Suggest Treatment For Red Rashes On The Thigh

Posted on Thu, 1 Sep 2016

Question: Have been wandering the moors and coastal paths of Cornwall, back 2 days ago. Didn't check for ticks while there. Today showered and used moisturiser. Discovered a small black lump on thigh and rubbed it away. Then left it on the cream tube. A few hours later noticed a strong red rash in stripes on thigh. Thought it might be stinging nettle from garden, but doesn't disappear. Could it be tick bite and rash?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (11 hours later)

Its Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic

Thanks for providing clinical photograph. The red streaky lesion is typical of Allergic Contact Dermatitis , it has likely resulted from allergy to cream applied.

I would suggest my patients the following

1. Oral Antihistamine like Chlorpheniramine or Cetirizine will be helpful

2. Short dose of oral steroid like Prednisolone taken for 2 days will be helpful

3. Local application of calamine lotion will be helpful

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (33 hours later)

Hello and thank you for your answer.
So the rash appears to be Allergy Contact Dermitis, however it is extremely unlikely that I should have an allergic reaction to this cream. The cream is a hyposensitive aftersun lotion, that I have used countless times before and applied to my whole body. Today, after two days, the rash is less prominent, however it is still quite visible. i have tried applying antihistamin and hydrocrotison cream, which did nothing. Since then I have left it alone, but it is still there. The red area is not a reah as such, but discoloured and raised. Any new insights to share?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Allergic reaction can occur to any substance

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

Allergic reaction can occur to any substance, including those claimed to be hypoallergenic. Previous application does not guarantee that allergic reaction will never occur.
Oral Antihistamine and short course of steroid as advised previously will be highly beneficial.
Its assuring to know that the rash is settling down

Take Care

Best Regards
Shobha

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