Persistent Rashes: Seeking Answers
Background: (37F) For several months, I’ve been struggling with a persistent fungal infection that originated from a visit to a nail salon. Each time I opted for a manicure, I would end up with these weeping rashes on my fingers. To avoid this, I’ve switched to using press-on nails, suspecting the issue might be linked to the salon’s chemicals. Additionally, I experienced a significant allergic reaction, specifically contact dermatitis, after attempting lash extensions; I had to get those removed the very next day due to the severity of the reaction. I also contend with serious dietary restrictions because I am allergic to dairy, eggs, and gluten, as I have celiac disease. At present, I am on Lamotrigine for mood stabilization, although this medication contains a small amount of lactose. It remains unclear which condition is causing my recurring skin problems, but regardless, I have been breaking out in rashes on a consistent basis for months, even with the treatments prescribed by my dermatologist. Currently, I have a persistent rash on my palm, my fingers continue to break out, I’m experiencing issues around my eyes, and I have been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis. New rashes are also appearing on areas such as my inner elbows, outer armpits, neck, and stomach. I’m at a loss for what to do next or what might be triggering these issues. 😭 I welcome any insights or suggestions for management or identification of potential causes!
Answers (1)
6/30/2025, 3:02:26 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation involving multiple skin issues and reactions, which can be really frustrating. Let’s break this down and look at potential causes and some actionable steps that might help you manage your symptoms.
Main Points
- Possible Causes: Persistent rashes may arise from repeated exposures to irritants (like chemicals at the salon), allergens (such as in lash extensions), and underlying skin conditions (like seborrheic dermatitis or contact dermatitis).
- Next Steps: Focus on identifying triggers, managing your current symptoms, and maintaining skin health.
Explanation
From your description, it seems your skin problems could be multifactorial. The fungal infection from the nail salon might have initially set off a chain reaction, leading to sensitivity to other substances, especially considering your allergies and celiac disease. The contact dermatitis from the lash extensions indicates that your skin is highly reactive, possibly due to allergens you may not have identified.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be aggravated by various factors, including stress, climate, and certain products. Given the recurrence and expansion of rashes, it’s important to simplify and track your exposures while treating your skin gently.
Actionable Steps
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary noting when rashes occur, their location, and any potential triggers, such as products used, foods eaten, or activities performed. This can help correlate flare-ups with specific exposures and may aid in identifying allergens.
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Avoid Known Irritants:
- For Skin: Avoid using nail products, lash extensions, or any other beauty treatments that you suspect could cause your skin to react.
- For Diet: Ensure all food ingested is strictly gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. Be cautious with incidental lactose exposure from medications, and discuss this with your healthcare provider regarding alternatives that are safe for you.
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Gentle Skin Care: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers that are suitable for sensitive skin. Being gentle with your skin can help reduce irritation.
- Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help alleviate inflammation; however, use it sparingly, and not as a long-term solution.
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Seek Out Anti-fungal Treatment: Consult your dermatologist about a tailored treatment plan for your fungal infection. They may suggest topical antifungals or other specific therapies that consider your entire clinical picture.
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Monitor New Symptoms: If you notice any worsening of your rashes, new symptoms, or signs of infection (like increased redness, warmth, or oozing), it may require more immediate attention.
While dealing with constant changes in your skin can be overwhelming, focusing on manageable steps, monitoring your reactions, and avoiding known irritants can make a significant difference over time. Please take care and reach out if you have further questions or need more support!
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