I know this a taking a COMPLETE shot in the dark, but I called my dermatologist yesterday and the soonest he could get me in was mid-January

So here goes .................

I have this rash that is on select places on my body ........ my right calf, a spot on my back, a spot on my chest, and the inside of my left and right forearm. They are just a group of a bunch of tiny bumps. Really not all that noticeable being just a little more red than my skin. The only way you can really see/feel them is if you run your hand over the area. It kind of feels like a group of goosebumps. For the most part it doesn't itch all that bad.

Now far the part I am most concerned with ..... my left hand and left hand only. A few days ago the inside of one of my fingers started to itch and it kind of started to wrinkle. I wrote it off as dry skin. Well now it has spread to my whole palm. My palm kind of looks like it's aged 40+ years over a few day span. It's turned kind of leathery and looks as if it might be starting to crack in a couple spots. Remember this is only on my left hand.

I've scoured the internet looking for anything resembling this and have come up "empty handed" ..lol I did read though that rashes may appear because of stress ............ which I have been the last week or so. I am hoping this is what it is and it will disappear after finals.

I know this is a huge shot in the dark, but BassResource.com has become your one stop shop for everyhthing.

BTW - There has been no change of soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, medication, etc

Here are a few pics:

The inside of my finger where it all started

My left palm ..... notice the leathery, wrinlkly, old look.  It also kind of has a shine too it that my other hand doesn't have.

And the bumps on my fore arm. Again the rash is VERY faint, but if you run your finger over it, it kind of has the feel of goosebumps.

Sounds like it could be a allergic reaction going on. Have you recently changed any of your medications or taken any medications OTC recently that you have not taken before? I would go to your Family Physician or maybe you already have and he recommended you to a Dermotologist. Other than the rash have you had any more symptoms such as shortness of breath, sleeplessness, or vertigo? You can go to www.webmd.com and take a look but, if you cannot get a appointment with your family practitioner soon I would go to your local Urgent Care. Make sure you take a list of your meds with you. Contact me if you need anymore help concerning this rash. I will see if I can put you on the right path. I can call a physician friend of mine and maybe get some answers or at least narrow it down. Sounds to me like you might need a Blood Panel and or a Scratch Test for Allergens. I have been in the Health Field for many years and I hope I can a least put you on the right path.

KU,

I just reread your post and you said that you contacted your Dermotologist. Have you had previous problems with this problem or similar issues? Usually you cannot see a specialist like this unless you have a referral from your Family Physician.

Sounds like it could be a allergic reaction going on. Have you recently changed any of your medications or taken any medications OTC recently that you have not taken before?

Nope no change in medication ... don't take anything.  There has no change in hygiene products either.

No other symptoms either, other than being pretty stressed lately with school (finals time).  I read that can contribute to break outs like this.  If I still have it early part of next week I will probably take your advice and bite the bullet and go to an urgent care.

I just took a couple Benadryls.  We'll see if that does anything.

KU,

I just reread your post and you said that you contacted your Dermotologist. Have you had previous problems with this problem or similar issues? Usually you cannot see a specialist like this unless you have a referral from your Family Physician.

No, but I have seen him for other things in the past though ..... moles, warts, etc

Stress can absolutly do that ---give you hives, that is. I know all about finals. I remember in college when I used to come unglued at times during finals and mid terms. I would address this soon though. Go down to the Nursing Program at your college and see if the instructors can help. I would still go for a professional diagnosis. It is probably nothing but, the sooner it is addressed the better. Good luck and if you need any more help feel free to ask.

Thanks for your help/advise and concern

If the itching continues you can purchase some Hydrocortisone cream for some relief.

This is a time for an Emergency room visit. No, they aren't dermitologists but at least you'll get a medical opinion and maybe some relief.

Does the rash look like this:

It might be Shingles:

"Key Facts About Shingles

Shingles, also called herpes zoster (HZ), can be a painful disease that can affect anyone who has had chickenpox.

It can start at any time, without warning.

The first signs of shingles are often felt and may not be seen. These can include: itching, tingling and burning. A few days later a rash of fluid-filled blisters appears, usually on one side of the body or face.

Sometimes the pain before the rash appears can be confused with other conditions and this can make shingles difficult to diagnose early on. "

"The shingles rash can be painful. Shingles rash usually last up to 30 days, and for most people the pain associated with the rash lessens, as it heals. However, for some people, after the rash heals, shingles may lead to pain that can last for months or even years (a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN)."

Don't mean to alarm you; just trying to be helpful.  And no, I'm not any kind of a doctor .

Dan

KU_B

don't play games.  If your dermotologist is booked go to your family doctor.  If he's not available right away. Get to an ER.  

Any condition that is spreading needs to be diagnosed right away.  You have no idea what it is or where it will spread to next.

GET TO A DOCTOR

I agree everyone. You need to go to Urgent Care. It could be tens of dozens of things but, you will not know if you don't seek a professional opinion. I was just asking questions about what I typically see all the time at the emergency room. I have seen so many people come in and tell us they have a rash, swelling,cyst,itching and burning , etc and when you ask how long this condition has been present they will say days or weeks. This is your body system telling you there is something wrong so address it. Soon. Let us know you are OK. You don't have to tell me whats wrong, thats confidential but, I would like to know that you were tended to and the situation is being addressed.

I took some Benadryl and got some sleep and that seems to be doing the trick.  My rash/bumps have seem to be cut in half.  This is leading me to believe it is some type of allergy.

Thanks for the concern.  If my condition is still present Monday, I will go seek some care .... someplace.

Thanks again.

Exima? I got that from the chlorine at the pool in gym class. It itches like hell but its everywhere. I got rid of most of it. It doesn't seem like that except visually. See a doctor.