Rash on Neck and Leg Issues
For the past six months, I've been dealing with a persistent rash located behind my leg and neck, and I'm uncertain whether it is improving or worsening. Initially, it appeared extremely dry and flaky, accompanied by a burning sensation. In an attempt to find relief, I began applying lotions meant for eczema as well as Aquaphor, which alleviated some dryness but didn’t fully address the issue. A visit to the doctor revealed that I had a recurring fungal infection on the bottom of my foot. The physician prescribed a 2% Ketoconazole cream, which has significantly relieved the itching and burning sensations on the back of my neck and my leg. Typically, the rash exhibits a red hue; however, when it dries out, it loses its redness, leaving my skin looking dark, stretched, and flaky. I am uncertain whether I should continue utilizing the cream or if the rash might be indicative of a different problem. Since the onset of this condition, I have adhered to a strict diet, having eliminated gluten following my celiac diagnosis. As a brief aside, during my visit to the dermatologist in November 2024, she attributed the rash to my weight, stating that I wasn’t cleaning myself adequately. At the time, I weighed 170 pounds, but I diligently wash with soap and a washcloth every day. I am a 29-year-old female, weighing 150 pounds and standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall.
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 5:50:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with a challenging skin condition on your neck and leg for quite a while, and it's understandable to be uncertain about the best steps to take. Given the use of Ketoconazole cream and the changes in your rash, it's important to evaluate your progress and determine the next steps.
Key Points
- Persistent Rash: The rash has not fully resolved despite treatment.
- Use of Cream: The Ketoconazole cream has helped with symptoms, but you're unsure about continued use.
- Skin Changes: The rash appears red when active but can become dark and flaky when it dries out.
Explanation
The rash on your neck and leg may be related to several factors, including fungal infections (which you've been treating), skin barrier issues, or even conditions like eczema or contact dermatitis. Since your rash is showing signs of improvement (less itching and burning), it suggests the Ketoconazole cream is beneficial, particularly against any underlying fungal component. However, if the rash is persisting or changing in appearance, it could indicate a need for further evaluation.
Next Steps
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Continue using the Ketoconazole cream as prescribed, but monitor how your skin responds over the next few weeks. If you notice a reduction in the rash's appearance and irritation, you might consider gradually tapering its use based on improvements.
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Observe and document changes in the rash. Keep a diary of when symptoms worsen or improve, noting any potential triggers such as stress, food, or environmental factors. This information can be useful for identifying patterns.
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Moisturize consistently. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day. This is crucial to maintaining skin hydration and can help with the dryness and flakiness you're experiencing.
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Evaluate potential irritants. Review any products you use on your skin or laundry detergents to ensure they aren't contributing to irritation or allergic reactions.
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Consider lifestyle and dietary factors. Since you have a celiac diagnosis, it's great that you’re adhering to a strict diet. If you suspect that dietary factors may contribute to your skin issues, consider keeping track of your food intake and any symptoms associated with specific meals.
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Follow up as needed. If your rash significantly worsens or shows no signs of improvement with these steps, or if new symptoms arise, revisiting your dermatologist for a follow-up is advisable. They may need to reassess your condition, particularly for other possible skin conditions.
It's important to be patient with this process, as persistent skin issues can take time to resolve. You're doing a great job by seeking help and taking action to care for your skin. If you need more guidance, feel free to ask!
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