Urgent Appointment Rescheduled: Seeking Insights on Rash
I've made some edits to include crucial details. While I understand that Reddit isn’t a substitute for medical advice, I wanted to share my current situation. I sought help at urgent care and have scheduled a visit with my primary care physician (PCP) for a possible referral to a rheumatologist. However, my PCP isn't available until August, leaving me anxious and in anticipation. The urgent care doctor prescribed Triamcinolone but it hasn’t alleviated the itching. I’m hoping to connect with others who have had similar experiences prior to being diagnosed with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or lymphoma. I’ve been told by medical staff that my symptoms could potentially indicate one of these conditions, but they recommended starting with a rheumatologist to assess the skin issues first. About me: I’m 27 years old, 5'3", weigh 144lbs, and I’m female. I currently take no medications but have been a daily smoker for approximately 12 years. Approximately two months ago, I noticed a severely itchy rash exclusively on the back of my neck, which occasionally burns. I haven’t changed any soaps, creams, or laundry detergents, and none of the over-the-counter remedies seem to provide any relief. My skin history is relatively clear aside from a few instances of polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) that emerged over the last few years. To complicate matters, I’ve experienced swollen lymph nodes on both sides and at the back of my neck and behind my ears. I've had hard, swollen lymph nodes intermittently, with the first one identified around five years ago. The swelling of the neck lymph nodes began after the rash appeared. The rash is not only extremely itchy, but it also radiates warmth and has caused open sores that won’t heal. Interestingly, the skin over the lymph nodes themselves seems irritated, even where there is no visible rash. Before diving headlong into Google’s troubling rabbit hole of medical conditions, I reached out to Reddit for guidance. Additionally, a couple of months prior to the neck rash, I started seeing some circular, mostly itchy patches on my legs and abdomen, with one on my foot. These patches have not healed, and although they sometimes itch, they are less noticeable compared to the neck rash. They do seem to be aggravated by heat or water, especially during showering. I’ve counted several spots on my legs, three on my stomach, and another on my foot, as well as a suspicious lump located on the inner side of my shin, which feels like a swollen lymph node. This lump is about 1cm in diameter and the surrounding skin is slightly pink while the lump itself is deeper within. I recently underwent a complete blood count (CBC) test, and the results were marked "abnormal". My metabolic panel and D-dimer from the same date also indicated abnormalities. Currently, I have a visibly swollen lymph node on my neck as well. Over the last couple of years, I've been contending with swollen lymph nodes, persistent fatigue, and other unsettling symptoms, alongside a significant weight loss of about 100 pounds without any effort. Regarding my tonsils, they appear uneven and alter their appearance. My appetite is practically nonexistent; when hunger strikes, it lasts only briefly, limiting me to one meal a day if I’m fortunate to eat. Even light physical activity leaves me feeling utterly drained, starkly contrasted with the fatigue associated with a long day’s work. This is an all-consuming weariness that lingers long after rest, making simple tasks monumental challenges. Additionally, I have experienced recurring polymorphic light eruption symptoms every summer for the past few years, limited to my arms. I’ve ruled out HIV and Lyme disease, my ANA levels are normal, and other tests have yielded non-conclusive results. Years back, I had mononucleosis, showing extremely elevated Epstein-Barr Virus metrics, as per the medical records I managed to obtain. With swollen lymph nodes readily visible in a photograph accompanying my neck rash, I ask for guidance on which specific tests I should pursue moving forward: should I request a biopsy of a lymph node, the rash, or proceed directly to emergency care, or tough it out until my PCP is available in August?
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 9:10:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It seems you're experiencing a complex combination of symptoms that are understandably causing you considerable anxiety. Your ongoing issues with a severe rash, swollen lymph nodes, and systemic symptoms like fatigue warrant attention, particularly given the potential implications. Here’s how to approach your situation.
Key Points
- Symptom Monitoring: Your symptoms require careful observation due to their complexity and potential seriousness.
- Short-term Relief: Since Triamcinolone isn't providing relief, consider adjunct strategies.
- Testing and Evaluation: Certain tests could determine the underlying causes of your symptoms and aid in appropriate management.
Explanation
The rash you're experiencing, paired with the swollen lymph nodes and fatigue, can be indicative of various underlying conditions, including possible autoimmune disorders or infections. The fact that your lymph nodes are swollen and tender, combined with the persistent rash and weight loss, suggests that your body's immune system is reacting to something.
Given your history of polymorphic light eruption and significant weight loss without effort, it's crucial to obtain a comprehensive evaluation. As you have noticed abnormal blood test results, further investigation is needed to clarify these findings.
Next Steps
-
Symptom Diary: Keep track of your symptoms, noting when they worsen, any triggers (like heat or water), and the status of your rash and lymph nodes. This will help provide your healthcare provider with detailed information.
-
Contact Your PCP’s Office: Even though your appointment is in August, consider reaching out to see if there's a possibility of an earlier visit or if they can provide interim guidance based on your current situation. Express the extent of your symptoms, particularly the fatigue and lymph node issues.
