Strange skin condition

[bambam]

I know this likely to be a dead end, but what the heck.

I have a strange re-occurring skin ailment that I can't figure out. Just wondering if others have had something like it and had it resolve. It looks like a rash, but is often bilateral (if I have a patch near one elbow, I have one near the other). It is red, slightly raised with what appear to be little bumps (think flea bite appearance) throughout-but not many. It does not respond to steroid creams, anti-fungal preps or topical antibiotics. Ointments (oil-based) exacerbate it. I tried to take pics to post, but it just doesn't photograph well. It is intensely, but not constantly itchy. Only cold packs relieve the itch, temporarily. I have had it on my arms, and upper and lower torso. It seems to come and go at will-lasting 2-6 weeks at a time.

I should say I went to a dermatologist about it, who didn't know what it was. He biopsied skin from one patch. All he said was that the biopsy indicated was the it was an allergic reaction, but that means almost nothing (that mast cells were prevalent and its not psoriasis). I would have guessed some type of cluster of bug bites, but for the almost perfect symmetry it often shows.

Any thoughts?

 

[kallipolis]

I know this likely to be a dead end, but what the heck.

I have a strange re-occurring skin ailment that I can't figure out. Just wondering if others have had something like it and had it resolve. It looks like a rash, but is often bilateral (if I have a patch near one elbow, I have one near the other). It is red, slightly raised with what appear to be little bumps (think flea bite appearance) throughout-but not many. It does not respond to steroid creams, anti-fungal preps or topical antibiotics. Ointments (oil-based) exacerbate it. I tried to take pics to post, but it just doesn't photograph well. It is intensely, but not constantly itchy. Only cold packs relieve the itch, temporarily. I have had it on my arms, and upper and lower torso. It seems to come and go at will-lasting 2-6 weeks at a time.

I should say I went to a dermatologist about it, who didn't know what it was. He biopsied skin from one patch. All he said was that the biopsy indicated was the it was an allergic reaction, but that means almost nothing (that mast cells were prevalent and its not psoriasis). I would have guessed some type of cluster of bug bites, but for the almost perfect symmetry it often shows.

Any thoughts?

Try and establish what causes the allergic reaction immediately a flare up occurs. There could be a dietary cause. Or, there could be a psychological cause. Or, it could be related to contact with plants, trees etc.

 

[bambam]

At first I thought it was a form of contact dermatitis, but if so it's strange that prescription corticosteroids and anti-histamines have no effect. Also what's with its bilateral nature? I have changed laundry detergents, use mild soap to bathe, etc. to no effect. Had patch testing about ten years ago (no allergens detected) but that was before the skin condition started. Never get it on my hands or other normally exposed locations. Always in areas that are normally covered by clothing, but not folds-as in armpits, groin etc. I have tried to link it to something without success.

Any other guesses?



(Hey why did armpits get turned into a link. I didn't do that-seems automated.)

 

[kallipolis]

Are your legs and feet affected?

 

[bambam]

Not so far...

 

[kallipolis]

Not so far...

Then the cause has nothing to do with your detergents; nor bath/shower soap.

Do you wear vests, tee shirts, shirts, sweaters or any clothing that has direct contact with your skin that is made of artificial fibre?

You state:

I have had it on my arms, and upper and lower torso.

Trousers are usually made of cotton, or wool. Your legs are not affected.

Try wearing cotton only clothing that has direct contact with your skin.
Even avoiding cotton/artificial fibre mixtures.

I also note your words:

It seems to come and go at will-lasting 2-6 weeks at a time.

I am again guessing when I assume that your skin is particularly sensitive.

Do have an oily, or dry skin?

What is your skin pigmentation type? Are you very pale skinned? Do you have blue eyes, and fair hair?

Your further comments/reply are awaited.

 

[bambam]

I wear cotton only (or wool, over cotton). No blends for this boy. Yes, my skin tends to be dry, and sensitive (can't wear a watch) and I'd say I'm fair skinned (N. European decent), but not very pale. Hz eyes, Lt. Br hair. This is beginning to sound like a dating ad

 

[evanrick]

if its bi-lateral you have probably had it since birth but for some reason its showing up now? just a wild guess.some kind of auto-immune response or virus.

 

[kallipolis]

I wear cotton only (or wool, over cotton). No blends for this boy. Yes, my skin tends to be dry, and sensitive (can't wear a watch) and I'd say I'm fair skinned (N. European decent), but not very pale. Hz eyes, Lt. Br hair. This is beginning to sound like a dating ad

I am simply performing the role of the detective.

That your skin is particularly sensitive does suggest that there lies the possible Achilles heal to your occasional skin condition.

How many years/months have you been experiencing these outbreaks? At what age did they first begin?What is the frequency over a year, and are the outbreaks particularly vehement during any particular season?

 

[bambam]

I have been having this problem off and on for two years. It doesn't appear to be seasonal. I've had these rashes in Summer and Winter (and Spring and Fall). I can go 1-2 months without having any, but they can be as frequent as 1-3 weeks apart (from the time one outbreak resolves until the next begins). It is not unusual for one patch to partly resolve and an adjacent patch of skin then begin to turn red etc (this can happen bilaterally also). But "spreading" doesn't happen all the time. I've speculated that it might be a type of heat rash but sweating doesn't appear to link.

I now have a reasonable pic of one patch I'm dealing with now, but I don't know how to attach it to this post.

Oh and one more piece of info. As it begins to resolve, the skin becomes a bit leathery before it returns to normal.

 

[kallipolis]

I have been having this problem off and on for two years. It doesn't appear to be seasonal. I've had these rashes in Summer and Winter (and Spring and Fall). I can go 1-2 months without having any, but they can be as frequent as 1-3 weeks apart (from the time one outbreak resolves until the next begins). It is not unusual for one patch to partly resolve and an adjacent patch of skin then begin to turn red etc (this can happen bilaterally also). But "spreading" doesn't happen all the time. I've speculated that it might be a type of heat rash but sweating doesn't appear to link.

I now have a reasonable pic of one patch I'm dealing with now, but I don't know how to attach it to this post.

Oh and one more piece of info. As it begins to resolve, the skin becomes a bit leathery before it returns to normal.

Your immune system appears to be functioning normally. The process of recovery will include the skin taking on a leathery appearance before resuming its normal texture.

A photograph would assist me.

A so called heat rash can develop as a result of stress related pressures.

Are you easily stressed? Do you respond positively to stressful circumstances? Would you characterise your personality as highly sensitive?

Does alcohol consumption feature prominently? If so what would be your weekly consumption?

 

[bambam]

Can anyone tell me how to insert an image?

 

[bambam]

Ok I think I now can post a picture of said rash (I guess I'm more technically challenged than I thought).

(Kallipolis check PM for additional info.)

 

[kallipolis]

I have replied to your PM with my opinion.

I note and have examined the photo of the affected area.

Definitely an allergic reaction and nothing that should encourage you to worry, or over concern yourself.

Thanks for the exchanges.