OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

21-Year-Old Female Experiencing Rash, Cognitive Fog, and Elevated Heart Rate

8/27/2025, 12:35:24 AMMale25-34

At 21 years old, with a height of 5'8" and weight of 220 lbs, I experienced an unusual rash on my wrist when I woke up this past Sunday. The rash consisted of numerous small, itchy red bumps. The following day, I discovered similar spots forming around the edges of my lips. Throughout yesterday, I noticed these bumps spreading to various areas, including my inner thighs, legs, chest, the backs of my hands, and even my facial skin. Currently, I am not feeling my best; it seems like my cognitive functions are not operating correctly, resulting in severe brain fog. Additionally, I'm experiencing significant tiredness and a sensation akin to having a fever, although my temperature only reached 99.3°F. My resting heart rate has surged to 116 beats per minute, accompanied by chest discomfort. I'm uncertain whether these symptoms are connected, but I am also dealing with a yeast infection and have recently started taking Pantoprazole. I would appreciate any insight into what might be causing these issues.

Multiple SclerosisLupusFibromyalgia

Answers (1)

Cony

8/27/2025, 12:35:44 AM

OpenHealth AI

Your symptoms of a rapid heart rate, rash, cognitive fog, and fatigue are concerning and suggest that you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, an infection, or another underlying condition that requires attention. It's important to take these symptoms seriously, especially since they are affecting your daily life.

Explanation

The rash you're describing, along with the rapid heart rate and cognitive issues, could stem from several causes:

  1. Allergic Reaction: The rash could indicate an allergic reaction, possibly to a substance you encountered or due to a medication (like Pantoprazole), especially if it developed soon after starting it.
  2. Infection: Skin rashes can also signal infections or inflammatory responses, which might explain the feverish feelings and general malaise.
  3. Underlying Health Issues: Your symptoms may also suggest autoimmune conditions or other systemic issues, particularly with the combination of skin, cognitive, and cardiovascular symptoms.

Next Steps

  1. Immediate Symptom Management:

    • Monitor your symptoms closely: Keep track of any changes in your rash, heart rate, cognitive clarity, and overall well-being. Note when they worsen or improve.
    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help your body cope with any potential infection or dehydration.
    • Rest: Prioritize rest as fatigue can worsen cognitive fog and overall health.
  2. Home Remedies for Rash:

    • Consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), if you think it might be an allergy. However, follow the dosing instructions carefully.
    • Use a cool compress on your rash to alleviate itching and inflammation.
  3. Seek Medical Attention Promptly:

    • With your heart rate elevated at 116 beats per minute, combined with chest discomfort and ongoing cognitive fog, it's important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. These symptoms may require diagnostic tests to rule out more serious conditions.
    • Explain all your symptoms clearly to a healthcare professional, including your recent yeast infection and any medications you are taking.

Final Thoughts

Taking the above steps seriously and acting promptly will help address your symptoms effectively. Remember, because your situation involves multiple bothersome symptoms, seeking guidance from a healthcare provider should be a priority. Stay attuned to how you feel, and take care of yourself—these signs shouldn't be ignored.

Related Questions

Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks

Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!

LupusThyroid DisordersEndocrinology
Male25-34
17 minutes ago

Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting

Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!

ArthritisFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine
Male25-34
57 minutes ago

Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed

Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.

Multiple SclerosisCrohn's DiseaseEndocrinology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment

I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.

Multiple SclerosisCrohn's DiseaseEndocrinology
Male25-34
3 hours ago

Concerns About My Toes

Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!

ArthritisFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago