What Causes Red Rashes On The Hands, Behind The Arms And Shoulders?

Posted on Fri, 5 Feb 2016

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

Fri, 5 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 23 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : i have a rash that is on my hands, back of my arms to my shoulder and on my legs from my knees down . it is fine red bumps, no fever, and I just stopped chemo on January 14th. it was low dose platinum.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Upload pictures, answer few questions

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us at healthcare magic

The rash can be due to the chemotherapy drug. I would like to ask you few questions:

Is it itchy?

Have you been in the sun for long?

Are you taking any other medicines?

I would recommend you to upload the photographs of the rash so that I have a clearer picture of the condition and can guide you better.

Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (31 minutes later)

I have just uploaded a photo of the rash on my hands which is the same on my legs

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Either chemotherapy induced maculopapular rash or photosensitivity

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the attached photograph.

It can be either due to the chemotherapy medicine you have taken or due to sun sensitivity.

In either of the condition I recommend my patients to take antihistaminic tablets like tablet Chlorpheniramine 4 mg once or twice daily depending on the intensity of itching along with application of mild steroid like cortisone cream on the affected areas twice daily.

This will help in resolving the rash.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad