What might this skin condition indicate?

Hi!





A colleague has a rash that morphs between pimples, blisters, lumps under the skin and ulcerated sores. Her GP seems baffled and has made a referal to a dermatologist. Anti-biotics, creams, lotions and powders have all been tried - but though they give some relief, the rash simply changes and has gone on for months now.





It could be an alergy to something, stress, a rare lymphoma - but whatever it is it is persistent and very troublesome.





Hope you can help identify a way of offering her some relief.





Good wishes.
What might this skin condition indicate?
This sounds really misserable. I worked for a Dermatologist for 8 years and never saw anything like this.





She really should have a punch biopsy done of one of the sores. The pathology can often tell more than the doctor can just by examining the skin.





I saw some very odd rashes that just made angry red pimple looking spots on the arms and legs (extremities) that were tied to cancer. I hesitate to use the big "C" word with anyone, because it usually scares them baddly.





I know people with Firbromialga (sp?) and Lymphoma can present with some very unusual probelms can present with a lot of strange problems that are not all at consistant and can be quiet baffiling to doctors.





Has she been tested for diseases like AIDS, HIV, and Hepititis?





Does she work with street people, or immegrants newly arrived from other countries?





~Garnet


I'll keep her in my thoughts and prays.
What might this skin condition indicate?
If this occurs in the armpits, groin and breasts, it could be hydradenitis suppurativa. Look up the condition and see if the symptoms sound similar.
Reply:Hi ... In part, I agree with RayeKaye's response to this question. However, she did not list all the areas where Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) can occur. The main areas that this condition tends to affect are the underarms, groin, inner thighs, and buttocks; however, in my case, I do have HS lesions that occur on the breasts, stomach (mainly in the waistline), and pelvic areas. Though it is rare, sometimes, the lesions do appear on the back, neck, arms, face, and legs ... One other thing is that the lesions leave noticeable scarring once they "heal".





I have HS and have suffered with this condition for over 15 years. HS does mimic other conditions, so your friend really needs to see a doctor that is familiar with these types of things. I am providing a link to HS-USA, a website that can give you information on this skin condition. The website also features a physician referral section where other HS sufferers have posted the names and phone numbers of the physicians who have experience in diagnosing and treating the condition. Any of these physicians would be able to tell your friend if she has this condition or not.





I'm sorry that your friend is having to go through this, and I can definitely relate to the not knowing anything. Until I was diagnosed in 2004, I had been told that I had cystic acne, boils, folliculitis, and a host of other conditions. If you or your friend need further information or want to know more, please feel free to email me. I promise I will answer you back.





Good luck to you both ...