Concern Over Skin Rash
Hello, I'm a 22-year-old female and fully vaccinated. I’m currently on a variety of medications, so please bear with me: Lamictal (100mg), Clomipramine (75mg), birth control, Dicyclomine (10mg taken four times daily), Rabeprazole (20mg taken twice daily), Vitamin B12 supplements, and Flintstones bone health vitamins. I've also been treated with Doxycycline (unsure of the dosage), transitioned to Bactrim, and then switched to Prednisone after discontinuing Bactrim. In terms of mental health, I have diagnoses of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), along with gastroparesis. Each day, I spend a significant amount of time outdoors, usually about an hour in the woods. I first noticed a rash on June 9th, which resembled either mosquito bites or poison ivy, quite possibly due to my frequent outdoor activities in a nature preserve. After it worsened, I sought treatment at urgent care, where I was diagnosed with contact dermatitis and advised to use hydrocortisone. However, the condition continued to deteriorate, beginning to weep slightly. Concerned about the spreading rash, I returned to urgent care, and they suspected it might be impetigo, prescribing Doxycycline. After three days of taking Doxycycline with no improvement, I visited urgent care again, where the doctors expressed their concerns and prescribed Bactrim along with Prednisone. Despite following up two days later due to the worsening and spreading nature of the rash to other parts of my body, the urgent care doctor suggested the possibility of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and referred me to the hospital. After spending five hours at the hospital, the assessment was less alarming; they attributed it to either contact or atopic dermatitis and recommended a steroid cream while discontinuing the antibiotics but maintaining the Prednisone. I haven’t procured the steroid cream yet, and I'm hopeful it will provide relief. However, my anxiety persists due to the urgent care's alarming comments about potential MRSA requiring IV antibiotics. Thank you for taking the time to read my situation, and I apologize for the poor formatting, as I've been navigating this on my mobile device.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 12:30:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation; I understand that dealing with a rash, especially when compounded by your medications and mental health challenges, can be quite stressful. Given the context, let's break this down into key points.
Main Points:
- You have a rash that may stem from contact dermatitis, possibly worsened by outdoor exposure, and there has been concern over potential infection.
- The treatment plan has involved various medications, and you are awaiting a steroid cream that may help relieve the symptoms.
- Anxiety about the situation is understandable, especially after receiving mixed messages from healthcare providers.
Explanation:
From what you've shared, it appears that the rash has been diagnosed and treated for different potential causes, including contact dermatitis and implications of an infection. The fact that it worsened even after antibiotic treatment raises important considerations about the nature of the rash.
- Contact Dermatitis: This is often caused by an allergen or irritant coming in contact with the skin. Given your outdoor activities, this seems plausible.
- Infection Concerns: While some healthcare providers noted potential concerns for bacterial infections like MRSA, the hospital's assessment may help reassure you that the rash can be managed without invasive treatments.
- Psychological Factors: Your history of anxiety and mental health issues may intensify your worries about this physical condition.
Next Steps:
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Apply the Steroid Cream: Once you procure the topical steroid cream, start applying it as directed. This is likely your most immediate step for relief, as it can help reduce inflammation and itching.
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Skin Care: Keep the affected areas clean and avoid scratching, which can worsen the rash or lead to secondary infections. Use mild soaps and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the rash—like color, size, or if it develops new symptoms (like increased warmth, pus, or foul odor). This will be useful information if you need to seek further care.
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Address Anxiety: Consider deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques that may help manage your anxiety when worrying about your rash. You might also want to discuss these feelings with a therapist familiar with your mental health history.
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Follow Up if Needed: If the rash does not improve with the steroid cream over the next few days, or if it continues to spread, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further assessment.
Reassurance:
You are taking the right steps by seeking help and actively engaging with your treatment plan. It's normal to feel anxious when dealing with health issues, but keep focusing on the most actionable steps you can take. You are not alone in this; reach out for support if you need it, be it from friends, family, or a professional. Let me know if there's anything more specific you'd like guidance on!
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