Rash driving me utterly mad - any ideas what it might be as I await referral to dermatology??

[PunishmentRoundupWithJoon]

I have a rash and it's driving me crazy. It started around armpits and has now spread down arms, past elbow and it also on my side, over ribs and on my back.

First GP said it was fungal, gave Canesten HC. That didn't work but did sting when applied. Went to Urgent Care last week as utterly desperate and doctor prescribed steroids as rash was inflamed and spongy.

Saw a GP yesterday for follow up after Urgent Care and she was clueless. She took photos and said she would submit them to dermatology for 'urgent review'.

I have been taking 3 180mg Fexofenadine every day (Urgent Care doc said it was ok, given intensity of itching) but I swear they are making barely any difference. I am using Eurax, Germolene (for anaesthetic effect) and Vagisil (for lidocaine) and the itching is still making me want to scratch my skin off.

Does anyone have any ideas what this might be? It's hot to the touch, and i can feel it burning even as I sit here.

Yes, I am "asking strangers on the internet"! Though not as an alternative to seeking medical treatment.

I'm wondering if it's infected, though surely 2nd GP would have suggested this?

I feel well enough in myself, just utterly frenzied with the itch.

Thanks in advance!

That makes no sense. The body does not take energy from ‘bad cells’. Damaged cells are engulfed through phagocytosis. They do not provide glucose for ATP (energy) production.

With my autoimmune issues that flared up last june, rheumatoid arthritis also became a huge issue in my fingers, toes, wrist, hip, knees and shoulders. Quite shocking.

For me, fasting, an anti inflammatory diet, good olive oil daily, avoiding histamine foods, cutting out sugar, eating only once a day has been transformative.

It has cost me nothing, yet I have never looked nor felt better.

Above everything I have firmly taken control of my health too.

I would suggest to start eating just once a day, it really makes a difference, not least to sleep quality as all food is long digested by bed time.

@SignGrudgeBluebook - as I mentioned in an earlier post, the Urgent Care doctor did give me antibiotics.

@karinahh - thank you. Unfortunately at the moment I'm turning to food more than ever due to the stress. Had started to cut back a bit too. When this is under control I'll be taking a look at my health overall.

Unless you have extensive experience of fasting, you would do well to try it. You would change your mind. Fasting is an incredible healer.

I think the OP has a bacterial infection.

OP, my Mum has skin Lupus and it doesn't just effect the face. My Mum occasionally gets Lupus on her face but usually it's her arms, legs and body. It's definitely worth looking into as a possibility.

I have Lupus and it very rarely is on my face. Usually arms trunk and legs.

I know! I'm was a comfort eater for 25 years.....since having children 🤔.....like a lot of women.

For me, I was in so much pain and discomfort, on steroids that gave me the rage😬🤯, pure desperation fuelled me to make the changes.

Really wishing you well.

@Megsdaughter - Thank you - I will be keeping lupus on my list of possibilities.

Collected anti fungal tablets from pharmacy yesterday and have started them. Dermatologist said to start with them whilst waiting for blood tests and skin biopsy. Am SO hoping they work.

My, fairly similar, rash started improving within a couple of days of starting some heavy duty antifungals. So keeping my fingers crossed for you OP, itching is so intrusive a feeling!

@Ineffable23 - that's a good word to describe how it feels; intrusive. It's really hard to focus on anything else when the itching is so all consuming.

It's so good to hear that your rash started to improve with antifungals - I hope I'm not getting ahead of myself here but...the itching is definitely less today, And the rash MAY be slightly less...vibrant. Have only had 2 of the tablets so far though, so let's see how it goes!

Today was the first day I didn't NEED an antihistamine!