Hi!
I've had a recurrent rash for over 4 years now. Actually, I think it is there year-long but flares in the early spring (Feb/March) and is more visible and itchy throughout the summer, returning to a low level in the fall and winter.
The sequence is as follows: in Feb/Mar I get red circular patches at the corner of my mouth running down diagonally between mu chin and cheek (mostly on one side). I may get other small flares, but this is the main patch. The rash is, as mentioned, circular, with a slightly raised pinkish border. If I scratch at the border I sometimes pull out a small plug with a white root.
A red rash then appears on my hands, usually between my thumb and forefinger, in March April. This rash eventually spreads to my forearms and lower legs (though it is never as visible on my legs - I just know it's there by the itchiness). The rash on my forearms gets more pronounced (itchier and redder) with the heat and sun. I'm not sure which is aggravating it. Also, the pigmentation on my arm eventually becomes patchy.
Because I have relatively dark skin for a Caucasian woman, the redness of the rash is not extremely visible and most doctors and dermatologists have not been able to diagnose it or have misdiagnosed it. I have tried a variety of cortisone creams, etc without success.
I am wondering if it could be fungal. One dermatologist mentioned possibly trying a strong anti-fungal pill, but mentioned liver damage as a possible side effect, and seemed hesitant to prescribe it without a more certain diagnosis.
Another dermatologist thought I had a sun allergy and prescribed a strong sunscreen. I am not convinced of the this diagnosis either as the rash remains thoughout the year now. However, the rash is restricted to my face and lower limbs - areas most exposed to the sun - so there is some link. But if it is the sun, the effect is not immediate, and the rash never totally disappears.
I have never had this rash on my trunk or groin area. My head does get very itchy though, as does my face in general. This is at its worst in the spring/early summer and then in the summer, it is my forearms, then forearms and lower legs and eventually also my upper arms.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!