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What Causes Itchy Rash On Upper And Middle Back?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015
Question: My wife has an itchy rash on upper and middle back, including back of arms, shoulders. Has had it for 18 months. Still itchy, no other symptoms. Can you advise?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Rash treat with steroid cream

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your XXXXXXX care concerns.

You are concerned about your wife and her having a skin rash for 18 months. Could you possibly send a picture of the rash showing the full area affected and a close up of the edges. This will help make a diagnosis.

From the sound of your description is that she may have topical dermatitis or contact dermatitis or eczema. For these conditions I recommend using a steroid cream. For over the counter medication I recommend hydrocortisone to be used twice daily. You can make the medication more effective by applying the cream after a bath or shower. XXXXXXX drying the skin and then applying the cream. When drying with a towel rubbing will cause more skin oils to be removed and dry the skin. So when drying just XXXXXXX drying will prevent drying. Also rubbing may release histamines and more itching.

In summary
1. send picture if possible
2. apply steroid cream hydrocortisone after bathing and XXXXXXX drying
3. Avoid hot showers and XXXXXXX dry to reduce drying of skin

I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions or if you need additional information
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (4 minutes later)
Thank you. Please find attached a picture of my wifes back and the rash. What do tou think?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Eczema

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for submitting the pictures of the rash. The rash is definitely a form of contact dermatitis or eczema. She has hypersensitive skin to something. In addition to using a steroid cream I would recommend changing her detergent to a hypoallergenic soap and to stop all fabric softeners. Fabric softeners are frequently allergenic and should be avoided with you wife.

In summary
1. Contact dermatitis or eczema
2. Use steroid cream hydrocortisone of if need prescription strength steroid cream from you medical provider
3. Stop regular detergent and fabric softeners.
4. Use hypoallergenic detergents
5. Reduce heat of showers or bathing
5. XXXXXXX dry to not rub dry
6. Apply steroid cream after bathing

I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions or if you need additional information
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. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Itchy Rash On Upper And Middle Back?

Brief Answer: Rash treat with steroid cream Detailed Answer: Thanks for contacting HCM with your XXXXXXX care concerns. You are concerned about your wife and her having a skin rash for 18 months. Could you possibly send a picture of the rash showing the full area affected and a close up of the edges. This will help make a diagnosis. From the sound of your description is that she may have topical dermatitis or contact dermatitis or eczema. For these conditions I recommend using a steroid cream. For over the counter medication I recommend hydrocortisone to be used twice daily. You can make the medication more effective by applying the cream after a bath or shower. XXXXXXX drying the skin and then applying the cream. When drying with a towel rubbing will cause more skin oils to be removed and dry the skin. So when drying just XXXXXXX drying will prevent drying. Also rubbing may release histamines and more itching. In summary 1. send picture if possible 2. apply steroid cream hydrocortisone after bathing and XXXXXXX drying 3. Avoid hot showers and XXXXXXX dry to reduce drying of skin I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions or if you need additional information