Male (28 yrs) - Red Itchy Rash that started in armpit / itchy rash on feet

[nene3]

I have had a rash on my feet for some months now, and now have a rash in my armpits.  When I put on deodorant, the rash burns and seems to get more inflamed.  I stopped using the deodorant, and tried applying anti-itch cream - this offered no improvement.  I decided to go the doctor since the rash did not seem to improve.  The rash is very red, itchy and round to irregular in shape.  My doctor took a scratch sample and had trouble identifying the rash.  She prescribed me anti-itch cream, a medicated 'shampoo' (or soap) to wash the areas with, in addition to yeast infection medicine (usually for vaginal infections - but instead of taking it every day I am taking it once a week).  After beginning treatment, the rash on my feet and armpits crusted over and has dried up dramatically.  There is still visible areas where the rash is present, but there is a lot of improvement.  My feet now have red capillary type areas, with scabbing.  

I am writing now because the rash seems to be spreading (after beginning treatment).  The rash is moving down my arm, and there are also some areas on my legs.  All the rash areas begin as small bumps that then turn into larger rash areas.  It looks a lot like ringworm, yet the doctor reassured me that it is not contagious, so I am assuming it cannot be?  Is it possible to have these symptoms but it not be tinea?  The doctor also mentioned that this type of rash is asymmetrical.  I share a bed with my girlfriend and do not want to spread anything to her.  The fact that the doctor gave me yeast infection medicine tells me it may be tinea, but could it possibly be dermatitis?

Any advice would be great.  It is VERY itchy!  I have many skin allergies, and have had to take  prednisone in the past for other rashes.  Please....any advice?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or secondary to use of deodarants, shaving or waxing etc.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[nene3]

Thank you.  I just woke up and it is now all over my arms - and VERY itchy. I shower everyday, so I don't think it is a hygiene thing.  I'm going to the doctor today to hopefully get the high potency steriod shot you mentioned.  I feel like my skin is going to just be covered with this.  The doctor originally had said she thought it was something that started with a 't'....but not contegious or ringworm.  HELP!