HomeAnswersDermatologyerythema multiformeI want to know about the red rash on my finger. Please help.

I have a rash that is red with a smaller dot in the center. What could it be?

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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.

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Published At February 13, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 22, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have Raynaud's phenomenon and cutaneous vasculitis. I am concerned about a rash on my finger that is red with a small darker dot in the center. The rash does not itch or hurt. The tissue is soft.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

With your description, it seems like a target lesion which is seen in erythema multiforme. Erythema multiforme is a hypersensitivity skin reaction due to underlying infections, some medications, systemic diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Or it could be purpura (blood leak underneath the skin). I am very sorry I cannot make a precise diagnosis unless I see the clinical picture.

I would like to know few more details:

  1. How long has it been there?
  2. Did you have any recent illness like fever or cough?
  3. Did you take any oral medication?

I would suggest you attach your clinical picture along with your query so that it is convenient for me to comment on your condition and give you appropriate suggestions.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

It has been there three weeks. I take Plaquenil. I have not had a recent illness.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Plaquenil is Hydroxychloroquine. It is a medication for your vasculitis. Hydroxychloroquine is also known to cause erythema multiforme. Infections being the most common cause. Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, and certain antibiotic are the common medications implicated. Erythema multiforme is usually self-limiting condition. Requires treatment when it is widespread involving oral cavity.

Again, I am sorry I cannot confirm if it is erythema multiforme without seeing the clinical picture. I am handicapped here without the picture. It could be traumatic rash or purpura as I mentioned earlier. I would suggest you apply Calamine lotion for the rash three times a day. Watch out for similar rashes. See if you have any lesion inside the mouth.

Take care.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am attaching a picture of the rash.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for adding the picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Yes, it looks like target lesion of erythema multiforme. Most of the times it is painless. It is a part of Raynaud's phenomenon also. Topical moisturizer and Calamine lotion would be of help. Use it for a week, it should subside. Keep your hands warm and protected from cold as advised by your dermatologist for Raynaud's phenomenon. Avoid nicotine, it can construct the blood vessels precipitating Raynaud's phenomenon.

It is not purpura, I can confirm that. A traumatic wound should have pain, and you are saying it does not hurt. Watch out for similar rashes, if you get more, then you will have to make an appointment with your dermatologist.

Hope this information is helpful for you. Take care.

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

Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy
Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy

Venereology

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