Prolly OT - but help!

[Scottietottie]

Hello 

I've developed an incredibly itchy patch of skin mid chest extending up towards my neck. The area is bright red about the size of a good sized saucer. It's not a rash in as much as there are no spots or bumps. It's almost impossible not to scratch although I am trying hard. It started yesterday and woke me up this morning. It's warm to the touch but itchy - not painful.

Anyone any idea what it could be?  (No new soaps, bras, jewellry, cleaning products or anything involved)

Thanks - Scottie

[Katybarstool]

Scottie

That sounds awful. You certainly are having skin problems this past year or so, aren't you? I think I would go to a decent pharmacist and ask them what they think it could be. Otherwise, maybe see your GP MOnday?

Kathyx

[Bucky]

Scottie - you poor thing.  From your legs on up you have had some really strange skin issues within the last year.

You had taken pictures of your legs in the past - are you gonna take a picture of this latest new development?   

It seems your skin is really, really sensitive.

I agree with Kathyx - ask a pharmacist what he thinks you could use to ease the itching for the weekend.  It makes me wonder about the "warm" part.  The only time I get a warm spot without pain (well, sometimes with pain) is from a sunburn.  I doubt that would be your case right now.

Hope things settle down for you - you have definitely had your share of health issues for quite a while.

Take care - keep us posted,
Bucky

[Dolly Dimples]

  Poor Scottie , It seems that you are truly allergic to something ,  it could be contact or something you eat that brings it out,  One has to play detective to find out what?  My daughter is allergic to quite a few things, she has had rashes, spots , patches of  really dry skin, which as you know drives one mad with the itch.

   I'd see your Doc again Scottie, you probably need steroids such as Betnovate  to get it under control,
     Doctor told my Daughter to keep a diary of what she ate in a day, where she went, and what contact with anything out of normal activity.   Hope you get it controlled soon.... Dolly

[Luna]

I have no idea what it could be other than some sort of allergic reaction. We can all develop and allergy to something over night. Maybe this is the case. Even though it is something you have been using or eating for most your life is suddenly something your allergic to. Definatly go see a doctor. Please keep us informed.. I hope you can get this taken care of. Im so sorry..

Luna

[Jellyb]

Hi Scottie, my skin is also, what I like to call " crazy reactive" i get rashes from everything.

I agree with the others, it might be a food allergy.

I had an itchy patch on the right side of my chin, for years. Sometimes it was so bad the itch would spread down my neck, then other times it was not there at all. I had allergy prick teasting done a few years ago and found out I was allergic to shellfish. Who knew!

I used to have shrimp or prawns at least once a week! Since I found out, I have not had shellfish and TaDa! No itchy chin

Maybe get some testing done.

[mshistory]

I've had warm itchy rashes in response to certain medications - (prednisone/medrolprednisolone). That rash actually looked and felt just like a sunburn.

Anything with zinc oxide in it usually helps with mild skin irritation (the same stuff that's in diaper rash creams - Boudreaux's Butt Paste will clear up quite a few mystery rashes  )

[irish]

Scottie, You have a "lupus" diagnosis if I remember correctly so maybe it is a lupus skin rash. Just a guess. Probably by the time you figure out that you need to see the doctor the rash will go away. That is the way with those fickle rashes. Sometimes the doctors just guess at what to treat a skin rash with. If it works the first time--yahoo!! Skin rashes can be real buggers. Good luck. Irish

[Patze]

Irish beat me too it, but I was thinking about you having a skin problem compliments of Lupus.

Please do take a picture of it and show it to your doctor if it disappears before you can see the doctor.

Take care of yourself -

Patze

[lynnmarie219]

What Irish says sure makes sense Scottie! Do you see a GP or a dermatologist for your skin issues? Might be worth it to see a good dermatologist if you don't already.

Sure hope you get some relief soon...keep us posted!

[season]

ringworm? shingles? psoriasis?

[susanep]

Same here, I kept thinking you had a lupus diagnosis too, and I had a lot of skin things going on before my lupus diagnosis and still do. It could be that, but now Bucky don't be encouraging her about the pics. We don't want those popping up here. just kidding!!

susanep

[Scottietottie]

Hi

I don't think it's an allergy because it is such a localised patch and I think an allergy rash would have spread further. Last night I lathered Betnovate onto it. (I had some left over from the eczema last year) I thought well if its a 'yeast' thing it will make it worse but if its autoimmune inflammation it may help.

It seems to have taken the itch out of it. Whew! The area is still red and now feels 'bruised'. It's not a bruise but that is what it feels like if its touched. If it doesn't fade off by tomorrow I'll try and see the doctor I think. I was scared it might be cellulitis but I'm pretty sure now its not.

Thanks for all the answers. Definitely not sun related. I've been wearing turtle necks for the last couple of months!

Take care - Scottie 

[A66eyroad]

How are you today?

[Madison Granny]

I've a patch that sounds allot like yours.  Mine is one my chest just about my bra.  I also have one on my right knee cap.  They have kind of a burning sensention to them.  I use Cort-Aid on them even after they are gone for awhile.  But I know they will eventually come back.  I beginning to believe that things like these are just part of  having SJS