Resolved question:
My wife has been having an unexplained rash under her breasts bilat and the left side of her neck. It looks like a heat rash, but we have tried OTC Benadryl/Hydrocortisone creams and Benadryl PO with no relief. We have also tried ice packs and baby powder to the affected areas with no resolution of the issue. There are a lot of small, heat rash like papules in these areas. My wife is African American and her skin tone is medium brown. There are an estimated 50-70 papules on her neck and similar amounts to the other areas (breasts). She has complained of itching to the affected areas, regardless of how much Benadryl or Hydrocortisone is used. She has no previous history with any rash and no STDs.
She has had this problem for approximately a month following a gallbladder removal surgery where she was on antibiotics. Again, we have tried OTC Benadryl and Hydrocortisone creams and Benadryl PO with no improvement as well as ice packs and baby powder. We are now wondering if this is a fungal infection and if so, what we can use OTC to treat it?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Dermatologist
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring. I can understand your concern.
From the pictures, it seems that your wife has miliaria or heat rash over the neck, it doesn't seem to be a fungal infection.
I would recommend that she would need a stronger strength steroid cream.
Hydrocortisone cream is a very mild cream and may not be giving her any relief.
She would need a stronger strength steroid cream like mometasone on the affected area. It would require a prescription.
Also to control the itching, tab. Loratidine would be helpful. This medication would help to control itching effectively.
Please let me know if you have any queries.
Take care