Should I Seek Urgent Care for My Rashes?
I'm a 21-year-old woman, 160 cm tall and weighing 55 kg, previously diagnosed with nummular eczematoid dermatitis. Unfortunately, my treatment efforts have not been effective. Since November 2024, I've been battling rashes. What began as a solitary red, circular rash on my hip has escalated into a significant problem. After trying three different antifungal creams, my condition actually worsened, leading to the emergence of approximately ten additional rashes in February. Alongside this, I developed a persistent itch, as well as joint stiffness and muscle pain. I was subsequently referred to a dermatologist, who conducted a skin culture test that confirmed the absence of any fungal infection. They prescribed a topical steroid cream, but it yielded no positive results. Frustrated, I visited my general practitioner to address the persistent spreading of the rashes, which have been increasing daily for the past two months. My doctor provided me with a cream containing olive oil and a white base component, along with an antifungal shampoo. The rashes are now expanding rapidly, particularly on my abdomen, chest, and neck areas. They appear red and vary in shape, primarily circular or oval, with new ones forming each day. Given the rapid progression and my doctor's uncertainty about whether this is merely eczema or something else entirely, do you think it would be wise for me to seek urgent care? I’m beginning to notice them even appearing on my face. This situation is becoming increasingly concerning for me.
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 12:01:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're really worried about your rapidly worsening rashes, and rightfully so given what you've described. Based on the information you provided, it seems important to reassess your condition due to the expansive and troubling nature of your rashes, joint stiffness, muscle pain, and persistent itchiness.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms are worsening and spreading, suggesting a need for urgent evaluation.
- The lack of improvement with multiple treatments and the dermatologist's uncertainty further indicate that a fresh assessment may be warranted.
Explanation: You mentioned that the rashes started as a single circular patch and expanded into multiple areas, now affecting even your face. The persistence of symptoms despite various treatments (antifungals and topical steroids) plus associated symptoms like joint stiffness and muscle pain may suggest that this condition could be more complex than initially thought. It's understandable that you feel frustrated and concerned by the rapid changes in your skin's appearance and the discomfort you're experiencing.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Urgent Care: Given the rapid progression and involvement of new areas, including your face, it is advisable to seek urgent care. A healthcare provider can take a fresh look and may recommend different diagnostic tests or treatments based on a comprehensive examination.
-
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your rashes, including when they appear, how they change, and any other symptoms like itching or pain. This information can be very helpful for the healthcare provider.
-
Avoid Irritants: In the meantime, keep your skin moisturized and avoid any products that could irritate your skin further (such as strong soaps, fragrances, or harsh scrubs).
-
Monitor for Additional Symptoms: Watch for any signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or pus) or systemic symptoms (such as fever or significant fatigue) that may require immediate attention.
By taking these steps, you can work towards finding a solution that addresses your condition more effectively. Please take care of yourself and pursue the help you need as soon as possible.
Related Questions
Navigating Pilonidal Cysts During Pregnancy
A 26-year-old woman has been experiencing reoccurrences of pilonidal cysts. After a period of no issues since the age of 23, she encountered two episodes of flare-ups during her pregnancy, specifically at 33 and 37 weeks along. She is seeking insights and experiences from others who have faced similar challenges. Despite consulting multiple healthcare providers, her previous options were limited until the cysts became extremely painful and required drainage. During both episodes, she was prescribed antibiotics. Although a surgical solution to remove the cysts has been suggested, her current pregnancy timeline makes this impossible at the moment. She is wondering if there are any risks to her baby or herself and is particularly interested in effective strategies for managing her discomfort. Can anyone offer guidance or share similar experiences?
Could My Mother Have Suffered a TIA, or Am I Overreacting?
Greetings, I’m seeking guidance regarding my mother. She is 45 years old, stands 160 cm tall, and weighs 60 kg. Recently, while we were in the kitchen together sharing a meal, things took an unusual turn. After finishing our food, as I was about to head to my room, she unexpectedly positioned herself right in front of me. During that moment, she appeared to be staring into space, immobile, and spoke in a strangely mechanical manner. Her facial expressions were almost non-existent, despite the fact that she has never undergone procedures like Botox. We were able to communicate, albeit with her expressing feelings of weakness and mentioning difficulty in moving her eye. Observing closely, I noticed that her eye remained motionless, and she didn’t blink for the entire time I focused on it. Attempting to assist her to a chair so she could sit down proved challenging; she felt unresponsive, almost like handling a stiff object. While her body wasn’t rigid, there was a distinct lack of movement. Her legs remained fixed in place, showing no sign of activity. Approximately a minute elapsed, which felt like an eternity, before she returned to her usual state. She took a seat and reassured me that she was alright. For a brief moment, her face flushed red; it seemed as though she might have been downplaying her condition despite feeling some panic inside. Eventually, she regained full mobility, her facial expressions returned to normal, and everything appeared to be fine. The concern arises from the fact that since receiving her COVID vaccination (our entire family is vaccinated), she and the family have largely lost faith in medical services. Despite my warnings that this could signify a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and potentially indicate an impending stroke, they remain adamant about not seeking medical help. I am determined to take her to a general practitioner on Monday, but as it is now Saturday at 5 PM here in Germany, I’m unsure how to proceed in the meantime. Would it be advisable to administer aspirin (400 mg) to her orally? I am feeling quite anxious about not taking any action at all.
