OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Seeking Assistance: Persistent Rash Issue Since June

8/13/2025, 3:01:21 AMMale25-34

I am reaching out for help regarding a troubling skin issue my seven-year-old daughter has been facing since June. She has no previous health complications, but this rash has emerged predominantly in her groin area and on her buttocks. After conducting several blood tests, the results all came back normal. Both bacterial and fungal cultures failed to indicate any growth. Currently, the rash has spread to several other areas, including her butt cheeks, behind her knees, in her armpits, and at the crease of her elbows. Despite consultations with six pediatricians and two dermatologists, we are still without a definitive diagnosis. We have attempted various treatments such as mupirocin, clotrimazole, fluconazole, hydrocortisone, and triamcinolone. Of these, triamcinolone has provided some temporary relief, but the rash reappears shortly after the treatment is discontinued. We’ve noticed that elevated heat and sweating exacerbate the condition, particularly when she swims. I would greatly appreciate any insights or support on this matter. While ChatGPT suggested flexural eczema, the dermatologists indicated that it doesn’t appear to be eczema-related.

AsthmaMultiple SclerosisInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

8/13/2025, 3:02:00 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for providing a detailed account of your daughter's persistent rash. It sounds very frustrating, especially after seeking help from various medical professionals without a clear resolution.

Main Points

  1. Your daughter's rash has persisted for several months and spread to multiple areas.
  2. Previous treatments have provided only temporary relief.
  3. Heat and sweating seem to worsen her condition.

Explanation

Given the information about the rash appearing in areas that are prone to moisture and friction, it could be pointing towards a condition that is not solely bacterial or fungal in nature. Possible causes include intertrigo, which is inflammation in skin folds that can be exacerbated by friction, moisture, and heat.

The fact that triamcinolone helped temporarily might suggest an inflammatory component, but it could also mean that other treatments are needed alongside.

Next Steps

  1. Keep the Skin Dry: Focus on keeping the affected areas dry and exposed to air as much as possible. Use loose-fitting, breathable clothing to reduce moisture retention.

  2. Apply Barrier Cream: Consider using a barrier cream or ointment, such as zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, to protect the skin in the affected areas. This can help reduce irritation and prevent moisture buildup.

  3. Gentle Cleansing Routine: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps for cleaning to avoid further irritation. Pat the areas dry instead of rubbing.

  4. Focus on Temperature Control: Try to keep her cool to prevent sweating, especially during swimming. Look for cooler times of the day for outdoor activities and use wet or breathable swimwear.

  5. Track Symptoms: Keep a log of when her symptoms flare up, including information like heat exposure, products used, and any changes in her environment (e.g., new laundry detergents). This may help identify triggers.

  6. Consider a Patch Test: If not already done, consider having a patch test administered by a dermatologist to rule out any allergic reactions to specific substances or materials.

Please continue to follow up with your healthcare providers regarding further evaluations, especially if symptoms worsen or do not improve with these strategies. It’s essential to monitor her skin condition closely and adjust your approach as needed. Your persistent care in exploring this issue shows a strong commitment to her health, which is commendable. Let me know if you need further information or support.

Related Questions

Concerns About Potential Urethral Injury

A 32-year-old male, standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 275 pounds, does not partake in smoking, drinks occasionally, and has no prior health concerns or medications in his history. To provide some context, I occasionally incorporate a chastity cage into my lifestyle with my partner. Just yesterday, while using the restroom while still wearing the cage, I suspect that one of its bars obstructed my urethral opening without my knowledge. This caused intense pain as I attempted to urinate, prompting me to quickly remove the cage to complete the process. Upon checking the toilet, I noticed a few drops of blood. Now, approximately 24 hours have elapsed since the incident. Fortunately, the pain has mostly subsided, yet I've noticed some tenderness in the area just beneath the head of my penis when it is erect. There's no longer any blood present. Although there is no discomfort during urination, I find myself anxious about visiting a healthcare professional to explain the situation. Should I be concerned about the potential for injury?

LupusInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
13 minutes ago

Should I Be Concerned?

As a 24-year-old female, I recently experienced a challenging hike last Sunday, which resulted in a bruised toe. Initially, I assumed it to be a case of hiker's toe. Since then, I've encountered difficulties while walking, primarily feeling a constant pressure in that area. The transition from the hike day to this morning (Wednesday) has been noteworthy. I have been treating it with Betadine twice daily. Is there cause for concern?

ArthritisInternal Medicine
Male25-34
13 minutes ago

Understanding Male Urethra Prolapse

To summarize my situation succinctly, I am a 20-year-old male experiencing some unusual symptoms related to my urethra. It appears that there are some flesh-like protrusions or "bumps" emerging from this area, and they are quite sensitive to any pressure apart from my foreskin. This condition has been present for as long as I can recall, yet I have struggled to find any useful information about it online. Fortunately, I do not encounter difficulties when urinating or engaging in any activities concerning my anatomy. As a child, I dealt with a condition referred to as a "glued" foreskin, and I’ve often wondered if there is any connection between that issue and my current symptoms. If needed, I am willing to provide images to clarify my description further.

Crohn's DiseaseInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
23 minutes ago

Skin Bumps and Itching Problem

Hello everyone, I'm a 17-year-old female reaching out for some advice. About a week ago, I began noticing small bumps appearing on my wrist. These bumps mostly match my skin tone, although they sometimes take on a pink hue and occasionally seem to contain a clear fluid. When I attempt to pop them, they regenerate rapidly, and the new bump tends to be larger, though they haven’t exceeded 0.5 cm in size. The itching is quite intense, and I've seen the bumps spreading over the past two weeks—from my wrists to my arms and torso, and now they're starting to appear on my legs and feet. The only area spared is my face. I've tried several remedies like Benadryl, Claritin, hydrocortisone cream, tea tree oil, aloe vera, afterbite, calamine lotion, polysporin anti-itch lotion, Zovirax, and witch hazel, but nothing seems to provide relief. A pharmacist suggested I use Claritin, yet it hasn't made any difference. I consulted with a doctor who seemed puzzled and even called in a second doctor for a second opinion. They suspect it might be shingles, but I'm skeptical about that diagnosis. I'm confident it's not a bug bite, but I can't figure out what's happening. For context, I take Prozac and use cannabis regularly, along with a hormonal patch, in case that contributes to this situation. The itching has become so disruptive that it's affecting my ability to get enough sleep. Also, can someone let me know how to post pictures here? Thanks!

ArthritisLupusInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Exploring Techniques for Knee Cartilage Regeneration

Individuals suffering from conditions like Chondromalacia Patella or Patellar Arthritis often seek ways to restore knee cartilage. Fortunately, there are various approaches that have shown promise in aiding cartilage regeneration. These methods can range from conservative treatments to advanced medical interventions. Conservative strategies may include physical therapy, dietary adjustments, and the use of certain supplements aimed at enhancing joint health. On the other end of the spectrum, more advanced options such as stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and surgical interventions may be considered for those enduring severe joint degeneration. Each of these techniques has its own set of benefits and risks, making it crucial for patients to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action tailored to their specific needs and condition.

ArthritisInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
1 hour ago