-
Urgent Care Evaluation: If your symptoms worsen significantly before your scheduled visit—such as increased pain, severe difficulty breathing, or newfound symptoms like fever—it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention.
-
Request Specific Tests: When you do see your PCP or rheumatologist, consider asking for:
- A biopsy of the lymph node or the rash to rule out conditions such as lymphoma or other skin disorders.
- Further blood tests to assess markers of inflammation (like CRP or ESR) and possibly evaluate for specific autoimmune conditions.
- Imaging studies if indicated, especially considering the swollen lymph nodes.
-
Adjunct Relief for Rash: In the meantime, you may try:
- Cold compresses to soothe the rash.
- Over-the-counter antihistamines to help with itching (if no contraindications).
- Avoiding known irritants or triggers, including harsh soaps and hot water.
Reassurance
It’s normal to feel anxious given the situation, but being proactive by tracking your symptoms and communicating clearly with your healthcare providers will enable you to get the help you need. Your health and comfort matter, and the goal is to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms as effectively as possible. Please keep monitoring your symptoms, and don't hesitate to seek help if they worsen.
Related Questions
Concerns Regarding Neurological Health
Hello! I received an epilepsy diagnosis back in 2008, and throughout this time, various MRI and CT imaging studies have indicated issues related to cerebral function and encephalopathy. Despite consulting multiple neurologists over the years, I’ve found that none of them appear worried about the encephalopathy aspect. Shouldn’t this be something to take more seriously? My cognitive abilities, including memory and vision, have noticeably deteriorated as time has passed. I’m feeling lost since my previous neurologists have not acknowledged my concerns adequately. If anyone could offer guidance or suggest resources, I would greatly appreciate it. In addition to epilepsy, my other medical conditions include Narcolepsy, Lynch Syndrome, Migraines, a mutation associated with HLA-B27, and Hashimoto's disease, along with others that escape me for the moment. Currently, I’m on a medication regimen that includes Lamictal, Xcopri, Hydroxyzine, Solifenacin, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Sunosi, Aimovig, and Famotidine.
Navigating the Complexity of Symptoms: Is It PCOS or Something Else?
While I’m not an expert in self-diagnosis, I find myself puzzled by an array of symptoms that overlap, making it challenging to pinpoint what might be affecting my health. Let's break down my situation: - Age: 25 years, Gender: Female, Height: 5’1”, Weight: 125 lbs. - The last menstruation occurred in June 2024. Prior to this, my menstrual cycle was remarkably consistent since I was around 12 years old, typically without severe premenstrual symptoms, heavy flow, or irregularities. - Various blood tests over time reveal that most hormone levels fall within normal ranges, with the exception of estradiol (persistently between 10-20) and progesterone (remaining below 0.2). - A couple of results raised some concerns for me personally, even if my doctors weren’t alarmed: my morning cortisol was measured at 13.4 and in the afternoon at 9.49. One test indicated a TSH level of 2.35, which increased to 3.93 months later. My fasting glucose consistently hovers around 80, whereas random glucose levels were recorded at 68, and postprandial glucose was 65. - An MRI indicated a "deviation of the pituitary stalk, potentially linked to a small pituitary adenoma." - An ultrasound revealed "multiple oval, well-defined, anechoic images with posterior acoustic enhancement, measuring a few millimeters, located around the edges of the stroma." - The symptoms I am experiencing include disrupted sleep (frequent awakenings, particularly around 3 AM, making it hard to resume sleep), lack of energy, difficulty in weight management, persistent hunger, heightened anxiety, and hair thinning. - Birth control (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) exacerbated nearly all of my symptoms, leading me to discontinue use after two weeks despite experiencing a withdrawal bleed. - My lifestyle is generally healthy; I consume a lot of whole foods, engage in weightlifting, and run regularly. Given that I’ve received a diagnosis of PCOS, I’m wondering if this assessment seems accurate. What options do I have moving forward, especially since the contraceptive method didn’t provide relief and I appear to exhibit signs of additional complications such as thyroid issues or cortisol dysregulation?
Understanding My Experience with Overdose-Related Symptoms and Behavior
25 years old, 165 cm tall, and weighing 70 kg. Summary: After sharing a complaint about my interactions with paramedics, I've taken a moment to reflect on their feedback and review the situation through the footage. I recognize that my conduct during those moments was inappropriate, and I am filled with remorse. Subsequently, I have retracted my complaint and am now seeking mental health support. I desire to clarify certain aspects since my medical records do not completely align with what I went through. Below, I detail my symptoms. Yesterday, I made a post on the AskDoctors forum, hoping for insights regarding my condition. The advice I received prompted a self-realization that had evaded me until now. Initially, I was outlining a grievance against paramedics who doubted the legitimacy of my seizures and accused me of feigning the experience. My response was not only disproportionate but also hostile—I yelled, wept, and labeled them as heartless. Such reactions were completely unwarranted and unjustifiable. Ultimately, I was physically stable, with vital signs indicating no critical issues; there were only temporary fluctuations in my blood work, which shouldn’t have raised alarms. I feel profound regret over my conduct during that encounter. Watching the footage incites feelings of self-disgust. I’ve decided to withdraw my complaints and am committed to mental health resources. I opted to delete my previous post since it contained sensitive information about my professional and educational background; I was worried it might provoke disciplinary action from my university, which I cherish as my career gives my life meaning. I admit to feeling cowardly in this respect. The initial reason for my inquiry was a desperate need for clarity about the symptoms I experienced, as my discharge documentation omits much of what transpired in the hospital and the subsequent three days. I greatly value the input I’ve received and hope to gather more perspectives. I fully acknowledge my wrongdoings and find my previous behavior abhorrent. I understand how challenging it is for emergency personnel to fulfill their duties when faced with such a situation. I’ve discussed with family and friends the importance of exercising discretion when contacting emergency services and ensuring it’s truly necessary. I regret taking up valuable resources that could have been reserved for individuals in genuine need of urgent care. My actions were shameful, not just for me but also for my colleagues who work in emergency services; I genuinely believe the clinicians should have distanced themselves from my case entirely. I've canceled my appointment with the neurologist, but I would genuinely appreciate insights from others on this subject. Could excessive doses of sertraline, propranolol, promethazine, and alcohol induce psychological seizures? Is it possible for these seizures to recur? Were my hallucinations indicative of some kind of psychosis? During the episodes, I saw hair-like formations everywhere and everything seemed to emit a blue glow. In the hospital, I consistently perceived doctors passing by. At home, the LED lights appeared to move, and I often caught glimpses of faces in my peripheral vision. There were also auditory experiences, such as hearing things that weren’t present, as confirmed by my friend. Initially at home, I was unaware I was having seizures, although I did hear police officers numbering them and acknowledging them as such. I had three episodes where I was placed in the recovery position. In my medical notes, I mentioned experiencing ten seizures throughout the night, though I can’t verify this. I was seemingly in a continuous cycle of them. I recall at least once drooling uncontrollably and my hands looked peculiar; on one occasion, I screamed when I regained consciousness due to an awkward hand position. I also experienced significant neck pain and discomfort in my feet. I know I fell twice while hospitalized; fortunately, my mother was there to catch me each time, so I avoided serious injury. I was never alone in the facility. Everything seemed to settle down after approximately three days, right around my third visit. I recall a persistent ache at the nape of my neck that left me feeling drowsy, often drifting in and out of consciousness and repeatedly asking for the time. It was a never-ending ordeal, and although I had little appetite, I did not vomit at all. Reflecting on this whole episode leaves me feeling as if it were entirely fabricated. I struggle to articulate it. Conversations about care options unfolded around me, yet I grasped little of what was being discussed. I often replied with “yes” or sought validation from my mother. I remember thinking it was remarkable that my mum had glasses with water in them; I even imagined one of my cats perched on my aunt’s shoulder. Overall, it felt akin to a terrifying drug experience. I do have videos capturing my behavior at home, though I cannot recall anything from the hospital. I often awakened with either my mother, aunt, or medical staff restraining me. Could it all stem from psychological causes? Is it possible that the medications led to a psychotic episode where I convinced myself I was experiencing seizures and on the brink of death? After they subsided, I felt like an automaton for weeks, plagued by involuntary muscle jerks—primarily in my legs and neck. I sincerely hope these symptoms do not return. I intend to avoid emergency care unless it’s absolutely necessary. I seek nothing more than to comprehend what transpired. Thank you for your thoughts.
A Mysterious Illness That Resembles Strep Throat
As an 18-year-old college student, standing at 5'4" and weighing 140 pounds, I maintain an active lifestyle. I do not smoke or have any preexisting health issues, aside from the vitamins and supplements I take daily. Approximately five days ago, I began to feel unusually fatigued and achy. Within just a day, my symptoms escalated to include a high fever reaching between 101°F and 102°F that ibuprofen couldn’t seem to alleviate. I experienced extreme tiredness that kept me bedridden all day, along with a persistent headache and intense throat pain, which was compounded by swollen lymph nodes and the familiar white patches often associated with strep throat. Having dealt with strep throat before, I recognized a need for antibiotics. Two days into feeling unwell, I visited an urgent care facility for an assessment and received a rapid strep test, which unfortunately came back negative. I recalled a previous incident where my rapid strep test also indicated a false negative, only for the culture sent for further testing to confirm the presence of strep bacteria. Given my symptoms and the findings from the examination, the healthcare provider prescribed Cefdinir, as I am allergic to amoxicillin, despite the negative rapid test results. The antibiotics proved effective, and I felt nearly back to normal, leading me to believe that my culture results would also come back positive for strep, suggesting a recurrence of my previous infection. However, I received the culture results yesterday, and to my surprise, they came back negative for strep. While I lack medical expertise, I’ve been led to believe that false negatives in cultures are exceedingly rare. Now, I find myself puzzled about what kind of bacterial infection I might have had if it wasn’t strep. Any insights or information regarding my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.