OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Understanding a Severe Rash: A Personal Experience

2/11/2026, 6:00:36 AMMale25-34

A 20-year-old female, measuring 5'5" and weighing 130 pounds, reports no prior health complications. Approximately three hours ago, she developed an extremely painful rash on her back, accompanied by a burning sensation. This incident followed a pattern of taking excessively hot baths over the past two days, where she intentionally increased the temperature to induce more sweating, effectively using her bath as a sauna. After finishing her shower, she inspected her skin and discovered the rash, initially believing it to be mere dead skin. Unfortunately, when she began to scrub the area, the discomfort intensified rather than alleviated, resulting in a worsening of the condition.

Pain ManagementJoint PainAbdominal Pain

Answers (1)

Cony

2/11/2026, 6:00:59 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve developed a severe rash that is quite painful, and it could be linked to the excessively hot baths you've been taking. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening and what you can do to manage it effectively.

Main Points:

  1. The rash is likely a reaction to heat and irritation.
  2. Avoid further irritation to the area.
  3. Implement self-care strategies for pain relief and skin healing.

Explanation:

When skin is exposed to very hot temperatures, it can become irritated, leading to conditions like heat rash, burns, or exacerbating existing skin sensitivities. Scrubbing the area can make the irritation worse, leading to increased pain and inflammation. The burning sensation you’re experiencing suggests that your skin is reacting negatively to the heat or friction.

Next Steps:

  1. Cool the Affected Area: Start by cooling the rash gently. Use a cool, damp cloth and apply it to the area to relieve the burning sensation. Avoid hot baths or showers until the rash heals.

  2. Moisturize: After cooling, apply a gentle moisturizer or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin. Look for products without fragrances or harsh chemicals to avoid further irritation.

  3. Avoid Scratching: Try not to touch or scrub the rash, as this can worsen the pain and irritation. Wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize friction against the rash.

  4. Over-the-Counter Relief: If the pain continues to be severe, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This can help manage pain and inflammation.

  5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the rash over the next few days. If it spreads, becomes more painful, or shows signs of infection (such as increasing redness, pus, or fever), consider seeking medical advice.

Remain mindful of how your skin reacts to heat in the future to prevent similar issues. Let me know if you have more questions or need further guidance!

Related Questions

Experiencing Side Discomfort and Other Health Concerns

Beginning in July 2025, I've been grappling with recurring pain on my left lower abdomen. Over the years, I've faced standard digestive problems, such as intolerances. Five years ago, I eliminated dairy from my diet, and although my sisters both contend with gluten-related issues—one has an allergy and the other has celiac disease—I tested negative for gluten sensitivities. Nevertheless, I chose to forgo gluten, which has shown modest improvement in my symptoms. In July, my discomfort intensified to the point where I sought urgent medical attention twice. During my first ER visit, I underwent an MRI with contrast, followed by another MRI without contrast during my second visit. The first MRI revealed fluid in my small intestine and mucosal enhancement, but this information was never communicated to me until I revisited my scan details recently, as the pain persists. Over the last five months, I have been experiencing unintended weight loss, and I've reached a weight of 100 pounds at a height of 5'3". Although I take Adderall, which is known to cause side effects, I make sure to maintain a balanced diet with 2-3 substantial meals daily. My bowel movements can vary greatly; some days they are normal, other days they consist mostly of mucus or even liquid. I've also encountered blood in my stool multiple times, typically just red streaks, which I observe weekly. The pain in my side varies, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, intense sensations. To alleviate bloating and discomfort, I often attempt self-massage on my abdomen. Frequently, I feel extreme fatigue and a sense of being "out of it." Despite maintaining a healthy diet, taking daily vitamins, and exercising, I seem to catch colds easily, leading me to wonder if I might be fighting off an unseen issue. I am reaching out for guidance on what steps I should consider next. My primary goal is to find relief from this pain, regain my energy, and return to my usual self. I fear being dismissed by physicians again, especially after investing significant amounts of money in emergency services without receiving definitive answers about my health.

Pain ManagementJoint PainAbdominal Pain
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Awoken by Breathlessness

At 38 years old, I’ve experienced moments where I suddenly wake up feeling as if I’m suffocating due to post-nasal drip. However, this occasion was drastically different. I’ve also dealt with night-time panic attacks linked to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which subside after taking antibiotics, but this didn't fit that pattern either. After settling in for the night around 10:30 PM, I was abruptly roused at 1 AM, completely gasping for air. It was as if I were a fish stranded out of water, and I sounded almost inhuman. For a brief moment, I genuinely feared for my life. This episode endured for about 20 seconds, during which I felt unable to take in air for what seemed like 15 seconds. I was propped up, struggling to breathe until I began to burp, which ultimately allowed me to regain my breath. Although I’m not typically prone to gas, I found myself burping quite a bit. With each burp, I felt increasingly relieved. Now, aside from some throat discomfort from the strain of gasping, I’m feeling completely fine (fingers crossed). Has anyone else experienced something like this? It was utterly horrifying, and I sincerely wish it never occurs again.

NeurologyPain ManagementAbdominal Pain
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Discomfort in My Right Arm and Shoulder Following Heart Surgery

Ever since my heart surgery on the 23rd of last month, I've been experiencing severe discomfort that extends from my shoulder blade down to my fingers. Despite being prescribed 15 mg of oxycodone for relief, the medication seems ineffective. The pain is quite intense, and I'm uncertain about the best course of action. I plan to reach out to my surgeon tomorrow for further guidance. Does anyone have insights on what might be causing this or suggestions for relief? The pain intensifies during the night. I'm a 20-year-old male who underwent a Ross procedure; I hope that information is helpful. Thank you!

