What Causes Dry Skin Patches All Over The Body?

Posted on Sat, 5 Apr 2014

Question: I don't have any allergies, But recently i got dry skin patches started in my back and slowly spreading across the body. However i don't fell any itching sensation. its been 10 days. In between i have changed the bath soap for a week or so - again i am back to same bath soap. please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Possibility of Pityriasis Rosea; upload picture Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic. I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your concern. I would like to gather some more information from you in order to be able to help you better. --Was it preceded by a viral infection(common cold/ sore throat etc)? --Can you please upload a clear picture of the rash for me to be able to have a look at and manage you better My presumptive diagnosis would be Pityriasis rosea (awaiting picture). I would manage it with a topical moderately potent steroid e.g mometasone twice daily for 2 weeks. There can be 1 or 2 breakthrough episodes of pityriasis rosea but they need to be managed similarly. regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 minutes later)

Hello Doctor, Thanks for the quick update. It was not preceded by any infection. I have attached couple of photos. Please suggest. Regards Ramana

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Classical pityriasis rosea Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for the pictures. I could see dry scaly,oval patches all over your back, arranged along the ribs in a christmas tree pattern, That is classical of Pityriasis rosea. If I was the treating doctor, I would have manage it with a topical moderately potent steroid e.g mometasone furoate cream, twice daily for 2 weeks. regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 minutes later)

Thanks a lot Doctor. I was worried. I will go ahead with cream you have recommended. Thanks and have a nice day :-)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer: You are welcome Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking us on Healthcaremagic. 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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar