Seeking Answers for Persistent Rash
Greetings, I’m a 37-year-old female living in the central United States. During mid-June, while I was in the shower, my partner noticed two oval-shaped, pink patches above my left breast. Initially, these spots were slightly larger than a dime; they didn’t cause any pain or itching. I assumed it might be a heat rash as they appeared in the area where my bra sits. Over the next few days, there was no significant change unless I neglected to apply moisturizer, which sometimes left them looking a bit scaly. After a couple of weeks without noticeable improvement and no itching, I was advised to use an antifungal cream. I applied it for about five days, but it seemed to intensify the redness instead. I continued to monitor the area and observed that the patches were gradually enlarging. About a month later, I discovered a similar scaly patch on my lower back that took on a pink hue, resembling the original two spots on my chest. Growing increasingly concerned, I conducted some research and found that pityriasis rosea matched my symptoms; I also learned that antifungal treatments could exacerbate the condition. I then switched to hydrocortisone cream, which proved ineffective. A trial with Benadryl cream containing zinc only made the rash appear redder. Fast forward to the end of July, I noticed a spot that mirrored the earlier rash at the edge of my left nipple, along with a small patch at the base of my throat and several tiny spots on my torso, which appeared just last week. For context, my history includes no recent changes in detergents or soaps, no bug bites, and I’ve been under stress at work. During the winter, I experienced two similar patches on the back of my calf and my abdomen's side, which were quite itchy but resolved in approximately six weeks. Additionally, I have a medical history of hypertension, anxiety, and prediabetes.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 10:01:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with persistent skin changes that are causing concern. From your detailed description, it seems you might be experiencing a condition similar to pityriasis rosea, especially considering the pattern of your rashes and their development over time. It’s understandable to feel anxious, but let's focus on what we can do to manage your symptoms and address your concerns.
Summary of Key Points:
- You may have pityriasis rosea, characterized by pink patches that can vary in size and may not respond well to antifungal treatments.
- Your history of similar patches and their characteristics suggests a recurring skin condition that is likely benign, though it can be distressing.
Explanation:
Pityriasis rosea is a skin condition that often begins with a "herald patch," which can be followed by multiple similar smaller patches. It’s generally self-limiting, meaning it often resolves on its own in a few weeks to months. This condition is not contagious and isn’t typically associated with serious health issues. Given that antifungal creams seemed to worsen the areas and hydrocortisone didn’t provide relief, it’s clear that it may not be a fungal issue.
Next Steps:
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Observe Changes: Continue to monitor the patches for any changes in coloration, size, or new patches developing. Note any changes in symptoms like itching or pain.
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Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the affected areas to help with any dryness and scaling. Avoid irritants like harsh soaps or fragrances.
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Avoid Irritants: Since heat and friction might aggravate the condition, consider wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding tight bras or clothing that might rub against the patches.
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Stay Calm: Stress can sometimes exacerbate skin conditions. Consider implementing stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or gentle physical activity, which may help manage stress overall.
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Document Symptoms: Maintain a diary of your symptoms, including what treatments you've tried and their effects. This will be helpful if you decide to seek further evaluation.
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Consider Trends: Since you observed a similar rash previously during stressful times, think about your stress management strategies and any other lifestyle factors that might play a role.
If symptoms persist beyond a couple more weeks or if you develop new concerning symptoms (like significant itching, pain, or spread of the rash), it might be wise to seek evaluation from a healthcare provider who can examine the rash directly and rule out any other conditions.
Please remember that while skin changes can be alarming, many are benign and improve with time. Your health and comfort are essential, and I’m here to support you. Let me know if you have any further questions or if additional guidance is needed!
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