Pain ManagementChest PainMuscle Pain
Male25-34
3 hours ago

Weight Loss Journey: Exploring Oral GLP-1 Medications After Injection Setbacks

Greetings! I’m preparing for my wedding this upcoming October and aim to shed approximately 20 to 25 pounds before the big day. Currently, I’m 5'5" and weigh 190 lbs. Working in healthcare has led me to develop some unhealthy eating habits over the past year and a half. My long shifts leave me utterly drained by the time I return home, and my weekends usually consist of lounging around, reading, or binge-watching films. Recently, I’ve been grappling with food temptations, which prompted me to try tirzepatide about six months ago. My mother, who is an experienced nurse, helped me with the injection in my abdomen, starting with the lowest dose. Initially, I experienced a complete disinterest in food the next day, but that quickly escalated when I began to throw up persistently for hours. It was so severe that I lost consciousness briefly from the strain, leaving my body utterly fatigued. This ordeal compelled me to visit the emergency room, where an EKG and blood tests confirmed that I was stable. The attending physician mentioned that my reactions were relatively common among first-time users of such medications. Given my history of nausea during stressful situations, the doctor recommended that I try to persevere through the first week, as many find their reactions improve with time. However, after returning home with anti-nausea medication and IV fluids, I found myself unwell again, even regurgitating some blood likely due to the excessive vomiting. The ensuing week was incredibly difficult; I needed to stay on the couch with a fan directed at me, as any shift in position caused significant abdominal pain and intense nausea. I was prescribed promethazine continuously for the week, in addition to zofran. The experience was so distressing that I decided to abandon the idea of continuing with GLP-1 medications altogether. Now, with the wedding approaching, I recently saw some photos from the dress fitting that left me feeling devastated. I desperately want to make a change. In my search for solutions, I discovered that Hers offers a pill version of GLP-1 medication, which is taken daily rather than via a weekly injection. I am interested to know if healthcare professionals have any insights on how this oral semaglutide might differ from the injectable tirzepatide in terms of side effects. Is there a possibility that the side effects might be less severe?

RheumatologyPain ManagementAbdominal Pain
Male25-34
3 hours ago

Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed with Ongoing Health Issues

I have a lot to share, and I want to be as transparent as possible about my situation! **About Me**: I am a 29-year-old female, currently dealing with a weight issue of roughly 10 pounds. My health problems began unexpectedly in February 2024. **Diagnoses Include**: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes (which is managed), mixed hyperlipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), tachycardia, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder type 2, and autism spectrum disorder. **My Medications**: The medications I’m currently taking include Rybelsus at a dosage of 3 mg, Nikki, rosuvastatin calcium at 5 mg, levothyroxine at 50 mg, Voquezna at 20 mg, spironolactone at 25 mg both day and night, lamictal at 150 mg both day and night, propranolol at 20 mg both day and night, Trintellix at 20 mg, hydroxyzine as needed, and Zofran as needed. I recently added Rybelsus just a few days ago. **Digestive Concerns**: - I experience persistent nausea and have to take medication for it daily. - I have sporadic vomiting episodes, typically at night, where I get several pre-symptoms — like shaking, a running nose, goosebumps, and a sudden urgency to use the restroom — and then I end up vomiting bile repeatedly. - Almost all foods I consume cause irritation to my stomach. - It’s quite rare for me to have normal bowel movements. **Skin Problems**: - About once or twice a month for an average of five days, I deal with severe itching from head to toe, leading me to scratch to the point of pain. - My tattoos and scars swell and develop bumps. - These episodes tend to coincide with being sick (like when I catch a cold) or occur after hot showers. - Sometimes, these itch attacks appear without any identifiable cause. **Additional Concerns**: - I feel consistently tired, but any attempt to leave my home exacerbates the fatigue. If I manage to engage in any activity one day, I usually require a full week of rest afterward, as even minor errands drain me. - I experience widespread body pain, making it difficult to sit at my desk for too long without discomfort. - Extreme weakness affects me daily. - I often find myself dizzy, stumbling due to lightheadedness, and the pain is notably more intense in my legs. - Staying warm is a constant struggle. - Daily heart palpitations have become a norm for me. - Additionally, I have very fragile nails, with my toenails frequently breaking across the surface. **Tests and Evaluations**: I have undergone multiple tests including endoscopies, cortisol assessments, MRIs of the brain, CT scans (both with and without contrast), routine blood tests, celiac panel testing, gastric emptying evaluations, and swallow tests. My primary care physician appears somewhat at a loss, and my gastroenterologist has referred me to a leading hospital as she is unsure how to proceed further. **A Few Extras**: Throughout this ordeal, I have attempted various methods such as stopping medications, adjusting dosages, trying different prescriptions, and experimenting with multiple diets. I have fluctuated between slightly overweight and a healthy weight without any significant shifts correlating with my health change. My continuous glucose monitoring has shown no relationship to my blood sugar levels, and I receive thyroid ultrasounds annually. This situation has taken a considerable toll on my life; often, I am confined to bed due to debilitating weakness or illness, and I have made several visits to the ER due to dehydration. I have also tried three other GLP-1 medications, but they only worsened my condition.

FibromyalgiaAbdominal PainMuscle Pain
Male25-34
3 hours ago