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Rashes That Look Like A Scratch, Around Forearm, Torso And Neck. What It Could Be?
Hi, i have a rash that looks like scratches. it started on my right forearm near my wrist and is now around my torso and stomach and groin . It looks like scratches from a cat. I am not allergic to anything an this came on all of a sudden yesterday. I have not changed body wash lotion or shampoo or towel so am not sure what it might be. I have just come back from travelling in Japan though and stayed in hostels where the sheets might not have been washed properly so am not too sure if that might be the reason. The rash is now around my neck too as i type this. Do you know what it could be? thanks
Mon, 8 Jul 2013
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
From the description it seems, you could be having a type of urticaria known as dermatographism. Another plausible diagnosis, taking your japan visit in account is flagellate erythema. It is seen with intake of a variant of mushroom known as Shiitake mushroom, which is commonly used in Japan. Hence it is also known as shiitake dermatitis.
Urticaria would resolve with antihistamines alone while flagellate erythema may require oral steroids.
The diagnosis can be made by clinically examining the lesions. For the same, you may consult a dermatologist nearby or use ASK A SPECIALIST feature of this website.
Hope that answered your query.
Take care
Thanks for writing to us.
From the description it seems, you could be having a type of urticaria known as dermatographism. Another plausible diagnosis, taking your japan visit in account is flagellate erythema. It is seen with intake of a variant of mushroom known as Shiitake mushroom, which is commonly used in Japan. Hence it is also known as shiitake dermatitis.
Urticaria would resolve with antihistamines alone while flagellate erythema may require oral steroids.
The diagnosis can be made by clinically examining the lesions. For the same, you may consult a dermatologist nearby or use ASK A SPECIALIST feature of this website.
Hope that answered your query.
Take care
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