Weird Rash

[237SJ]

Several weeks ago I noticed a patch (about the size of a fingertip) of dry skin on my back (below the shoulder blade where it meets the underarm area). I bought some Lotil cream and used it for a while. I then forgot about it. The patch is now about 2.5cm long. It`s rounded but not round in shape. I thought it might be ringworm but it`s not clear in the middle. It`s very red, scaly, raised and the skin appears to be thickened. The strange thing is, it doesn`t irritate at all. I wouldn`t know it was there if I hadn`t seen it. I`m thinking psoriasis but I have never suffered from that. Any ideas what it could be?

[carolegif]

Could be a touch of eczema.

[scruffbag]

Is it urticaria? [a type of hives] x

[237SJ]

Thanks for the replies. Having looked at the photos of uticaria, I don`t think it`s that as it doesn`t appear to be rash. I have been quite stressed recently and that is why I was thinking it might be psoriasis but I hadn`t thought about eczema. Maybe I`ll stick with the hydrocortisone for now. Thanks again.

[Sqad]

Pityriasis rosea.

[gingejbee]

..and, if it is as Sqad suggests, you should use a simple moisturiser on it - no other topical treatment. It may take a few weeks to go...but it will.

[Eve]

Pityriasis rosea is one of the things they think might have caused a rash I started up with a couple of weeks ago. Guessing it's the "herald patch" I can't remember getting.

I came out with clusters of near symmetrical spots on my arms, thighs, back of my shoulders and legs, started with a few and spread. Was initially irritating then itchy. Started as spots then they all seemed to blob together to make patches.

In case it does spread and get itchy, I tried E45 anti itch cream which didn't help much, very short lived relief. My GP gave me Eurax lotion which you can get over the counter and a antihistamine to take before bed as well as the one I take anyway in the morning. I tried to get calamine lotion but neither Boots or Superdrug had any then mum brought some up but by then it had started to calm and fade. It's still very visible but far from the very vivid bright red colour it was. It's gone very dry and flakey now on my arms.

[ummmm]

I had psoriasis really badly and it does sound like that.

Are you stressed about anything? Apparently that is one of the triggers.

Has anyone in your family got psoriasis?

[237SJ]

Thanks for the further replies (I`ve only just looked). I don`t think it`s Pityriasis as it`s not really a rash. My fault - my heading was wrong - it`s more of a patch than a rash. I`ll keep going with the hydrocortisone. Thanks again.