Hi, I Got A Pretty Bad Rash On My Back

Posted on Thu, 20 Aug 2020

Question: Hi, I got a pretty bad rash on my back today and I've also just started a new medication. I'm not sure if it's related or not but I'm worried it could be a bad reaction and I'm not sure if I should see my doctor for this.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding the rash

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I have gone through your query and reviewed the image.

It could be a sun-induced eruption.

Were you exposed to the sun on the back? Is it only on the back?
Where else is it located?
What about the arms? face?
Which drug did you start on recently?

Take care.
Hope to assist you further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding rash on the back

Detailed Answer:
Hi...
Thank you for following up.

Then most likely it is dermatitis due to underlying dry skin, perhaps exacerbated by woolens.

I suggest you use a moisturizer regularly. In addition to that, you may use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g either mometasone furoate 0.1% cream or triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream, twice daily. You may also take an oral antihistamine e.g Levocetirizine 5mg tablet once a day for a few days for symptomatic relief from itching (if any).

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)

It's winter here right now so I've been covering up. My back is the only place with the rash and I've never had something like this before. I started on dexamfetamine.