What is this thing on my shoulder?

[MsCaseyGirl]

I have had this weird thing on my shoulder for months now!  First it started off as a bump.  I popped it and picked at it over and over, eventually it turned into a small scaly circle that was itchy and flaky.  Since I have a bad habit at picking at crusty thing I would pick at it a lot.  After a while it turned into a scaly line. I still picked. My mom thought it was ring worm so I put on some of the prescription cream my sister used for her issue.  Later it turned back into a scaly circle then back into a scaly line.  The line was there for awhile but tonight its like a oval shape not as crusty though. My younger sister has eczema and a immune inefficiency which has made her loose her hair.  What do I have? Spring and Summer are just around the corner and I rather not have this embarassing mark on me... I should be going to the doctor sometime next month but I thought I would ask on here first. Thank you in advanced.  I tried to provide as many details as possible.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This round rash can be due to nummlar dermatitis. Wear cotton clothes and do not irritate the area. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms  can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[skepticalpeach]

You really shouldn't pick at it. That could cause an infection. Have you tried putting any Neosporin on it? Other than that I would just try to ignore it until you get to the doctor. Let us know what you find out!