Persistent Red Patches on My Face
At 21 years old, I've been experiencing persistent red streaks on my face that have lasted throughout the day without any sign of subsiding. These lines appear on both sides of my face, extending from the edges of my nose down towards my jawline. I've noticed some asymmetry; one side is noticeably thinner than the other, yet both are sharply defined. The affected area feels warm to the touch and remains unchanged even after applying cold water. There is no itching or unusual texture, just an uncomfortable heat. This isn't the first time I've noticed this issue, though it hasn't occurred regularly, and I can’t pinpoint any specific cause. Currently, I’m using hormonal birth control and taking iron supplements, while also dealing with chronic pain of an indeterminate nature, for which I'm not on any medication at the moment. The only possible link I can identify is that I used a new skincare product yesterday, though I didn’t apply it in a way that would create these distinct lines. I’m curious if this redness could be associated with any chronic pain conditions since I have an upcoming appointment with a doctor to discuss my pain. I would appreciate any insight on whether this could be an indication of an underlying issue or simply an allergic reaction localized to this area of my face.
Answers (1)
9/7/2025, 5:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
The persistent red patches you’re experiencing could potentially relate to a number of issues, including an allergic reaction, skin sensitivity, or a dermatological condition. Given that they are warm to the touch, asymmetric, and have not responded to cooling, it’s important to approach this with caution.
Explanation
The warmth and redness could indicate localized inflammation, possibly due to:
- Allergic Reaction or Irritation: This might be due to the new skincare product you recently used. Sometimes, even mild products can provoke a reaction in sensitive skin, leading to redness and burning sensations.
- Skin Conditions: Conditions such as rosacea or contact dermatitis can cause red patches and varying levels of discomfort.
- Underlying Chronic Conditions: While chronic pain conditions like lupus or fibromyalgia can have associated skin symptoms (like rashes), they are often accompanied by other systemic symptoms.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions to take:
-
Discontinue Use of the New Skincare Product: Stop using the product immediately to see if the condition improves over the next few days.
-
Cool Compress: Apply a clean, cool compress to the affected areas multiple times a day. This can help soothe the warmth and reduce inflammation.
-
Avoid Skin Irritants: While the redness persists, avoid any potentially irritating skincare products, including exfoliants, strong active ingredients (like retinol or acids), and harsh scrubs.
-
Monitor Symptoms: For at least a week, keep an eye on the affected area. Note any changes, including whether the redness diminishes or worsens, especially after stopping the new product.
-
Document for Your Appointment: Write down your observations regarding these patches, any possible triggers (like changes in skincare, diet, or stress levels), and how they relate to your chronic pain. This will help your doctor assess both the skin symptoms and their potential links to your pain condition.
-
Hydration and Skin Care: Maintain a gentle, hydrating skincare routine with minimal ingredients to prevent further irritation. Drinking plenty of water can also help your skin’s overall health.
While it’s unlikely to be a direct cause of your chronic pain, discussing these symptoms with your doctor could provide additional insights into your overall health. Don't hesitate to seek professional evaluation if the patches do not improve or if you develop additional symptoms.
Related Questions
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?
Post-Gallbladder Surgery Concerns: Potential Infection Three Weeks Later?
Subject's Age: 35 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 4 inches Weight: 160 pounds Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Geographic Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Almost three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. In the last few days, I have observed a small amount of cloudy discharge emerging from my incision site. Recently, I noticed what appears to be pus leaking from the area. While there is no significant pain, I do feel a mild soreness when I touch or move the site. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or is it advisable to seek medical attention at the emergency room for further evaluation?
Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!
Identifying a Mysterious Brown Circle on My Scalp
Age: 21 Gender: Female Height: 5'4" Weight: 175 lbs Ethnicity: White (Scottish/Irish) Location: California Current Medication: Testosterone injection administered subcutaneously in the thigh While I was having my hair dyed blue, my girlfriend noticed a perfectly circular brown mark on my scalp. It resembles a circle that appears to have been made with a brown marker. The size of the ring is similar to my thumb’s tip and contrasts sharply with the lighter shade of my scalp. There is no evidence of hair thinning or loss around this circle; we only discovered it because we were parting my hair. I’m curious if this could be connected to the brain fog or headaches I’ve been experiencing lately. I looked online, and while ringworm was suggested, it doesn’t match my symptoms since there are no bald patches or flaky skin. I’m open to answering any additional questions to help clarify this situation, as it's causing me some concern.