Dr Rosemary Leonard

GETTING TO THE HEART OF MEDICAL MATTERS

- 

I've suddenly developed a red, spotty, really itchy rash on my chest, back and upper arms. Being a typical slightly older bloke (I'm 60), 1 tried to ignore it to begin with, but it's been going on now for at least a month and even I realise I can’t carry on scratching. It's disturbing my sleep, though otherwise I’m quite well. The chemist suggested I try an antihistamine cream but it hasn't made any difference. I tried ringing the surgery for an appointment but got stuck in a long queue so gave up. Is there anything else I could try that I could get from the chemist?

Without seeing your rash it’s impossible to know what it is. The only way for you to get a diagnosis and, most importantly, the right treatment, is to have a consultation with one of the doctors at your surgery.

Rather than trying to phone for an appointment, check the surgery website and see if you can contact them by email, ideally also sending in some photos of the rash.

It may be that all you need is a phone call with a doctor, rather than having to go to the surgery.

In the meantime, the rash you describe could be due to an allergy, or an infection (caused by a bacteria or fungus) but it also fits with a diagnosis of Grover disease, which is most commonly seen in white men over 50.

The cause isn't known, but it has been linked with excess exposure to sunlight, heat and sweating. Staying cool and wearing clothing made out of natural fibres, such as 100% cotton or linen, can be helpful, along with applying a cream containing menthol, which has a cooling effect. These measures are not going to be harmful if there is a different cause.