Concerning Red Spots on Upper Arms and Back — Seeking Advice
Hello everyone, I’m a 19-year-old guy who is experiencing some troubling skin issues and I’m looking for guidance. Recently, I’ve noticed several **distinct red patches** on my **upper arms and back** that are slightly elevated. They are quite **sensitive to touch**, occasionally producing a **mild burning sensation**, but I haven’t observed any **pus or itchiness**. These patches seem to worsen with **increased sweating or exposure to heat**. This condition has persisted for several days now. Additionally, I’ve noticed small bumps on my **forehead and cheeks**, which I suspect might be whiteheads or closed comedones, and my skin generally feels oily. So far, I haven’t used any prescribed medications; I’ve only experimented with standard over-the-counter facial cleansers and creams. I’m concerned that the patches on my body might indicate a problem beyond typical acne. I appreciate any insights you might have regarding these symptoms — could it be a fungal infection, inflammation, or something entirely different? Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 4:31:07 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning skin issues, particularly the distinct red patches on your arms and back, along with bumps on your forehead and cheeks. Here’s a clear breakdown of your situation and some steps to help.
Main Points:
- The red patches on your arms and back could be due to a variety of causes, such as heat rash, folliculitis, or an inflammatory skin condition.
- The bumps on your forehead and cheeks may be related to acne or clogged pores.
- Managing your skin condition may require adjustments to your skincare routine and environmental factors.
Explanation:
The red patches that are elevated and sensitive to touch suggest that your skin is reacting to something—this could be due to heat, sweat, or an irritation such as folliculitis, which is the inflammation of hair follicles, or possibly a mild allergic reaction. The fact that they worsen with heat could support this. Since you don’t have pus or itchiness, it might not be a typical infection like fungal, but it’s best to keep an open mind.
The bumps on your face, which you suspect are whiteheads or closed comedones, typically occur when oil and dead skin clog hair follicles. This can lead to acne, especially if your skin tends to be oily.
Next Steps:
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Avoid Heat: Try to stay cool and avoid situations that cause excessive sweating, as heat can exacerbate your symptoms. Wear loose clothing in breathable fabrics.
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Gentle Skin Care:
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser on both your body and face, ideally one designed for sensitive skin or acne-prone skin.
- Avoid scrubbing the affected areas vigorously as this can worsen irritation.
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Moisturize Wisely: If your skin is oily, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to avoid clogging pores. Look for products labeled “oil-free.”
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting when they worsen or improve, especially in relation to heat or skincare changes.
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Topical Treatments: You might consider using over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid on your face to help with the bumps. However, be cautious to avoid applying these too closely to the red patches to prevent further irritation.
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Consider Allergy Prevention: If you suspect an allergic reaction, try to identify and avoid potential triggers, like new detergents or body products.
If the red patches do not improve within a week, worsen, or if new symptoms develop, it would be prudent to reach out for professional healthcare advice to explore further options, such as topical treatments or a possible evaluation for other skin conditions.
Take care, and I hope these steps help to improve your skin issues!
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