How can one manage the red raised areas on arms and thighs?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have red raised areas on my arms, thighs, and buttocks. They are bigger than pimples but not big like a boil or ingrown hairs. I have itching, and it gets sore. I think this is a contagious infection because my husband has a few spots also.

Kindly assist.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Please answer my questions to guide you further and to confirm the diagnosis. Please mention from when you start to have these bumps or rashes, the appearance of these lesions on the arms, thighs, or buttocks, its exact location on the arms whether it is in front side or backside, exact location on thighs whether it is on the inner thigh or on the front, do you itchiness, do you have bleeding after itching, history of allergy or dry skin, any history of diabetes or hypertensive. Please mention whether your husband has these lesions in the same location, any fever, and the duration of using Lotrimin.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I think that you can have atopic dermatitis (eczema) as one of the possibilities. This condition is chronic or long-standing and produces rashes with itching. It is seen on hands, legs, and buttocks, and it is an immune-mediated condition. Another possibility is lichen planus. It is again an immune-related skin condition. The other possibility is disseminated bacterial infection, which produces a boil-like lesion with a burning sensation and bursts, leaving a trail. This happens when you are taking steroids and other immunosuppressive medications like Methotrexate for psoriasis.

You can have one of these conditions, and you need to do a further evaluation to confirm it. This is not a fungal infection, definitely, and you can discontinue using the cream. I think that the lesions present on your husband are coincidental and it is not related to your findings. You can wash the area with lukewarm water. Gently tap them with a soft and clean cloth and apply a good moisturizer for a few days. I am sure that you will get good relief soon.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.