Discomfort of Dressing Post-Bath
At 27 years old, standing at 168 cm tall and weighing 55 kg, I find the act of putting on clothes after a shower exceptionally distressing. The sensation of fabric against my damp skin is unbearable and drives me to frustration. I wonder if this discomfort could be linked to some psychological or neurological condition. Despite having no prior medical issues, I often contemplate whether this could be akin to a psychological aversion or a form of sensitivity related to clothing after bathing.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 2:00:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing discomfort from clothing after a shower can be quite distressing and may indeed be linked to sensory sensitivities, which can be psychological or neurological in nature. Many individuals are sensitive to sensations like textures, and this can be heightened after skin exposure to water. It's understandable to feel frustrated by this experience, and you're not alone in facing such discomfort.
Understanding Your Discomfort
The sensation you describe may be associated with conditions such as sensory processing sensitivity or even anxiety related to certain textures. After bathing, your skin can be more sensitive, making it feel uncomfortable when clothing rubs against it. This sensitivity can also be exacerbated by stress or fatigue, leading to further distress.
Next Steps
Here are some actionable steps you can take to help manage this discomfort:
-
Choose Soft, Breathable Fabrics: When dressing post-bath, opt for clothes made from soft, natural fibers like cotton, which typically feel gentler against the skin.
-
Dry Yourself Thoroughly: After bathing, ensure that your skin is completely dry. This can reduce the sensation of clothing sticking to wet skin and help with comfort levels.
-
Dressing Technique: Try to use loose-fitting clothing or layers that you can gradually put on instead of pulling them directly over damp areas. This can minimize sudden sensations.
-
Desensitization: Gradually expose your skin to different fabrics in a controlled way to build tolerance over time. Start with very light fabrics and gradually increase the variety.
-
Mindfulness Techniques: Consider practicing mindfulness or relaxation exercises before dressing. Activities like deep breathing can help reduce feelings of frustration and anxiety related to dressing.
-
Keep a Journal: Track your experiences to note if there are patterns related to the intensity of discomfort (time of day, emotional state, or clothing choices). This record can help identify triggers.
If these strategies do not bring relief, or if your discomfort worsens, it may be beneficial to explore this further with a professional. They can provide tailored support and advice, helping you delve deeper into any psychological or sensory processing aspects of your experience.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance!
Related Questions
Seeking Insight on Persistent Chest Discomfort: Muscular, Anxiety, Heart Issues, or Reflux?
Hello everyone, I realize that none of you can provide a formal diagnosis, but I’m truly at my wits' end with these chest pains. For the past three years, I’ve been enduring these symptoms, and I feel like I can’t handle it any longer. The discomfort is somewhat general, primarily located on the left side—above and below the left pectoral area, reaching under the left armpit and even along the side. A couple of years ago, I underwent various tests conducted by a cardiologist, including a CT scan, X-ray, blood tests, and an ECG, all of which returned normal results. They attributed the discomfort to anxiety; however, the pain has persisted. I’ve visited the emergency room several times since then, where I’ve been informed it’s probably muscular in nature. I recently had an ECG just two weeks ago, which also showed normal results. Interestingly, I do not experience the pain upon waking, but it tends to set in about an hour later and can last all day. This aching sensation can persist for months at a time, and nothing seems to alleviate it. While applying pressure to the area increases the pain, physical activities like walking or stretching do not seem to make it worse. I have also been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia recently, and I'm curious if this could be the source of my ongoing issues. Can a hiatal hernia really cause such persistent chest pain over an extended period? I don’t often experience anxiety, so I struggle to believe that is the root cause; nevertheless, I’m feeling quite confused. Is there anything I can do to address this? I have been prescribed proton pump inhibitors, but they haven’t brought any relief. I have an appointment with my GP shortly regarding the hiatal hernia, so I hope to gain some insights then. Although I have grappled with severe health anxiety in the past, I’m not currently feeling particularly anxious. Do you think my chest pains could indicate a serious condition? Am I destined to deal with these discomforts indefinitely? I am a 29-year-old male seeking advice.
Experiencing Hip Pain Months After Ciprofloxacin Treatment: Should I Seek Imaging?
I’m a 34-year-old woman seeking advice on whether I should ask my general practitioner for follow-up imaging. Back in November 2025, I spent three days in the hospital due to a post-surgical infection requiring treatment with intravenous vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam. Following my discharge, an infectious disease specialist prescribed a 10-day course of doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, which I completed as directed. Now, four months have passed, and I have begun experiencing intense pain in my hip that has greatly affected my ability to walk over the past week. The discomfort is so severe that I struggle to raise my leg and find walking extremely painful. I was aware of the potential for joint-related side effects from ciprofloxacin, but given that it has been months since my treatment and I do not fall into the higher-risk demographic (the elderly), would it be unreasonable of me to request imaging from my doctor to exclude any serious complications caused by the ciprofloxacin?
How Should I Proceed?
I want to share my situation to seek advice (38-year-old female): Since a fall at the beginning of December, I've been experiencing worsening pain along my left side, numbness, and difficulties with sexual function and bladder sensitivity. This alarming situation finally pushed my doctors to order MRIs. Prior to this, I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in 2023, but my requests for spinal MRIs were consistently dismissed. The pain management specialists chalked it up to “just fibromyalgia” and chronic pain syndrome, opting for physical therapy instead of further investigation. Having endured pain since I was around nine, I am currently being tested for Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) alongside a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). I can no longer accept that my pain is merely psychological or just my “body keeping the score” as I’ve been told in earlier consultations, especially considering my past trauma from sexual assault. Where do I turn from here? Neurology has been notably dismissive over the years, and I now find myself anxious about visiting any healthcare provider. Should I take immediate action based on this report’s findings? The pain remains persistent, alongside issues with proprioception and the previously mentioned numbness, including a feeling of heaviness in my legs that complicates my ability to walk upstairs. ### MRI Findings: - The thoracic curvature (kyphosis) appears largely intact with no major signs of anterior-posterior septation. The heights of the vertebral bodies are preserved. - The bone marrow signal has minor variations, with some scattered endplate alterations observed. At the T10 level, there’s an 8.5 mm rounded area signaling benign intraosseous hemangioma. No indication of acute bone injury is detected. - Degenerative changes manifest with slight disc desiccation in the mid-thoracic spine, especially at the T6-7 and T7-8 levels where there's minimal narrowing of the disc space and a few slight ventral osteophyte formations. A partial effacement of the ventral thecal sac is noted at T7-8, without significant spinal canal stenosis. The openings for the nerves (neural foramina) remain mostly clear. Bilateral degenerative changes in the facet joints at T10-11 have caused some indentation in the dorsal thecal sac, yet significant canal stenosis isn't present. - The spinal canal is naturally slender, with shorter bilateral pedicles and an increase of epidural fat. The thoracic spinal cord appears normal in its structure and size, without abnormal signals detected. Additionally, no fluid collections or masses are noted in the spinal canal or surrounding soft tissues. ### Lumbar Findings: - The lumbar curvature (lordosis) shows no significant anterior-posterior misalignment, and vertebral body heights are intact. An approximate 17-degree lateral curvature (levoscoliosis) is evident, centered at L1-2. - The marrow signal shows minimal variations with trace changes at the L5-S1 level without significant abnormalities. There are no indications of acute injury in the lumbar area. - Degenerative changes include disc desiccation and marginal space narrowing at L5-S1, but the other disc heights and signals are relatively stable. Minor ventral osteophytes are present. - The spinal canal is naturally slender, with shorter bilateral pedicles and accentuated epidural fat. The distal spinal cord and conus medullaris appear normal with no atypical signals. The conus ends at L1-2, and no fluid collections or masses are observed in the spinal canal or surrounding tissues. - At L1-2 level, no significant disc bulging is detected, only mild to moderate degenerative changes in the facet joints bilaterally. No substantial narrowing of the central canal or neural foramina is noted. - At L2-3 and L3-4 levels, slight bulging of the disc is visible along with mild degenerative changes in the facet joints, but no significant narrowing exists. - At L4-5, some prominent disc bulging measuring 4.5 mm affects the left foraminal area with notable degenerative changes present. - At L5-S1, a bulging disc is noted that does not protrude, but there’s a posterior annular fissure causing some narrowing on the left side with associated mild degenerative changes in the facet joints. ### Cervical Findings: - The bone marrow signal remains intact, and no signs of acute fractures in the cervical spine are apparent. - The cervical spinal cord shows a normal signal intensity. Modic type I changes are seen at C6-7. - Degenerative changes across various levels include: - C1-2: Normal - C2-3: Normal - C3-4: Mild disc osteophyte complex - C4-5: Mild disc osteophyte complex with slight right foraminal narrowing - C5-6: Mild disc osteophyte complex - C6-7: Moderate disc osteophyte complex with disc protrusion leading to significant central canal stenosis - C7-T1: Mild disc osteophyte complex with mild to moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing.
