Chronic Rash on Chest After Respiratory Infection for 15 Years
For the past fifteen years, I've been dealing with a recurring rash on my chest that traces back to when I was 15. My ordeal began with pleurisy and subsequent breathing difficulties. Around that same time, I experienced a severe chest infection, which caused an intense rash right where I felt pain. At the time, I also suffered from a notably persistent cough. The rash that formed left slight scars just to the right of my sternum. Since that initial incident, I find that the rash reappears every few months over the existing scars. There are times when it becomes crusty or scabbed, and occasionally, it discharges a substance that resembles pus. Interestingly, this rash typically doesn't occur alongside any cough or respiratory symptoms. I’m left wondering if this is simply a case of perpetually sensitive skin, or if there might be a deeper respiratory issue that I need to be concerned about. Any insights would be appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 1:35:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been facing a challenging situation with your chronic rash, especially given its long duration and relation to your past respiratory infection. While your rash seems to be localized and recurrent, there are a few important points to address regarding its nature and potential underlying issues.
Understanding Your Rash
-
Possible Causes: The recurring rash over the same area, especially with the formation of scabbing and pus-like discharge, could suggest a form of dermatitis or a skin infection, such as folliculitis or an inflammatory reaction. Given its history, it could also imply that the skin remains sensitive due to previous damage associated with your initial infection.
-
Scarring: The slight scars may indicate that there has been significant skin trauma in that area. This can make the skin more reactive or predisposed to rashes, especially if there have been repeated irritations over the years.
-
Not Respiratory-Related: Since the rash does not coincide with any respiratory symptoms like coughs or difficulties in breathing, it's unlikely that there is a direct link to a deeper respiratory issue. However, it’s essential to ensure that the skin condition is not being aggravated by external factors such as allergens or irritants in your environment.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take to manage your condition:
-
Hygiene & Care: Keep the affected area clean and dry. Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to prevent further irritation. Avoid picking or scratching at the rash.
-
Moisturization: Apply a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer to the scarred area daily. This can help minimize dryness and irritation, which might trigger flare-ups.
-
Topical Treatment: Consider using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help reduce inflammation during flare-ups. It’s generally effective for localized rashes, but avoid using it continuously over long periods.
-
Observe Triggers: Keep track of any potential triggers that may precede the rash, such as stress, environmental allergens, or changes in products like soaps or laundry detergents. A symptom diary can be very helpful in identifying patterns.
-
Consultation for Chronic Issues: Given the long history and recurrence of your rash, consider seeking a consultation with a dermatologist. They can perform further evaluations, possibly including a skin biopsy or allergy testing, to determine the precise cause and recommend targeted therapies.
-
Aim for Comfort: Focus on avoiding irritants in your clothing and personal care products. Wearing loose, breathable fabrics can also help prevent chafing and irritation on the chest area.
By prioritizing careful skin hygiene, recognizing potential triggers, and seeking specialized help when necessary, you can work towards managing your rash more effectively. Remember, it’s important to be patient and attentive to changes in your condition. If you have any other questions or need further information, feel free to reach out!
Related Questions
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
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!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.