What Causes Rash On The Anti Cubital Region Of Arm?

Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 1 Jul 2014 Answered on

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a rash on the anticubital region of my arm. It has started to spread toward my arm pit area and wrist area. It is incredibly itchy, has slight swelling, and tends to be warm to the touch. There are no pustules, and it isn't very bumpy, it's just sort of red and blotchy. Tomorrow, will be the last day of a round of Pretdnisone (3 days, three times daily, 3 days 2 times daily, and 3 days 1 time a day) that I was prescribed for it, and it hasn't helped. It has gotten worse.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
could be infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Welcome to HealthcareMagic.

Though the rash looks like urticaria (allergic reaction, and maybe due to this you were prescribed a steroid), but since it is not responding to steroid, and infact it is increasing with steroid, so it could be a skin infection, either bacteria or fungal.

Now you need to stop the steroid (predinisolone) onitment and start on an antibiotic like amoxicilline. But for the prescription you need to see your local doctor, preferably a dermatologist.

Also take some antihistaminics like cetrizine to control the itching. And you may apply any antibacterial and antifungal ointment in consultation with your dermatologist.

Stop the steroid. It reduces the immunity and will make the infection spread even more.

Hope i have been helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj