Persistent Discomfort Behind the Knee After Previous Skin Troubles
I’m a 30-year-old woman who has generally enjoyed clear skin throughout my life. However, my skin has faced some unexpected challenges recently. Last year, I dealt with an outbreak of perioral dermatitis, which was treated with a month-long course of doxycycline. Then, in January, I experienced a severe case of hot tub folliculitis, which I am still managing using antibacterial soap and benzoyl peroxide as my main treatment. More recently, last week I noticed a mild, itchy rash developing in the creases behind my knees. After yet another visit to the dermatologist, I was informed that it was likely some form of contact dermatitis. I was prescribed Triamcinolone Cream at a concentration of 0.1%. My dermatologist advised me to use the cream just until the itching subsided, which only took about three to four days, prompting me to discontinue its use. However, for the past couple of days, I've observed red spots appearing in the same area. They are tender when touched, and wearing anything other than sweatpants causes discomfort due to friction. Thankfully, the itching has resolved, but the soreness remains. For the last few weeks, I’ve avoided tight clothing due to the ongoing issues with the folliculitis. I’m curious about what might be causing this new irritation. I have another appointment with my dermatologist this afternoon to discuss it further.
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 3:00:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating combination of skin issues and discomfort behind your knees. The tenderness, red spots, and history of dermatological problems suggest that your skin may still be reacting to previous irritants or conditions.
Explanation: Your recent skin issues, including the perioral dermatitis and hot tub folliculitis, could be contributing to this new irritation. Contact dermatitis is typically triggered by an allergic reaction or irritation from substances touching your skin. The tenderness and red spots you're experiencing might indicate that your skin is still healing from previous conditions or responding to friction from clothing.
It's great that you're already consulting with your dermatologist, as they'll provide the most tailored advice. In the meantime, here are some prioritized steps you can follow to manage your discomfort and protect your skin:
Next Steps:
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Limit Irritation: Continue wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing like sweatpants to avoid further friction on the affected area. This will help minimize soreness.
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Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser on the area, and avoid scrubbing which could irritate the skin further. Follow this with a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer to help soothe the skin.
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Avoid Irritants: Pay attention to any new products you’ve used recently (like soaps, detergents, or fabrics) that might be causing this reaction. Try to eliminate these from your routine for now.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on how your skin responds over the next few days. Document any changes you notice in the spots or the tenderness.
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Follow Up with Your Dermatologist: During your appointment this afternoon, discuss these symptoms and any patterns you’ve observed. If the new tenderness continues or worsens, your dermatologist may consider a more targeted treatment or further assessment.
You're taking the right steps by staying in communication with your dermatologist. Addressing skin issues can sometimes take time, and it's okay to seek further clarity about your current symptoms. Let me know if you need more assistance or information!
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