OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concerns About Rash on Breast Side

6/15/2025, 4:30:16 AMMale25-34

About me: I'm a 20-year-old female. I used to smoke cannabis for three years but have taken a break for now. I’m not on any medication and have no significant medical background. I only consume alcohol on occasion, typically during special events. I’ve never had any skin problems in the past. I focus on maintaining my fitness, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. For the past few months, since February, I've developed a scaly rash on the side of my breast. It’s now June, and while the rash appears to be slowly worsening, it seems only slightly more scaly than when it began. There may also be a subtle increase in redness, but it’s hard to tell. Just about a week ago, I noticed a few smaller, similar rashes appearing on my collarbones and neck. These too seem to be advancing at a sluggish pace, with a mild increase in scale and redness observed. I’m starting to wonder if this could be the onset of eczema. My anxiety is growing due to the persistent nature of the rash, and I’m really hoping it’s not anything severe. I plan to visit my doctor soon, but I’m uncertain when my earliest appointment will be. If anyone has insights or advice, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!

RashDermatitisEczema

Answers (1)

Cony

6/15/2025, 4:30:35 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing a persistent and concerning rash that has progressed over a few months. Since you mentioned symptoms like scaling and redness on your breast as well as newer patches on your collarbones and neck, it's understandable that your anxiety is increasing. While it’s great that you plan to see your doctor soon, I can offer some insights and actionable steps in the meantime.

Main Points:

  1. Possible Causes: Your symptoms could indicate several conditions, including eczema, which can manifest as dry, itchy, scaly patches. Other possibilities include contact dermatitis (reaction to an irritant or allergen), fungal infections, or even psoriasis.
  2. Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the rash's progression while waiting for your appointment.

Explanation:

Rashes can arise due to various reasons, including environmental factors, allergic reactions, or even changes in skin moisture levels. Since the rash started months ago and worsened slowly, it's essential to take note of any additional symptoms you experience, such as itching, swelling, or discharge.

Next Steps:

  1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Track changes in the rash, including appearance, location, and any associated symptoms (like itching). This will be helpful for your doctor.
  2. Hydrate and Moisturize: Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to the affected areas twice daily to help with dryness and scaling. Avoid any products with potential irritants or allergens.
  3. Avoid Irritants: Identify and avoid any new soaps, detergents, or lotions you've recently introduced, as they may contribute to your rash.
  4. Wear Loose Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics to minimize irritation in the affected areas.
  5. Manage Anxiety: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or light exercise, which can help alleviate anxiety while you wait for your medical appointment.

Remember, it is good that you plan to consult your doctor, as they will be able to provide a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you notice significant changes or if the condition worsens (like increased pain, swelling, or pus), consider seeking an earlier appointment. Let me know if you need more information or support!

Related Questions

Red Spots on Thighs and Feet

Age 25, I woke up to discover some red spots on my thighs and feet. Initially, they weren’t causing any discomfort, but after I put on some pants, they began to irritate and itch. This is a new experience for me, and I'm quite worried. I suspect it might be linked to using an old or dull razor for shaving. I would greatly appreciate any advice on what these bumps might be or how to address them. Thank you for your help!

ItchingHivesDermatitis
Male25-34
5 hours ago

What Could Be Causing My Skin to Appear Gray?

I am a 24-year-old female with a medical background that includes POTS and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In recent days, I have observed that certain areas of my legs are taking on a grayish-brown hue. From a distance, these patches resemble bruises or perhaps dirt, but they cannot be wiped away. There is no discomfort or itching associated with these changes; they simply appear unusual. Is there anyone who could shed some light on what this might be or provide guidance on how to address it?

Fungal InfectionDermatologyRash
Male25-34
6 hours ago

Experiencing Significant Hair Loss

I'm a 16-year-old female, and I previously shared my concerns about losing my hair. The situation is becoming increasingly distressing. I have been diagnosed with PCOS, but lately, my hair shedding has escalated dramatically. While showering today, I managed to count 390 strands before I lost track of the number. I feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to address this issue. I've provided a reference image in the comments to illustrate my experience.

