The above "diagnosis" attributed to a Dermatologist who prescribed
various creams to little or no avail. The itching seems to be more
prominent than the rash.  My wife has been suffering with this
condition for quite a few months with varying times of relief.
Originally the rash was on legs and arms which gradually disappeared
from those two areas. seemingly by itself - not with any help from the
various creams. Weeks later the rash reappeared near my left shoulder
and back - itchy and uncomfortable but not as red as it had been on
arms and legs.  Also appeared on my chest in a small area. The scalp
does not have a constant itch but it can be severe itch at times.  It
comes and goes as like the back and chest areas.Hot showers seem to
relieve the itch rather than cold water.

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Clarification of Question by philsilv021-ga on 30 Oct 2003 19:48 PST

To clarify - what we are hoping for is a correct diagnosis, a cure,
and especially some relief - particularly from the itching -- and if
necessary a referral to someone who has the answers.  What is the
cause?

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Clarification of Question by philsilv021-ga on 04 Nov 2003 08:24 PST

If there is a possibility, perhaps a recommendation can be made for
the proper person or department at N.I.H. (National Institutes for
Health, Bethesda, Maryland)  to attempt a diagnosis or cure.  It`s
difficult for an individual to get an appointment.  Or perhaps someone
who reads this can tell us who to contact for this condition.

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Clarification of Question by philsilv021-ga on 16 Nov 2003 09:47 PST

Thanks to eponine-ga -- my error.  I didn`t mean to say I have the
itching as well as my wife - typo - it`s only my wife who has this
annoyance. Will try to get a firm diagnosis from Dermatologist this
week.  Also checking Medline.  Thanks.

Did your dermatologist give you a proper name for the rash, or just
said it was an "under skin rash"? Have you seen other doctors about
it, or just the one? If you and your wife are both suffering from the
same rash, it sounds like it's something communicable, rather than
just an allergy or a mystery rash.

The NIH, according to their website, doesn't actually offer medical
treatment like regular doctors. They only do research and clinical
trials. (http://www.nih.gov/about/Faqs.htm#receive). Seven clinical
trials come up if you search on "rash" but they seem to be related to
serious conditions.

Relief will depend on the cause of the itch/rash. If it's allergic, an
antihistamine such as Benadryl might help, but it seems odd you'd both
be allergic to something. There are a multitude of other possibilies
including funguses or parasites.

Medline, from NIH, provides information about rashes and their
possible causes (with pictures) here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003220.htm
and more info about itching and possible causes and relief here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003217.htm

I hope this helps lead you to a solution!