What are these red itchy spots all over my body?

Dry Itchy Red Spots On Body?

• It started with a small red patch to the right of my belly button a few weeks ago. It was a little bit itchy and dry, so I guess I started to scratch it. Then it started to spread. So now, there are some spots on the right side of my torso, a few on my back and arms, and then I just noticed a two or three on my inner thighs. None on my face, thankfully. They vary in size. And they aren't really defined shapes, lol. Some are patches, and others are tiny spots. I bought some Cortizone and just started using it this morning. It reduced some of the redness and itch. So is it only a skin rash, or what? I just want someone else's opinion before I go to the doctor. Thanks.

• Answer:

  There are so many different causes of rashes that it is very difficult to narrow down any specific cause of one, especially without being able to see it. Common categories of rash are: scaly patches of skin not caused by infection, scaly patches of skin produced by fungal or bacterial infection, red, itchy bumps or patches over the body, such as on the chest and back. Although rashes are seldom dangerous, self-diagnosis is not usually a good idea. Proper evaluation of a skin rash requires a visit to a doctor or other health-care professional. Check this site for good information and you may be able to figure out what is going on. http://www.medicinenet.com/rash/article.htm