HomeAnswersDermatologydermatitisI have scaled red rash on my forehead, nose, and chest. Please help.

How to get rid of itchy red rashes on the face and chest?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shama Naaz

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At April 29, 2021
Reviewed AtApril 23, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had this scaled red rash for about five weeks. It started on my forehead but has spread to my nose, chest, and my back. I live in the bush with no doctors nearby. I treated it first with Miconazole (fungicide) for a week and noticed no change, following with Quadriderm for a week and observed no change instead, just kept spreading. Next, I treated scabies with Ivermectin and had no change, then went to the town and saw a doctor, and he gave me a course of Tetracycline and Cortisone cream, that was a week ago and still no change. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Shama Naaz

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The areas affected are sun-exposed. So there is a possibility of photodermatosis. It will help if you avoid direct sun exposure. And you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher daily even if you are at home. There are some questions for you. Are you under any medication that you take daily or have started recently? Do you have any itching or burning sensations? Did you use hair dye before the appearance of rash?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I know it looks like sunburn, but it is not. I use factor 50 sunblock when I am out in the sun and a big hat but have not been in the sun since this problem started. Other than that, as mentioned before, I took a course of Bactrim for a bladder infection about six weeks ago. I take Eltroxin 150 mcg per day daily for hypothyroid. Yes, it is itchy but not burning. I have not used hair dye. Initially, it spread to my chest and shoulders about three weeks after it appeared on my forehead and then to my nose, starting with a scab.

Answered by Dr. Shama Naaz

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Are you currently taking any antihistamines for itching?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

No, I am not taking anything for the itching.

Answered by Dr. Shama Naaz

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You should apply Caladryl lotion (Calamine and Diphenhydramine hydrochloride) over the red areas to relieve itching. It will help if you wash your face with a gentle cleanser. And it will be best if you use a hypoallergenic moisturizer like CeraVe facial moisturizer, twice daily. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for suggesting the medicines. What do you think this is? Please let me know.

Answered by Dr. Shama Naaz

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

For your short duration red lesions along with scaling, my differential diagnosis is allergic contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. To confirm it, you should get a dermoscopic evaluation and an allergy test done. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shama Naaz
Dr. Shama Naaz

Dermatology

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