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| Frequently Asked Questions Archive |
Dr. Scott Sheftel
Board Certified Dermatologist
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Q: Dr. Sheftel, I have been told that I have Keratosis Pilaris. Can this condition effect your scalp? I think I’m experiencing that, can it be possible? THANK-YOU.
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A: Keratosis pilaris is a benign follicular plugging condition that usually affects children, adolescents and young adults. The skin has follicular “plugs”. These plugs are dead cells, oil and debris that are trapped in the pore opening. It is thought to originate from a genetic predisposition. Areas involved are usually the outer arms, upper legs and sometimes chest, back and face. The scalp would be an uncommon site. It is treated with acid washes and creams. Most people grow out of it in early adulthood.
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Q: I was given a tetnus and antibotic shot for an infected cat bite. Everything was fine for a week and a half and then I broke out with an itching rash over all of my body. I was given a shot and some prednisone tablets . It has helped the itching with the exception of my feet; especially the soles and my hands. Is this a typical reaction? It has been 3 weeks since the cat bite. My skin is blotchy all over.
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A: Drug reactions can occur up to three weeks after exposure. The body reacts with an immune response that can present with itching or a body rash. The rash can occur on any part of the body. Treatment is first stopping the medication and then treating the symptoms. Call your doctor if the rash persists.
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Q: Ever since I exposed my hands to a "foam like substance" for sealing around door frames and windows, my hands (around the fingers and nails) have had a blister like rash that seems to be moving around. Not spreading because the old area will heal and a new area close by will be very tender and almost have blister like sores directly under the skins surface. I have tried antihistamine creams, antibiotic creams, and anti-fungal solutions, and the rash keeps recurring. Please help.
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A: Frequent hand rashes may be a sign of hand dermatitis. Many times this is from frequent daily irritation. Read YourSkinDoctor.com on Hand Rashes for suggestions on maintenance. |
Q: When I go out in the sun for long periods of time (more than 5-6 hours) with or without sunscreen on, I get diffuse tiny pruitic pustules with surrounding erythema on my face. It is very embarrassing and I don't want to leave the house. They usually develop overnight after long periods outside. This does not occur anywhere else on my body. This started when I was 27 years old. I am now 30. It seems to be getting worse. Besides not going outside, is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening? How should I treat it when it occurs?
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A: Sun sensitivity can arise from a number of medical conditions. One of the most common, affecting approximately 10 % of the population, is polymorphous light eruption. This is commonly referred to as "sun poisoning". Characteristically, this eruption starts on sun exposed surfaces 24 to 48 hours after exposure and lasts for approximately one week. Initial treatment is sun avoidance, sunscreen and sun protection clothing. Other treatments may involve prescription medications or light treatments (PUVA or UVB) from your dermatologist. Also be aware that medications and other medical conditions can cause sun sensitivity. You should see your dermatologist for evaluation. (YSD recommended products - 1% Cortisone Cream with Aloe, Sunblock Cream - SPF 15 (Chemical Free)) |
Q: I'm a 44 yr old female in general good health. I have for a few years now developed what I've dubbed the "ugly rash". this rash appears on my forearms and at times my legs during warm weather when I'm exposed to the sun swimming, gardening, etc. It is quite bothersome the rash is red, raised, warm to the touch and at times itchy. I do not take any medications other than a one a day and Tylenol. I do have environmental allergies and at times take OTC meds as needed. I have used many sunscreens but this seems to aggravate the problem. I am an outdoors person and this is putting a damper on things. Any suggestions?
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A: As summer is around the corner, most of us are spending more time outdoors. Some people have an exquisite sun sensitivity especially this time of season. The sensitivity usually decreases mid to late summer. This rash is called polymorphous light eruption. Usually, this is treated by sunscreen, sun protective clothing or sun avoidance. Over the counter cortisone creams are sometimes helpful. If conservative measures are not effective, you should consult your dermatologist and make sure this is not from a medication or an internal condition. (YSD recommended products - 1% Cortisone Cream with Aloe, Sunblock Cream - SPF 15 (Chemical Free) ) |
Q: My daughter is a swimmer and wears goggles. Her eyes are sore and irritated.
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A: The skin around the eyes is very sensitive. Irritation can be from allergies, pressure (such as swim goggles), contact sensitivity (such as the foam in swim goggles) or the chlorine in the pool. The most obvious answer is to take a few days off from swimming and see if this improves. Also, over-the-counter cortisone creams (such as YSD’s Soothing Cream with Aloe) help irritation. Use this sparingly around the eyes. |
Q: I have little red bumps all over my back and on my upper arms. They don't have characteristics of acne or ingrown hairs, and they don't appear anywhere else on my body. I am hispanic. What are they????
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I am a 27 year old male who has recently developed a skin problem with my legs. I have been getting these pimples or ingrown hair bumps on the upper part of my thighs and haven't a clue on why! I take about two showers a day so my skin is clean. I have never had an acne problem before. What can I do to prevent this?
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A: A common problem usually starting in childhood is a persistent rough "sandpaper-like" rash on the outer arms and upper thighs. It may also involve the upper back, chest, and buttock areas. This rash, also known as keratosis pilaris, is inherited and consists of "horny" plugs blocking the pores. Essentially, there is an accumulation of cellular debris that blocks the pores and produces a rough, sometimes irritated rash. It is most prevalent in adolescence and less common in adult life.
Recommendations for Treatment: This condition is similar to acne, in that the pores are blocked by cellular debris. The emphasis of treatment is to loosen and remove the cellular debris. The alpha and beta hydroxy acids greatly help in removing the horny plugs. Hydroxy acid washes are used in the shower. Using a washcloth or loofa is helpful; however, you cannot scrub away the rash. The purpose of the hydroxy acid is to loosen the plugs and produce overall smoothness. After showering, a hydroxy acid lotion or cream is applied to the involved area twice daily. Some studies have shown benefit with retinoic acid applied nightly as well. If the areas are red or itchy, a hydrocortisone cream or lotion can be added twice a day to this regimen.
Remember, this is a condition that usually improves with time. Treatments are designed to improve but not cure the problem.
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