Unexplained Red Spots on My Skin
At 16 years old, I recently discovered some unusual red spots on my body, particularly on my neck, the right side of my chest, and my thigh. My mom brought them to my attention yesterday. These red patches resemble either a rash or signs of an allergic reaction; however, they don’t come with any sensations like itching, burning, or peeling. They appear as flat yet slightly raised dots and areas of redness. I do shave my legs, but that doesn’t seem to account for the spots appearing on my neck and chest, as I don’t shave those areas. For some time now, I’ve been supplementing with vitamin D due to previously low levels, but I’ve never encountered these red marks before. I have an appointment with both a dermatologist and my doctor tomorrow. I feel anxious to get to the bottom of this and learn how to treat it. A friend’s birthday party is scheduled for the 16th, and I want to ensure whatever this condition is, it isn’t contagious or prone to lingering.
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 3:11:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about the unexplained red spots on your skin, especially with an upcoming event like your friend's birthday party. Here's a summary of the main points regarding your situation, plus steps you can take.
Main Points
- The red spots may be caused by various factors, including irritation, skin condition, or an allergic reaction, but they don't appear to be contagious.
- Your skincare routine and recent vitamin D supplementation will be relevant for the dermatologist’s evaluation.
- Monitoring the spots and your skin condition leading up to your appointment will be beneficial.
Explanation
Red spots on the skin can have numerous causes, ranging from benign conditions like a heat rash, to potential allergic reactions, or even a mild infection. The fact that these spots are not accompanied by itching, burning, or peeling is reassuring, as it often indicates less irritation. The different locations of the spots suggest they may not all be related, especially since you don’t shave the areas on your neck and chest. It’s good that you’re seeing a dermatologist and your doctor, as they can provide a more definitive diagnosis.
Next Steps
-
Observe: Before your appointment, note any changes. Do the spots fade or change color throughout the day? Are there any new spots? Keeping a record of their appearance will be helpful for your doctors.
-
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from new soaps, lotions, or laundry detergents until you have more information. This helps rule out irritation or allergic reactions.
-
Gentle Skin Care: Use mild soap and avoid scrubbing the affected areas. Moisturizing with a fragrance-free lotion may help soothe any irritation.
-
Preparations for the Appointment: Think about any new products you've used recently, changes in your diet, or other symptoms you might have overlooked. Having this information ready will assist your healthcare providers in making an accurate diagnosis.
-
Stay Relaxed: Trust that your doctors can help you find the answers you need. Most skin conditions are manageable, and many are temporary. You should be able to enjoy your friend’s birthday party without concerns of contagion.
Your proactive approach to your health is commendable, and I hope your doctors will provide clarity and a resolution soon! If the spots change or new symptoms develop after your appointment, keep monitoring and add this information to discuss with your doctors.
Related Questions
Seeking Clarity on Lab Findings
A 25-year-old woman diagnosed with Down syndrome presents a complex medical history. Standing at 150 cm and weighing 80 kg, she is currently on a regimen of thyroxine (100 mg), trazodone, and vitamin D to aid her sleep. While her endocrinological tests have shown normal results, the lumbar puncture results, although labeled as fine by her doctors, have raised concerns. There seems to be a discrepancy, as the patient has been dealing with a chronic spinal cord infection for the past three years, which led to a noticeable decrease in strength in her left limbs. Although she has shown improvement through physiotherapy, her mobility has been significantly affected. Additionally, four years prior, she experienced a fall that necessitated surgical reconstruction of her tibia and patella, after which her ability to walk independently has notably diminished. Alongside these physical challenges, she has faced mental health issues including depression, self-harming behaviors, reduced communication, and various behavioral problems. Recently, fluctuations in her body temperature have also been observed, prompting us to purchase a thermometer for better monitoring. It is important to note that before these health issues emerged, she was an active and joyful child. I believe the lab results may indicate some underlying inflammatory process, yet I am unsure about the specifics and how to assist her effectively. We reside in South Africa and are seeking insights into these lab results for further guidance.
Need Help Identifying These Creatures
At 18 years old, I find myself in a somewhat awkward situation, as I believe I may have seen some unusual creatures emerge after an extensive cleaning experience. Normally, I pride myself on maintaining kitchen hygiene and have never encountered anything concerning in my stool, which makes me uncertain about labeling them as worms. Nonetheless, it's always wise to err on the side of caution, right? 🤷♂️
Removed a Mole at Home
I’m a 21-year-old female, and I’ve had a mole on my chest since childhood. It has been confirmed as benign, yet I’ve always felt uncomfortable about it because it was raised. This morning, I decided to take matters into my own hands and used an eyebrow razor to remove it. I realize that this wasn’t the safest approach, and it did result in quite a bit of bleeding. I managed to apply two band-aids to control it, but after taking one off for a replacement, I noticed that it’s still bleeding, albeit lightly. What should I do next?
Optimal Timing for Taking Sucralfate with Other Medications
I'm a 54-year-old individual who has been on Pantoprazole, taking it twice daily for a year now. Recently, I received a prescription for Sucralfate. While I did use Sucralfate briefly last year, I was never quite confident about when to take it in relation to my other medications. During that time, which I discussed with my physician, my routine involved taking Pantoprazole one hour before meals, followed by Sucralfate prepared as a slurry thirty minutes later, with my meal occurring half an hour after the Sucralfate. Despite this plan, I keep encountering varying information on the subject and would appreciate a clearer guideline. If I plan to have dinner at 6 PM, I would like to know the ideal times for taking Pantoprazole and Sucralfate to ensure that I’m maximizing the efficacy of both medications. I’m concerned about the potential for timing to hinder their effectiveness. Thanks in advance for your help!
Availability of Rabies Vaccination in UK NHS A&E for Post-Exposure Treatment
After being bitten by a dog while traveling abroad, I completed the necessary rabies vaccination schedule as instructed (on days 0, 3, 7, and 14) and also received Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG). Now that I'm back in the UK, I need to get my final vaccine dose after 28 days. Is it possible for me to visit an A&E department for this shot? Local doctor's offices do not provide this service, and the only clinics I've discovered are private travel clinics that charge upwards of £100, which is beyond my budget at the moment. My travel insurance covered the initial treatments I received in Thailand (minus the excess charge), but they will not pay for this last dose. Given that I am dealing with a post-exposure situation, isn't it reasonable to expect that I could receive this vaccine through the NHS? I was indeed bitten, and if the dog was rabid, not receiving this last dose could have severe consequences. I'm puzzled as to why the only option appears to be a costly private clinic. Can I access this vaccine through the NHS? If so, what steps should I take to obtain it? Personal details: Female, 48 years old, 172 cm tall, 70 kg in weight, bitten on the left leg by a dog, no known medical issues.