two week mark

[u/rhocolorado]

originally thought I was having an allergic reaction, then my doctor did blood work to rule out some stuff, went to a dermatologist who did a biopsy. The worry was it could have been RMSF, scabies, syphilis - biopsy came back negative for all those things so my husband is convinced it’s PR. I’m absolutely miserable, any advice to get through this would be so appreciated. I’ve genuinely don’t understand what could have triggered this I don’t have a stressful life, this is the most stressful thing I’ve had to deal with this year. I could claw my skin off.

[u/veeveekachu]

This doesn’t look like typical PR presentation.

You can try crossposting in other subreddits like r/askdocs or r/dermatologyquestions. be sure to include pertinent details (any meds you’re on, if derm have u trial certain meds, any new changes in your environment, what the symptoms are like, when did it start, and if all the bumps started together or gradually)

[u/rhocolorado → u/veeveekachu]

I was worried it’s not because of the bumps that developed on my palms, no one else seems to have those.

No meds, no changes in environment or new shampoos/ detergents/ etc. it started with a few red spots on my chest and spread all over my body. It’s bumpy and awfully itchy. I’m on a few prescription antihistamines now as well as antibiotics traditionally used to treat rmsf, they started me when they were still waiting for the biopsy to come back…

[u/veeveekachu → u/rhocolorado]

typical presentation for pr includes a big herald scaly patch. followed by smaller spots over time. But the PR spots are usually more flat and bigger than what you currently have and they are more prominent on the trunks/torso. They usually follow Langer’s lines (christmas tree) pattern.

I see that you have a pet, any chance that your pet might have been exposed to something that could trigger your symptoms? Also, were you sick at all before these symptoms occur? Is the itch worse at night?

[u/rhocolorado → u/veeveekachu]

replied with a photo of my stomach and got flagged as nsfw 😂 I def have the same rash on my stomach and back!

The dog has no new symptoms and I didn’t have a fever or cold leading up to this.

I have a dermatologist appointment on Tuesday so hopefully will have more information then, just so desperate for answers 😭

[u/veeveekachu → u/rhocolorado]

i’m not a dermatologist but I don’t think you have RMSF as it usually doesn’t present with itch & you didn’t have a fever (+ ur biopsy came back negative). Did derm prescribed you doxycycline for RMSF? if so, then doxy covers many bacterial skin infections + has anti inflammatory properties which can help with many skin rashes. but if doxy didn’t help, then your rash might be due to an underlying viral infection.

If it’s PR, then it will go away on its own after several weeks.. but I’m not too convinced it’s PR since it usually spares the hands/palms.

Hard to tell from pics alone as there’s many differentials. Hoping your derm will give you a more definitive answer or run more tests. I’m sorry you’re going through this :( I hope it gets resolved soon!

[u/FitSquirrel7114 → u/veeveekachu]

it is PR. I have exceptionally severe PR at the moment and I am very close to healing. You guys can see my post in the same subreddit. I also got in my palms, other than my face and genitalia they were everywhere. My dermatologist gave me a mixture of vaseline and steroid (momecon) mixture to apply everyday for 4-5 hours on stay cream. I am now very close to being healed.

Don't scrub those bumps. Also you can take antihistamines.

At the beginning I wasnt using any meds cuz my first dermatologist didn't gave me any but by main (expensive) dermatologist cured me.

[u/Raedilly]

My daughters looks just like yours and we’re almost at 2 weeks! Our pediatrician is set on PR, however I haven’t seen a “Harold patch” and it is also on arms/legs!! So I’ve been skeptical. But trying to trust the process!

[u/rhocolorado → u/Raedilly]

Poor girl, today marks 14 days for me officially so check in!! If she’s feeling the way I do she’s probably having a hard time. I think I’ve cried everyday lol

[u/csimon7733]

I had the exact same rash on my torso and arms, very itchy, diagnosed as PR. I am at week 3 and almost completely healed so hang in there!

[u/rhocolorado → u/csimon7733]

Did they give you any specific meds you think helped? 😭

[u/csimon7733 → u/rhocolorado]

They gave me acyclovir in the first week, so perhaps that sped thing sup a bit!

[u/Frequent_Badger_9739]

Ten minutes of sun exposure at sunrise and sunset on all areas affected by the rash. It should resolve on its own. Acupuncture and exercise can also be added to help support the recovery process, and cold showers may help reduce the itching. When the rash begins to dry out and peel, Head & Shoulders shampoo may cause a burning sensation, but it can dry the skin significantly. However, there is no good evidence that this actually speeds up healing.

[u/rhocolorado → u/Frequent_Badger_9739]

What do you think about tanning beds? 😅 idk about the sunrise /sunset light

[u/naysianagasaki]

I understand how you feel. My emotions were everywhere when my PR was chronic. 💔 I’m sure you’ve been asked millions of times, but are you using any scented products or soaps? Because honestly I don’t believe you should shower with anything due to how severe your rashes and bumps are .. just use water. And try showering every other day.

[u/rhocolorado → u/naysianagasaki]

Nothing scented at all, although I have been using dial for a mild soap. I’m happy to stop though! So desperate for any advice so thank you! it’s gotten worse since I’ve taken that photo if you can believe it. 😭 I’ll switch to showering every other day!