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (43 minutes later)

Thanks doctor. One other symptom i have is that my back and chest dont seem to sweat. If i try exercising or physical activity my body becomes incredibly itchy to the point where i have to stop. I will still sweat out of my head etc. could this be because the Kp is on those areas?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Buildup of scales/ dryness causes inability to sweat and itching.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, itching on physical activity is because you have extremely dry skin and people with severe dry skin have problems with sweating due to buidup of scales on skin and this causes prickly kind of sensation/ itching. I think this symptom should also improve with the treatment.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 minutes later)

Thank you doc! I will get the lotion u recommended. I thought i might have chilinergic uticaria which made me nervous. Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cholinergic urticaria is characterised by transient itch welts

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Cholinergic urticaria is usually characterised by small wheal/ welts which appear on physical activity e.g exercise or anything that raises body temperature e.g a hot shower or even by consuming spicy food. These welts disappear after a few minutes once the inciting factor is no more e.g when a person stops exercising.
Do you also develop these kind of lesions i.e wheals/ welts? I thought you just had itching and KP's.
Anyways, tablet Cetrizine is going to be effective in cholinergic urticaria as well.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (37 minutes later)

No i do not get the welts. Only the heat symptoms are similar. Like if im exercising or if i get into a hot car then i start to itch. If i stop the activity the itchc goes away. All i have are the bumps u inthe photos. But they are all over my torso. None on legs.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Xerosis with keratosis pilaris

Detailed Answer:
Ok. Thank you. Then I will just stick to the diagnosis of dry skin with keratosis pilaris. You must take cetrizine tablet once daily in evening for 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. Sonia Raina