Persistent Rash Ascending My Legs
A 21-year-old female is experiencing a concerning situation with a red rash that has been gradually climbing up her legs. Despite consulting with over 15 healthcare professionals, a clear diagnosis has remained elusive. The rash is notable for its tendency to persist, failing to fade even when a glass is rolled across it. It becomes particularly pronounced during movement and has been present for more than six months. Alongside the rash, she suffers from joint discomfort in her knees and ankles when it exacerbates. Initially originating from a viral infection, the rash eventually darkens to a brownish hue before eventually disappearing, only to reappear later. Tests conducted by doctors have ruled out vasculitis, yet no abnormalities have been found in her blood work. She is unable to upload images of the rash here. In her search for answers, the closest self-diagnosis she could find resembles Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP). She seeks insights or potential treatments from others who might have faced a similar plight. Additionally, she seeks advice on how to advocate more effectively with her doctors about her ongoing condition.
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 6:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a very frustrating and persistent rash that is affecting your quality of life. Given the details, your situation may involve complex skin and joint symptoms that require careful consideration. Here's an overview and some actionable steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Your rash is persistent, painful, and accompanied by joint discomfort.
- It’s essential to explore various possible conditions and advocate for further evaluation while managing your symptoms.
Explanation:
The combination of a chronic rash and joint pain can arise from different conditions including autoimmune disorders, dermatological issues, or systemic diseases. Since your tests have ruled out vasculitis and you suspect a connection to HSP (which commonly affects the skin and joints), it’s critical to continue looking for answers while also managing your symptoms.
Chronic conditions like HSP can sometimes be elusive in diagnosis, especially if classic symptoms are not present. The fact that the rash does not fade with pressure (the glass test) and changes color suggests more than just dermatitis. Joint pain is another significant factor which can influence the overall picture.
Next Steps:
-
Track Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when the rash appears, its appearance, any potential triggers (food, stress, activity), associated symptoms like joint pain, and patterns in patterns of redness or scaling. This may provide valuable insights for your healthcare team.
-
Explore Referral Options:
- Advocate for seeing a dermatologist or a rheumatologist if you haven’t already. These specialists might have more experience with complex cases and can offer a fresh perspective on your symptoms.
-
Discuss Treatment Options:
- Discuss anti-inflammatory medications or topical treatments with your healthcare providers that may help manage both the rash and joint discomfort. Options might include corticosteroid creams or systemic medications if an autoimmune condition is suspected.
-
Manage Symptoms at Home:
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Moisturize your skin regularly to reduce dryness and irritation.
- Consider gentle exercises or physical therapy to help alleviate joint discomfort, easing movement without exacerbating the rash.
-
Build a Support Network:
- Reach out to support groups for individuals with similar conditions, such as HSP. Sharing experiences may lead to helpful insights or coping strategies.
-
Advocate Effectively:
- Clearly articulate your concerns and symptoms during medical appointments. Bring your symptom diary to share specific details.
- Ask questions about possible underlying conditions and potential next steps if no diagnosis is reached. Being proactive about your care can make a significant difference.
Your ongoing care and advocacy for yourself are crucial. Don’t hesitate to pursue second opinions if you feel you’re not getting the answers you need. Support from specialists can be vital in navigating complex symptoms like yours. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking answers can be a part of your healing journey.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.