I'm sorry it's been a while since you posted, but I thought I'd answer anyway.

The fact that you get a rash beyond the application site is a sign that your body is allergic to one of the components of the patch. The most likely culprit is the adhesive, which is known to cause this sort of sensitization reaction. The strategy your doctor suggested can be useful for contact dermatitis, which is a different sort of sensitization reaction. Honestly, the only solution is to limit exposure to the adhesive, i.e. discontinue the patch. Sorry.

Lar