Do tiny raised red spots on the inner arms warrant concern?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have some tiny red spots on my inner arms. I have had it for a few days. They are slightly raised, but not much at all, and they do not itch or hurt. I do have psoriasis on my ankle, which I have had for a few months now. I also had a UTI and took antibiotics to treat it a little more than a month ago. I am wondering if I should go in to see a doctor about it. I am currently on Zoloft and birth control pills.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Is it one forearm or both? Is there any history of travel or staying in a new place like a hotel or camping? Is there any history of gardening, or playing outdoors? Considering the history and after seeing the clinical picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity), I can provide the most probable causes for this rash.

1. Papular pityriasis rosea, an inflammatory condition that follows any kind of illness like flu, UTI (urinary tract infection), etc. It usually presents with red scaly spots that do not itch or hurt, starts on the trunk then extends to limbs, and resolves on its own in six to eight weeks. Check for similar spots on the body as well.

2. Drug rash from the antibiotics that you took for UTI. May I know which antibiotic did you take?

3. Allergic contact dermatitis either to new clothes, sweaters, or new hand lotion. Do you recall using any new skin products or clothes in the recent past?

4. Keratosis pilaris is one of the differential diagnoses if it is in both forearms and arms. It is usually associated with eczema. Do you have any history of eczema?

5. Have you been using any creams or ointments?

Please discuss the options with your dermatologist and get the appropriate treatment.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.