Concern Over Back Discoloration and Lack of Sweating
Hello! I'm a 20-year-old male, standing at 5'8" and weighing 93 kg. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, complicated by severe sepsis, which has made it quite painful for me to sleep on my sides. Although I've made a recovery, I've noticed an unusual issue. A significant portion of my back—about half of it—has developed a discoloration and seems to lack the ability to sweat. I'm reaching out to gather some insights on what might be causing this, as I often feel overheated during the night.
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 2:10:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about the discoloration on your back and the changes in your sweating. Given your medical history, these symptoms warrant attention. Here are the main points to consider:
-
Possible Causes of Discoloration and Lack of Sweating: The changes in your skin pigmentation and reduced sweating may be related to previous health issues, such as nerve damage from your pancreatitis or a skin condition affecting that area. It's also possible that this could be due to a lifestyle factor or a reaction to medications.
-
Feeling Overheated: The combination of reduced sweating and discoloration can lead to discomfort, especially at night. It’s crucial to understand why this change is happening to manage your symptoms and improve your comfort.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the discoloration or sweating, including whether it’s spreading, changing in texture, or if you experience any other symptoms (like pain, itching, or skin changes elsewhere).
-
Adjust Your Sleeping Environment: To alleviate the feeling of being overheated at night, you can make small changes:
- Use light, breathable bedding and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Keep the room well-ventilated and consider using a fan or air conditioning if available.
-
Hydration & Skin Care: Ensure you're staying well-hydrated, as dehydration can worsen the feeling of overheating. Additionally, applying a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer to your back may help with any dryness or discomfort.
-
Review Medications: If you're on any medications, consider discussing with your doctor whether they could be contributing to these symptoms, especially if they affect sweat glands or skin health.
-
Seek Medical Advice: It’s important to meet with a healthcare professional to evaluate the discoloration and sweating issues. They can help determine if any additional tests are needed to diagnose the cause correctly and recommend appropriate treatments.
Feel free to keep track of your observations, and don’t hesitate to reach out for further advice or if you have more questions!
Related Questions
Unexpected Markings on My Back
Today, I discovered some unusual marks on my upper back. Strangely enough, they don’t cause any discomfort—there’s no itching or pain, even when I press on them. I was completely unaware of their existence until someone pointed them out. I haven’t experienced any significant trauma in that area recently; the only two explanations I can think of are my backpack or the chair I use. However, my backpack lacks the type of texture that would leave such markings, and my chair is also similar in that regard. Even if there was an interaction, I'm puzzled as to why my skin would respond this way since I've never encountered anything like this before.
Injury to the Eye During Football
While engaged in a game of football, I, a 22-year-old male, accidentally took a ball to my eye and the areas around it. Although the hit was quite unexpected, I did not feel much pain beyond the initial impact. I continued to play without any issues. Fortunately, my vision remains unaffected, and there are no signs of discomfort or alterations in my eye. Should I assume that this was merely a typical incident with no lasting consequences? I’m sharing this to alleviate any lingering worries I might have.
Unusual Symptoms: Seeking Insights from Fellow Parents
I find myself in a peculiar situation and wonder if other parents have encountered anything similar. Earlier this week, on Monday and Tuesday, both of my children—a 5-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy—began to display cold-like symptoms, primarily nasal congestion. Then, out of the blue on Wednesday evening, my daughter vomited once. Remarkably, right after that incident, she was eager to eat, play, and return to her usual activities. Moving to this morning—nearly three days later—my son also experienced a solitary bout of vomiting at 1 AM. However, when he woke up at his typical time, he acted as if nothing had happened and resumed eating and drinking without issue. I administered the pediatric dosage of Zofran to both children immediately following the vomiting episodes, yet it hasn't been as effective or quick to take effect as it has in the past. Both kids continue to have congestion, but there are no other gastrointestinal symptoms or fevers present. Interestingly, my wife has only shown respiratory symptoms without any digestive issues. We have experienced norovirus in our home previously, which typically presents more pronounced gastrointestinal symptoms and does so quite rapidly. This situation is just really strange, and I’m curious to hear if anyone else has dealt with something like this.
What to Consider if LASIK Isn't an Option for You
Today, I had a follow-up eye examination. The results showed that my right eye measures -4.25 and my left eye -4.50, prompting me to explore possibilities for enhancing my vision through surgical means. However, my eye doctor made it clear that LASIK isn't suitable for everyone, and there are several criteria that one must meet to qualify for the procedure. This leaves me with the question: what if I don’t meet those qualifications? After wearing contact lenses for the past three to four years, there have been plenty of instances when I yearned for clear, natural sight. For example, there were times when I couldn’t remove my lenses for over a day and dealt with the discomfort that followed. One particular incident stands out – I had to participate in a soccer match without my contacts, and let’s just say it didn’t go very well. Additionally, I’ve stumbled upon some alarming LASIK experiences shared online, particularly on Reddit. Are these accounts genuinely reflective of the average experience? At this point, I’d rather focus on the possibilities available to me in the event that LASIK isn't viable for my situation, as I'm ready to move beyond contact lenses entirely.
Young Man Experiencing Excessive Hand Softness and Discomfort After Bathing
My 15-year-old son has been dealing with a peculiar issue where his hands become extremely wrinkled and discomforting, almost as if they've been submerged in water for an extended period. This phenomenon is particularly evident when he clenches his fists. Usually, he showers for no more than 20 minutes, which is already stretching it. Standing tall at 6'1" with a slender athletic physique, he has no remarkable medical history to report. He only takes a multivitamin and avoids any recreational drugs. I’m curious if anyone has insights on what might be causing this condition?