What causes less itchy rash all over the body?

Question

Hello doctor,

I started developing a rash all over my body. It first started on the lower parts of my legs and looked like ingrown hair or small goose bumps with white or skin-colored tiny bumps that do not itch. In the areas where it is more concentrated, it looks more like dermatitis but very small, so it is not very obvious at first look. I also have had this on my arm area. Yesterday, it also started to develop very strongly in my chest area where it itches a bit and also has reddish bumps and it looks like a typical sun allergy. Today, I even see the same rashes developing on my toes, and in all, the rash has spread all over my body now. Although it is not itching, I feel very uncomfortable because it feels like I have a very rough skin surface. What could this be? Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have gone through the details of the history of your problem provided to us, as well as the clinical photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity). As per the history, distribution, and appearance of lesions on the pictures, it appears to be Miliaria rubra (in layman's terms-prickly heat), which has additionally become flared up due to sweating, sun exposure, and possibly some local applications. To be able to confirm my diagnosis, I would need a few details such as:

1. How is the prevalent weather in your place and your daily home and office routine, do you think you may have sustained a lot of sun exposure and sweating or high temperatures of late? If yes, then it goes in favor of this possibility.

2. Is it too itchy or does it itch more on sweating?

3. It is better for you to stick to pure cotton. What kind of fabric do you prefer to wear?

4. Has any procedure such as waxing been done recently? Waxing or any temporary hair removal method may also result in such bumps or may exacerbate heat rash.

Based on my presumption that we are dealing with a flared-up version of prickly heat, I would like to suggest the following to you:

1. Try to keep yourself in a cool, air-conditioned environment.

2. Take frequent baths with cool water and non-medicated soap.

3. Prefer wearing pure cotton and loose garments, to prevent the accumulation of sweat.

4. Apply a soothing Lacto Calamine-based lotion three to four times a day. It will give you a soothing effect and also expedite the resolution of your bumps.

5. Since it has spread to other areas of the body, you would additionally need oral anti-itching drugs. I suggest you procure and take Cetirizine 10 mg. Take one tablet daily after dinner for 10 to 15 days. Although drowsiness is seen in very few patients who take Cetirizine, beware of its remote possibility.

6. I would also recommend the application of a mild steroid lotion over the affected parts for at least seven to 10 days to expedite the resolution of your symptoms. Apply Desowen (Desonide) lotion over the affected parts twice a day for five days followed by once a day for another five days, and then stop.

I hope this helps.