Strange Painful Bumps on My Throat Post-Tonsillectomy
Greetings, everyone! I’m a 31-year-old female who underwent a tonsillectomy three months back. About a month following the surgery, I noticed the emergence of some whitish, painful bumps on the left side of my throat. Even now, I still experience discomfort when I try to open my mouth widely, and I’m uncertain whether this is a common occurrence post-surgery. I’m not currently on any medication. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding what these bumps might be or if I should seek medical attention for them.
Strange Electric Sensations?
I'm uncertain about what’s going on with my body, but I’ll do my best to describe it. I am a 23-year-old female experiencing unusual sensations that feel like electric jolts throughout my body. Specifically, I've noticed these sensations primarily in my face (especially near my mouth), as well as in my chest, arms, hands, and legs. To articulate this feeling, it resembles an abrupt surge of pins and needles or an electric shock, almost as if there's a signal malfunction within me? These episodes last only a brief moment and often occur in multiple areas simultaneously; the most intense instances can affect up to five locations at once. I am baffled by this development, as it has only surfaced recently. Should I consult my general practitioner, or is this simply an odd sensation that doesn't require serious attention? If anyone has insights or inquiries about this, please don't hesitate to reach out. I would really appreciate any help in understanding what might be happening. Thank you!
Chronic Abdominal Discomfort and Constipation in a 22-Year-Old Female
I am a 22-year-old female, standing 5 feet tall and weighing 95 pounds, seeking insight into my ongoing health concerns. My medical background includes a variety of issues: - Frequent bouts of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections over the past two years. - An appendectomy performed in August 2024, during which a 1cm perforation was discovered. - Development of ovarian cysts. - A C. difficile infection treated effectively with Vancomycin in September 2024. - Onset of heart palpitations starting in September 2024. - Experiencing fainting spells and symptoms aligned with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) that persisted until May 2025. As a child, I struggled with being underweight and restrictive eating behaviors, however, I have since managed to improve my condition. Notably, I gained 10 pounds during a trip to Japan from January to May 2025. Additional concerns include mild scoliosis, hypotension, and severe headaches localized to the left temple that have been persistent since March 2025. During a visit to the emergency department in October 2025 due to heart palpitations and dizziness, tests returned mostly normal, although a high D-Dimer level was noted. A cardiologist suggested the possibility of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Familial health history is significant, particularly with my mother suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome, as well as a family history of stomach ulcers. My maternal grandfather had a stroke and diabetes. I began experiencing troubling symptoms in September 2025, manifesting 5-6 days per week as a persistent, dull ache located on the left side of my abdomen, particularly around the belly button. This discomfort escalates to severe pain at least once a month, after which I often experience nausea followed by vomiting that temporarily alleviates the pain. For the last two months, I have been dealing with pain localized in the left side of my back and abdomen, spreading occasionally to the right side during urination, and this sensation intensifies during my menstrual period. Since September 2025, I have noted continuous, involuntary pressure and extension of my rectum, which remains tense and unyielding, an issue that began after I suffered a tear in the anal sphincter/perineal area in April 2025. Additional symptoms include: - A gurgling noise from my stomach after eating. - Cramping similar to menstrual discomfort. - Frequent urges to urinate. - Discomfort during sexual activity. - A peculiar twitching sensation in my left leg while seated, akin to a blood vessel trying to function. - Occasional sharp chest pains potentially related to my posture. My bowel habits appear to be regular, with daily movements occurring one to two times. I have undergone several medical evaluations: - Thyroid function is normal. - Celiac disease screening returned negative. - Blood tests revealed normal glucose levels and a general metabolic panel, though potassium levels were low. - A tilt table test indicated no evidence of POTS. - A bladder assessment confirmed complete emptying. - Various urine tests were all negative for infection. Recent CT scans revealed a backup extending throughout the transverse colon since my surgery, with a follow-up scan showing no improvement. During my hospital stay for C. difficile, I was placed on medications including Colace and Miralax to assist in clearing the colon obstruction. Recommended management strategies from my healthcare providers include: - Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a nutritious diet, both of which I have been adhering to. - Engaging in physical activity, specifically yoga; however, I often feel too unwell to do much beyond attending college classes. I make an effort to walk regularly. - Preparing for a colonoscopy, though I have concerns about the long-term efficacy of this approach, especially since similar preparations did not yield lasting results in the past. - I have a pelvic floor therapy appointment scheduled for January to address some of these issues further.