Unexplained Skin Rash for a Week
Hello, I'm reaching out with a concern that I’m unsure how to handle since I can't visit a physician at the moment. I’ve been experiencing this unusual rash on my arm for the past week and I’m puzzled about what it may be. I’m a 22-year-old female, although I don't believe my weight is pertinent to the situation. This rash originated about seven days ago and has remained relatively unchanged, presenting as red patches on my skin that aren't particularly raised nor excessively dry. My mother has psoriasis, which worries me since I wonder if this could be a similar issue; however, I thought psoriasis typically appears on areas like elbows or knees and tends to be more severe. Thank you for your input! Also, I would appreciate if comments regarding my tattoos could be avoided, as they are not relevant to this discussion.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 7:20:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're understandably concerned about the rash on your arm, especially given your family history with psoriasis. Here's a concise overview of what you might consider.
Key Points:
- You have a rash that's red and unchanged for a week.
- Your mother has psoriasis, which raises your concerns.
Explanation:
Rashes can have many causes, including allergic reactions, irritations, infections, or even conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Since your rash has been present for a week and is stable (not worsening or changing in appearance), it may not be an urgent emergency, but it should still be monitored closely. While psoriasis can have a hereditary component, there are many types of skin conditions that present similarly.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Record: Note any changes in the rash each day, including size, color, or if any symptoms like itching develop. This information can be helpful for future discussions with a healthcare provider.
-
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of lotions, creams, or topical products you haven't used before, as these can sometimes cause or worsen rashes.
-
Moisturize Gently: Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to the area to prevent any dryness, which could exacerbate irritation.
-
Watch for Symptoms: If the rash suddenly becomes painful, it starts to blister, or you experience fever or swelling, it would be wise to seek professional medical advice as soon as you can.
-
Consider Triggers: Reflect on any new products (soaps, detergents) or environmental changes (like new pets or plants) that may have coincided with the start of the rash.
While you are monitoring your rash at home, try to remain calm. Rashes are common and many resolve with simple care. If you need further clarification or have new symptoms arise, please reach out with updated information.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Mass on the Glottis
Patient Details: 63-year-old male, height 165 cm, weight 66 kg, Asian descent. Lifestyle Factors: No history of smoking or alcohol consumption. Medical History: Diagnosed with asthma and angina. Current Medications: Uses a Symbicort inhaler and takes Concor tablets. Main Concern: A mass was detected during a gastroendoscopy carried out a year ago. There is no report of pain, but the patient experiences mild hoarseness. What might be the diagnosis?