Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 3/26/2006

Question
Hello,

I've been suffering from a rash that started maybe a year ago. It started on my right arm, jumped to my left and for the past 10 months it's been nothing but my left. It looks like a group of little red bumps mainly on the outside area of the arm between the elbow and the bend. If I leave alone, the itching is goes down to where I almost forget it's there and it slowly starts going away. If I apply rubbing alcohol a couple of times a day or when it starts itching, it goes away quicker. When it does start to go away, it dries up and kind of looks like if I just scrapped my arm against a wall. I was given Cortizone by a general MD but it doesn't seem to have any effect. The problem is that sometimes I "slip" and scratch and it's quick to come back. Sometimes it comes back on it's own. It starts with one little red bump and if anything irritates it, like a short sleeve shirt rubbing it, it spreads again and I have to start all over. i've changed soap, shampoo, deodorant, detergent, etc... my girlfriend even stopped wearing makeup for a while.  

Answer
You could have a number of skin diseases.  You could have what is called eczema which is nothting more than dry itchy skin.  You could have what is called papular urticaria which is nothing more than inflammed bumps.  You could have an allergic reaction to something that you came in contact with.  Treatment for this condition is dependent on the cause.  Normally the doctor would treat with a very strong topical cortisone like Clobetasol Cream.  One can also biopsy one of the skin lesions to determine what is the cause of this skin condition.  I recommend you visit your local dermatologist for the correct diagnosis and treatment.