HomeAnswersDermatologypityriasis roseaWhy am I having red spots with dry, irritated skin on the arms, shoulders, and legs?

Why do I have red spots of dry and irritated skin?

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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 July 1, 2017
Reviewed AtJuly 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have red spots of dry and irritated skin on the arms, shoulders, and leg, just below the waistline. Minor itchiness comes and goes. I am using Neosporin for about a week, but they are still there. I am attaching a picture of these red spots.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I need more information.

  1. From when do you have this problem?
  2. How many lesions do you have in total?
  3. How many episodes per year?
  4. Do you have flaky scalp?
  5. Any history of fever?
  6. A month back, did you have similar lesions?

The images (attachment removed to protect patient identity) are not very clear. Please send good quality images. Differential diagnoses are:

  1. Nummular eczema.
  2. Pityriasis rosea (if similar lesions are present on trunk).

Both of them resolve with topical application of steroid-based creams. Neosporin will not help. If it is recurrent, then skin biopsy would help to confirm the diagnosis.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have attached new pictures. You will see that it is affecting same areas on both arms. It is there for 1 to 2 weeks. It is hard to count, but I think there are around 15 to 20 lesions. The ankle rash was different and went away quickly with the use of Betamethasone. I do not have flaky scalp or a history of fever.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The lesions in the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity) looks like Pityriasis rosea. The cause can be a viral infection or idiopathic. Basically, it is self-resolving. One or two lesions can appear over the period of the next 2 to 3 weeks. There is no need to worry. I suggest applying a steroid-based cream, like Flutivate cream (Fluticasone propionate) or Mometasone-based cream over the erythematous lesions, once daily for 7 to 10 days.

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

Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash
Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash

Dermatology

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