The possibilities that come to mind include infection, envenomation, and hypersensitivity (allergy).
Your initial exposure would suggest #1 or #2,
but the persistence might suggest allergy/hypersensitivity.
\I would have to bow to the treating docs in terms of choices for treatment, as i have learned over the years that trying to sort out a rash without seeing it is very prone to error.
The fact that your docs are using prednisone would suggest that they are suspecting allergy or hypersensitivity. The duration of problems would also suggest that, so they''re probably right.
If I were treating skin hypersensitivity, (as an old family doc) and the rash were wet and weeping, I might try Dome-boro solution four times a day.
If it itches I might try adding atarax or another antihistamine.
If I was using an oral cortisone (Prednisone) I might also try a topical cortisone (Elocon or similar) cream on the skin. I know I sometimes concentrate on the problem throughout the body and forget that the problem is mostly local and that's what I should concentrate on. I suspect your doc has already thought of it, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.
There are a lot of things in the ocean that are not commonly encountered in family practice or ER work.(I do both)
Remember. coral reefs are different ecosystems than subtropical or temperate zones.
Coral reefs have been referred to as " The rain forest of the sea" with good accuracy. We don't know as much about them as we would like.
(If you know someone willing to finance in depth study for a year or so, say in Cozumel or Bonaire or Belize, I'd really love to talk to them..)
In the meantime, yes, rashes occur and we can't always explain them. Your docs sound like they've got a plan.
Good luck. Call me if you find someone willing to finance rash research.. I might even be willing to roll on coral to test it in exchange for a year or so in Bonaire or Coz.
John Reinertson
