Seeking Assistance: Persistent Rash Issue Since June
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.
Answers (1)
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
- Your daughter's rash has persisted for several months and spread to multiple areas.
- Previous treatments have provided only temporary relief.
- 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
-
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.
-
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.
-
Gentle Cleansing Routine: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps for cleaning to avoid further irritation. Pat the areas dry instead of rubbing.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?