Hair LossDermatitisEczema
Male25-34
6 hours ago

Seeking Advice for an Itchy Rash and Possible Treatment

Hello everyone! I’m a 29-year-old female, weigh 150 pounds and stand at 5 feet 2 inches tall. I don’t smoke and am not currently on any medication. At the moment, I’m in the Bahamas, and my health insurance is still in the works, so I’m without coverage right now. For the past three weeks, I've been dealing with an itchy rash that has gradually worsened. The issue began two weeks after I checked into an Airbnb arranged by my employer. I’m concerned about what this rash might be, especially since I have never experienced any skin conditions before. It started as a minor itchy spot but has continued to spread, which makes me worry it might be contagious. I would appreciate any recommendations for over-the-counter topical creams that could help alleviate my symptoms. Thank you!

Fungal InfectionDermatologyRash
Male25-34
7 hours ago

Seeking Help for Persistent Skin Issues

I find myself in a rather frustrating and convoluted situation regarding my skin health. Unfortunately, the medical professionals in my vicinity seem to lack the necessary expertise in dermatology, and I am unable to consult a specialist. Therefore, any guidance or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. (Just a heads-up, I'm new to this community, so please bear with me! 😭) I'm a 21-year-old female, weighing 73 kg, standing 5'6”, and I do not smoke. I recently started taking a mini pill; besides this, I'm not on any other medications and I'm situated in Ireland. In late 2019, I contracted scabies, which I suspect I may have acquired from my dog, who was dealing with mange at the time. My entire family was affected for several months, resulting in an incredibly difficult experience. I scratched so much that I frequently drew blood, suffered from insomnia, and relied heavily on extremely potent antihistamines that proved ineffective. We were subjected to repeated scabies treatments involving lotion—never oral medication—and followed an extensive cleaning regimen, which we had to repeat multiple times until we successfully stopped the cycle of reinfection. However, since that ordeal, I have encountered persistent and distressing skin issues characterized by rashes and relentless itching that I struggle to control. Initially, these symptoms predominantly affected my hands, occasionally extending to my arms, manifesting as small clusters of itchy, skin-colored bumps that would redden when inflamed. Over the past year or two, the locations of my rashes have shifted. They've become less common on my hands and are now more prevalent on my legs. I frequently experience severely itchy, bumpy patches on my thighs and reoccurring irritations on my elbows, particularly on the inner side of my left elbow, as well as some spots on my feet. The rashes do not remain in one spot; they fluctuate and can disappear for weeks at a time, only to reappear in familiar areas such as the back of my left elbow, my hands, and the backs of my knees. Currently, the most troublesome region is the back of my knees, where the rash constantly changes in shape—sometimes appearing as red dots, at other times as purple bruised areas or large red patches. This area has become intensely itchy, and scratching only exacerbates the discomfort. Since 2020, I've been relying on steroid creams, specifically the orange Betnovate, consistently for about four years. Whenever I sought help from a general practitioner regarding my skin condition over the past five years, they suggested I repeat the scabies treatment. The GPs have admitted they are unsure of the underlying cause and have refused to refer me to a dermatologist. Just to clarify, I am NOT contagious. I'm baffled by the persistence of my symptoms, which feel reminiscent of scabies, yet distinctly different. Interestingly, my brother has also developed small itchy rashes on his leg after his encounter with scabies, although his symptoms are not nearly as severe as mine. Additional details: I wash with Dove soap and baby wash. While I do apply Silcock's base to the affected areas for moisturizing, I admit I do not do this as frequently as I should. I've noticed that my rashes and itchiness tend to worsen during both winter and summer months. My body struggles to regulate temperature effectively, leading to increased skin heat during seasonal changes—while I often feel cold—triggering the itchiness. I recently returned from a hot trip to Italy, which, being accustomed to Irish weather, significantly aggravated the rash on my legs. I am eager to find a solution that will alleviate my condition for good, longing for a return to normalcy. My symptoms were somewhat manageable at one point, but they have escalated lately, to the point where I fear they might become unmanageable. While I have photos documenting my skin condition, I'm not sure how to share them. Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read my post. 🙏

DermatologyRashEczema
Male25-34
7 hours ago