skin rash concerns and skin irritation
Hello everyone, I need some guidance regarding a troubling skin condition I’ve been experiencing. About a week ago, I began to notice small, itchy bumps that initially emerged on my feet. These bumps were tiny, flesh-colored, and hardly noticeable, yet they itched intensely. Since then, the rash has spread to various parts of my body, including my legs, the insides of my arms, my hands, stomach (where an existing scar has become particularly itchy), and my armpits. Most recently, I’ve found that my lower back has also become very itchy. The situation has deteriorated, with the bumps becoming more pronounced and red in color, and some are even turning white. The areas most affected include the folds of my arms, behind my knees, my armpits, and anywhere my skin rubs against itself or clothing. For context, I visited the seaside on July 2nd and spent time tanning on the beach while using SPF sunscreen and an older tanning oil from the previous year. I did suffer a bit from sunburn initially, took a break from the sun for a day, then tanned again on July 4th without further sunburn. I first observed these bumps on July 6th; since then, I have been careful to stay out of direct sunlight while still applying SPF. Additionally, I purchased some new clothing that I did not wash before wearing, which might be relevant. In terms of remedies, I’ve experimented with taking 20 mg of bilastine, although I’m unsure of its effectiveness. Aloe vera and Fenistil gel (containing dimetindene maleate) have offered some relief, but I also took 10 mg of cetirizine last night without much certainty about its impact. Alongside this, I applied hydrocortisone cream, which has helped alleviate the itching, but the redness persists. I avoid hot showers, haven’t been exposed to sunlight since the rash began, and I’ve avoided sweating and further sunburn, yet the rash continues to worsen, affecting my ability to sleep comfortably at night. I would really appreciate any advice or insights you may have on this matter. About me: - Gender: Female - Age: 22 years - Height: 175 cm (5’8") - Weight: 69 kg (150 lbs) - Medications: Discontinued accutane (10 mg daily) at the end of June - Smoking: Non-smoker - Medical history: Had a benign teratoma ovarium accompanied by gliomatosis peritonei a decade ago, but I am currently in good health. - Duration of the rash: Since July 6 until now.
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 2:11:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a distressing skin condition with itchy bumps that have spread and irritated various areas of your body. These symptoms can be quite uncomfortable, especially when they affect your daily life and sleep. Let’s break this down and explore some actionable steps you can take.
Main Points
- Your rash's spread and characteristics suggest it could be an allergic reaction, irritant dermatitis, or possibly another skin condition exacerbated by recent sun exposure and new clothing.
- Immediate attention to skin care and potential triggers is crucial for relief.
Explanation
The itchy, spreading bumps you describe, along with their appearance and location, may indicate that your skin is reacting to something, which could be related to:
- An allergic reaction to new clothing or products (including sunscreen).
- Irritation from sun exposure, even with SPF protection.
- Potential contact dermatitis or conditions like eczema or hives.
Given that the rash worsened within a week of sun exposure and using new products, it's essential to consider possible allergens or irritants.
Actionable Next Steps
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Stop Using Potential Irritants: Temporarily discontinue using everything new you have recently applied, including the tanning oil, new clothing, and any potentially irritating lotions. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products.
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Apply Cool Compresses: To help soothe the itching and reduce inflammation, apply cool, damp cloths to the affected areas for about 15-20 minutes several times a day.
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Continue Anti-Itching Treatments: Since hydrocortisone cream has provided some relief, continue using it on affected areas, applying it sparingly to not exacerbate irritation. You might also benefit from an oral antihistamine (like cetirizine), taken before bedtime to help with sleep if itching disrupts it.
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Moisturize Regularly: Use a fragrance-free, soothing moisturizer to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation, especially after any washing or bathing.
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Observe Your Skin's Reaction: Keep track of any changes in your rash’s appearance, and note any new symptoms that develop. This can be helpful in identifying specific triggers.
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Monitor for Severity: If the rash shows no signs of improvement in the next few days or if you notice worsening symptoms (e.g., swelling, pain, or fever), consider seeking professional medical advice for further evaluation and treatment options.
Reassurance
It’s understandable to feel anxious about a rash that keeps worsening. With the proper approach, many skin conditions improve over time, especially when potential irritants are removed. Prioritizing gentle skin care and avoiding known triggers is key. If you would like more detailed information about any suggestions or if symptoms escalate, please reach out for further guidance.
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