Weird rash on chin

[chefcaffy]

I've had a weird circular rash on my chin for about 4 months now. I've been diagnosed twice as having ezcema and the doctors gave me some steroid creams to put on. I don't think it helped my situation at all. It would help with the itch but didn't get better in size. In fact, it has spread to about half my chin now. Recently, another spot (same thing) also appeared on the other side of my chin. I have a derm appointment in 2 weeks but it seems too long.

the rash is red, dry, and itchy. the middle is not white, but could it be ringworm?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like nummular eczema. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

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

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[chefcaffy]

Hi Kindd,

Thanks so much for replying.

When I wash it, the area gets very red. Sometimes it's so dry that I can actually peel dead skin off it. It will look better for a little while (1-2hrs) but returns to it's fierce red color after the 2 hrs.

Doctors keep putting me on steroid creams but it hasn't done anything. I understand that steroids can suppress the symptoms, but it doesn't for me. It looks the same if I put it on or not. Does this sound like eczema?

Thanks so much for your help. I'm at my wits end.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since the rash is itchy,red and dry so I would support the diagnosis of eczema.But one more possibility is of pityriasis rosea is there.Although it is commonly present on the abdomen and face is a rare site,but still this possibility also needs evaluation.I would suggest a dermatologist’s evaluation and a biopsy of the skin to confirm the diagnosis.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[dj150]

hows your rash...I have the same thing..worried it will never go away..or it will return with stress..if it appears out of nowhere..why do people think its eczema..it shows up spreads..layer heals new layer emerges..   :(