A rash that I can't place

[worrying116]

Hey everyone,

Since a few weeks, I have had a rash that started in my groin, then spread to my upper legs, then to my arms, then to my stomach.
It looks flat on my stomach, but is slightly raised (very small red bumps) on my arms. They itch like crazy and I actually wake up at night because I have to scratch.
It actually looks like Keratosis Pelaris, except that that KP isn't supposed itch. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/Keratosis_pilaris_arm.jpg

The itch did start a few weeks after I had sex, although we only had oral sex (I'm worrying about eosinophilic folliculitis related to HIV). My upper body/shoulders aren't affected, neither is my face. I have not had any flu-like symptoms.

I've had this rash for almost a month now, and it is has become better the last couple of days, although I still got a severe case of butt-acné :-)


I will be going to the doctor anyway on Monday to get tested, but I haven't had much peace of mind yet...

What are your thoughts?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be a viral rash or scabies would be another possibility. It is characterized by intense itching, usually at night and by small insect-type bites lesions on the skin. Diagnosis of scabies is made by scraping the skin and viewing the material under a microscope to see the characteristic mite or eggs.
You should change the bed linen, your clothes and wash them in hot water and dry them in sun. You can also use medicated soaps as well for bathing. He should be isolated so not to pass the disease to others. Personal hygiene is needed. You should see for any nearby pet infected with it too which can be the cause of transmission of disease. Low immunity can as well cause such problem. Take multivitamins along with the treatment. Don't scratch the area.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[maatson]

'Scabies' is my impression. Could also be an ID reaction to fungus.
Cheers!