Skin Irritation and Red Spots
Hello, I'm a 36-year-old man in good health with no previous skin issues. Until a month ago, I had never experienced any health problems. It all started when I noticed extreme itching in my armpit, which I initially blamed on my deodorant. To address this, I switched to a natural alternative. On March 1, 2025, I began a carnivore diet for approximately two weeks, and to my relief, the itching subsided. However, upon resuming a more typical diet, the itching returned with a vengeance. Now, not only is my armpit itchy, but I also have developed red spots on my neck, back, stomach, thighs, and even in my genital area. I've observed that these red spots become more pronounced after I take a hot shower. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice on this matter. Thank you!
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 9:10:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing significant skin irritation with itching and red spots in multiple areas, which can be quite uncomfortable. These symptoms may be linked to an allergic reaction, irritant contact dermatitis, or even conditions like heat rash or hives.
Explanation
Your initial reaction to deodorant may suggest an allergic or irritant response to something you applied. The improvement on a carnivore diet might indicate that certain foods are contributing to your skin issues. The fact that symptoms worsen after hot showers can also point to skin sensitivity or a response to temperature changes.
Next Steps
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Identify Triggers: Keep a detailed diary noting what you eat, products you use on your skin, and any activities or environmental factors that occur before flare-ups. This may help identify specific triggers.
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Avoid Irritants: Since you had an initial improvement on the carnivore diet, consider avoiding known allergens (like fragrances, dyes, or specific foods) and revert to a simple diet for a short period if possible. Also, use fragrance-free soaps and detergents.
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Cool Showers: After hot showers, your skin may become more irritated. Switch to lukewarm water and limit the duration of your showers. After showering, gently pat your skin dry, rather than rubbing it.
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Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer right after bathing to help maintain the skin barrier. This can reduce dryness and irritation.
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Over-the-Counter Remedies: Consider antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) if itching is severe; these can help with itching and are also available in non-drowsy formulations. Additionally, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may reduce inflammation and itching.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: If symptoms persist for more than a week, significantly worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, pain, or fever, you may need to explore further options.
Support
Keep in mind that skin reactions can often take time to resolve, and it's important to be patient while you identify triggers and implement changes. If you need further assistance or if your condition changes, consider getting a review from a healthcare professional. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions about managing your symptoms!
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