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Suggest Treatment For Allergic Skin Rash Caused After Working In Garden

Posted on Tue, 1 Apr 2014

Question: I started with small raised dark brown bumps on my arms and I thought it was a reaction to working dirt in my garden. I don't use any herbicides or sprays. I spread the rash to my face; it looked like I was a burn victim (I am black). I went to a dermatologist who prescribed Cutivate, then Finacea and few others; none of which worked. It lightened the discoloration a little, but my face is still not back to the normal color. I went to a Chinese herbalist who prescribed some herbal teas and a cream to apply; I have tried over the counter remedies, modified my diet and still a ways to go. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Sunscreen, antihistamine & protective hat/glares Detailed Answer: Greetings XXXXXXX As an amateur gardener myself, I empathise with your condition. The duration & chronology of the condition I am afraid does not come through clearly & neither is it clear to me if the rash you describe is itchy & if so, to what extent. I note you have used a couple of steroid preparations & a host of other remedies but no sunscreen is mentioned in the mix. Might I suggest, that most garden related issues especially those leaving behind a mottled pigmentation & colour changes are usually 'photo-aggravated' if not 'photo-sensitive' & by that I mean 'light' aggravated (mostly Ultraviolet light related issues) & will do very well with the use of a sunscreen applied liberally from XXXXXXX to dusk. A sunscreen with a sun protection factor SPF of 15/30 should suit your skin type well & is best used every 3-4 hrs & definitely 20 minutes before stepping out into the sun; if sweating, washing face or swimming, please do re-apply the same. In addition, the use of a wide-brimmed hat/cap may be useful. If there is any mild itch, an evening dose of levocetrizine 5mg (an antihistamine) that may be present by its international trade name Xyzal may be ingested in addition for a period of 1 week. Pigmentation issues take time to settle down & give it a week or two. It WILL resolve & your skin will return to normal. I trust this answer meets your requirement & the suggestions will prove useful over the next week or so. Good Luck & God-speed! Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (4 hours later)

I have been using a sunscreen of SPF of 45 and my condition never was itchy. My skin is as smooth as a baby's bottom but appear rough. This rash is now coming up on 2 years and i was hoping for faster results.

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Skin biopsy recommended Detailed Answer: Hi, Faster results may require stronger systemic medications that will need a prescription from your local dermatologist. If its over 2 years, then before trying systemic medications I would order for a skin biopsy. Your local dermatologist will know about it. Besides that do try application of a cream called Sensibio ds from a company called Bioderma as an emollient in the evening. Best regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad