Unsure How To Address Unsightly Bumps On Arms (now Slowly Appearing On Upper Back)

I am trying to see if I can take care of this at home before going to Dermatologist (very hard conveyance, and high co-pay). Primary Care Physician is practically in same building, with reduced co-pay, but she booked for two weeks.


I feel warm and safe in these forums, hence I am asking for guidance.


It is so difficult for me to get out of bed many days.

Still recovering from that horrible body itch.

For past two weeks, I had small bumps on left upper arm.

Now they look big and red, and they are slowly coming on lower arms.

And I notice roughness on upper back (but color is same as skin).

I tried googling and the only thing that comes close is Keratosis pilaris. But this happens to younger people. I am 40+.

And I am scared of trying any medicated moisturizers because it may trigger a nasty itch. Right now I am staying away from any soap. Only water wash and apply Vaseline Petroleum jelly (which is also recommended, if this in fact is the condition)

Is it possibly rash might come from body itch, i.e. systemic pruritus. Dermatologist said pruritus is due to dry skin.

Still I am being tapered off the prednisone. Now it's 7mg a day (was at this dose for little over a week now)

My daughter (well my niece, but I consider her my daughter) came over and took these pictures.

Left Upper Arm




Left Lower Arm



Right Upper Arm

 

I'm gonna call the Doctor today. Hope he can advise.

 

Oh wow I never thought of that. I do pre-soak almonds before I peel. But occasionally I've popped some nuts. Will be careful here as well!

 

Doctor returned my call. He noted the tension on my voice and he said, "shh", as if to calm me down.

He didn't think bumps were a big deal since they don't itch any more than the rest of my body.

Said he cannot look at every spot.

Then he asked how is itch and I conveyed wrong info. I am still suffering, but considerably less. I feel that Doctor may not understand that problem isn't completely gone, hence patient is still suffering.

I gently persisted and asked how to manage and prevent. He suggested profoot cream. It is for the feet but "skin is skin"

Before I could ask about lowering dose of Prednisone (currently at 7.5 mg daily for more than a week), he said bye and hung up.

Kind of upset I was unable to properly convey over the phone. Guess the Doctors are in a hurry and finally when they call you back, patient tends to get anxious because they don't want to overlook anything, or give wrong info. Patient ends up blabbering the wrong thing which hurts treatment.

I'm hoping to venture out for follow-up appointment when the weather is little better (plus having some other issues that are keeping me home-bound).

 

What is name of blood test to check for allergy? I checked quest's list of test and there are so many.

How to be informed so I can gently suggest this test to primary care physician?