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Suggest Treatment For Growing Rashes On Chest And Back

Posted on Wed, 1 Apr 2015

Question: I have a rash that is spreading over my chest and now towards my back. Should I go to urgent care, dermatologist, or just use cream ?/

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload a few images and provide more details

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I have taken note of your query.

I request you to kindly upload an image of the affected area so that i am able to guide you better.

In order to upload an image you need to do that at Reports Section

Or

you may also mail me the images at YYYY@YYYY . Kindly mention the subject line of the mail as Attn:Dr. Kakkar.

Also let me know more details regarding the rash...

-Do you have any associated symptoms like pain? Itching? etc
-How long since you have this rash?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Here is a picture of the rash. It is now going down my back

Thank you,

I recognized the rash Wednesday of last week but it was small. It continued to grow across my chest and now towards my back.

Yes there is itching and slight pain when I stretch

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Few more images required in addition to more details

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I have reviewed the image. The rash is deep red in color.
Judging from the distribution and the look of it I suggest a possibility of either Psoriasis/ Seborrheic dermatitis Or pemphigus erythematosus.

-Do you have scalp involvement too?
-Are there any oral lesions/erosions?
-Is it scaly? I can't appreciate it in this image.
-Can you upload a few more images including back? You need to take some help in clicking images of back.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 hours later)

Yes there is scalp involvement and it seems to be moving down my arm.

Yes there are some oral lesions as well

it is scaly and seems to be drying out and the skin is peeling

What should i do. I am in pain

Forget it , my hands are swollen and it continues to spread. I am seeing a dermatologist tomorrow

please refund my money

Thanks,

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Psoriasis vulgaris

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

This is classical psoriasis vulgaris. I can see diffuse involvement of chest and back with well defined, red, scaly plaques.

I suggest you to use a topical moisturizer/ emollient e.g vaseline or paraffin twice daily.
In addition I would suggest a topical steroid cream e.g mometasone furoate Or clobetasol propionate twice daily for the patches.
Since you seem to have an extensive involvement, therefore, I would also suggest an Oral immunosuppressive like Methotrexate.
For scalp involvement I would suggest a coal tar+salicylic acid based shampoo.
An OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily will provide you symptomatic relief from itching and discomfort.
These are all prescription medications. Kindly visit a dermatologist for the needful.
At this site we help you with your medical problems by suggesting the likely cause/ diagnosis and the best way to deal with it. Hope you can appreciate that and the effort that goes into it.
You can get back to me if you have any more concerns.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 minutes later)

thank you for your help.

how do I get the prescriptions without spending more $$ going to a dermatologist

I don't have any insurance

Any suggestions let me know

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need to see a dermatologist; that is an absolute necessity

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

You need to go to a dermatologist. There is no other way..
For an extensive involvement such as yours.. you will need both Oral as well as Topical medications.

You may use a topical emollient/ moisturizer, frequently till you get to see a dermatologist.
Also you may take an OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine for symptomatic relief from itching and burning.

I would have started you on Oral Methotrexate, which is an immunosuppressive. It is a prescription drug.
Topical steroids like clobetasol propionate 0.05% and topical vitamin D anlogues like calcipotril/ calcitriol are recommended topical treatments for psoriasis plaques. These are prescription steroids and would require a prescription. You wont get them OTC.

Till you get to see a dermatologist you may use an emollient/ moisturizer for symptomatic relief along with Oral cetrizine. These you can find OTC.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar