the red bumps on my back could not be pinpointed by the Dr so he gave me a steroid shot and an antibiotic. why wouldnt a Dr be able to diagnose the bumpy rash on my back and on my sides?
2006-09-07 14:04:24 · 5 answers · asked by TRINNA12 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
As an MD- a lot of rashes look the same and sometimes it can be difficult to identify an exact cause (even a Dermatologist sometimes does a skin 'biopsy" to diagnose rashes- but most family Docs don't have the equipment or the training to perform one in the office). So sometimes Dr's will empirically treat rashes with an antibiotic ( in case its cause is due to a bacterial infection) or a steroid (in case its caused by an inflmmatory condition).
In very rare cases are both used at the same time because a steroid may make an infective rash worse, and the skin can become more inflamed from an antibiotic.
In some eczema rashes- where it is thought that a bacteria "staph" may make the condition worse- so sometimes Dr's will prescribe both.
In any event if your rash doesn't get better- and he hasn't given you a good explanation- you may want to seek a second opinion from a Dermatologist.
Good luck
2006-09-07 16:17:35 · answer #1 · answered by pedidoc43 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
General doctors do not have the exact knowledge of every rash. That would have to come from a dermatologist who studies skin, rashes and such.
As a for instance, I too have a red bumpy dry rash on my arm. My doctor does not know what it is either. An allergy is suspected but I would have to go to someone in that field of medicine to know for sure. General doctors are just that, general doctors. For something more you need to see the right specialist who has studied that area.
2006-09-07 22:17:56 · answer #2 · answered by Tweek 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because medicine is not an exact science. Nothing is black and white - it's all shades of grey. That's why he couldn't give you a concrete diagnosis.
Keep track of it - when did it start? How long have you had it? Did it change? Did it spread? Where did it start? What have you done to treat it? Is it painful? Itchy? Any discharge? Is there anything new in your environment - new clothes, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, etc? Write it down if possible. Then make an appointment with a dermatolgist and bring this list.
2006-09-07 21:23:37 · answer #3 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a rash that appears on my forearms every summer my dr doesnt know what it is except for it might be a fungal thing and suggested i see a dermatologist. where i live when the mold spurs are growing wild thats when the rash is at its worst
2006-09-07 21:08:28 · answer #4 · answered by oceanlady580 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have sex with the doctor until he gets it... Then tell him to call you when he figures it out!!!
2006-09-07 21:10:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