Unexpected Sharp Discomfort Near Lymph Node Areas
Age 23, female. I've experienced sudden, sharp sensations in specific areas, likely near my lymph nodes, particularly occurring during my menstrual cycle. However, I suspect there have been instances when these pains arose while I was not menstruating. The discomfort is localized around my collarbone, along my jawline, and beneath my jaw or below my ear. I regularly examine these regions for any lumps, but so far, I have not found any. What might be causing this? A blood test performed several months ago yielded normal results.
Persistent Pain in Lower Right Abdomen
A 32-year-old male, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 18 stone, has been experiencing lower right abdominal pain since December 26th, the day after Christmas. Initially, I dismissed the discomfort, thinking it might be a minor strain. However, the following day brought a dull, constant ache that did not abate. By December 28th, the pain had intensified, prompting me to arrange a visit to my doctor on December 30th. The physician suggested that it could be the early stages of appendicitis, although I wasn’t exhibiting the classic symptoms. Notably, I had localized pain in the lower right abdomen but no rebound tenderness. The doctor advised that I undergo an ultrasound and instructed me to go to the emergency room if the pain worsened. Blood tests were also ordered. On December 31st, my condition was worsening, so I went to bed in hopes of finding relief through rest. When I awoke on January 1st, the pain had escalated, leading me to seek emergency care. At the hospital, I underwent various observations and blood tests. The most significant finding was a slight elevation in white blood cell count and a C-reactive protein (CRP) level of 14. The attending physician expressed skepticism about appendicitis, prescribed pain management, and requested that I return on January 2nd for further evaluation in the surgical ward. Upon my visit on January 2nd, I was still in considerable pain. My blood tests showed little change, with CRP having increased to 15, and I continued to feel severe discomfort in the lower right abdomen. After examining me, the surgical team was puzzled and concurred that it likely wasn’t appendicitis. They proceeded with an ultrasound, which yielded inconclusive results due to intestinal gas obstructing visibility. While the appendix was not visualized, no alarming issues were detected, and they recommended I go back to my primary care doctor for follow-up, suspecting that my symptoms were related to bowel issues. My pain persisted severely for several days, leading to another doctor’s appointment on January 8th. I still felt significant discomfort, and the doctor proposed a calprotectin test, promising to discuss the results upon their arrival. On January 16th, the test revealed a calprotectin level of 190. By this point, the abdominal ache had largely dissipated. The doctor suggested further blood tests and a repeat calprotectin analysis in two weeks. On January 29th, I had blood drawn again. Results were mostly normal, although my CRP had risen to 22 and serum ferritin was at 516. I subsequently had a calprotectin test on February 6th and am currently waiting for the results. The doctor indicated that if necessary, a colonoscopy might be required to investigate my symptoms further, but they want the second calprotectin results first. Recently, I’ve noticed a return of discomfort, albeit not as intense as during the peak of my pain episodes late last year. The sensation resembles a pulling feeling in my lower right abdomen, occasionally manifesting as a deep, internal itch I cannot reach, accompanied by a persistent dull ache that's challenging to articulate. Importantly, I have not noticed blood in my stools, though I have a history of loose and inconsistent bowel movements. It’s common for me to experience milder diarrhea, particularly in the mornings, which can occur throughout the day. While instances of stress previously exacerbated this issue, my bowel habits have stabilized recently, resulting in soft stools (classified as type 6 on the Bristol stool chart). Previously, when I experienced severe abdominal pain and frequent bowel movements in a single day, I did see minor traces of blood, likely due to irritation caused by frequent wiping. Like many, I find myself turning to online resources to understand my symptoms, only to encounter alarming possibilities. Given the outlined symptoms—especially with appendicitis ruled out—I'm concerned about potential serious conditions like cancer or tumors. Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.