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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask what this rash could be..??

16 replies

87SPD · 31/12/2023 20:39

Sorry posting here for traffic as I do have health anxiety 🙈

My neck and chest have been quite itchy the past few days and now become very sore and dry. I noticed my skin was really bumpy, similar to when you get nettle sting. I then noticed it getting red and dry with a couple of small raised red spots. I’ve added 3 images but it’s hard to see on camera because of the lighting it is more red in real life and the most pain is around the neck.

This evening it’s getting worse and is really sore in two stripe type effects on my neck. I have rubbed some sudocrem in which is creating the ‘shiny’ look on the images otherwise it’s very dry. I have taken antihistamines today to see if that could help but not so far. I haven’t used any new fragrances, detergents etc and it’s only in this area. Also not worn any necklaces or high neck clothing that could irritate etc.

Any ideas what this could be?

To ask what this rash could be..??
To ask what this rash could be..??
To ask what this rash could be..??
OP posts:
namechangeagainn · 31/12/2023 20:45

Health anxiety is horrid. It is most likely just an allergy to something OP. Do you have a DH who might’ve used a new body wash and you’ve had a hug, or DC with a new shampoo?

Also, stress can cause itching!

Original poster
87SPD · 31/12/2023 20:57

namechangeagainn · 31/12/2023 20:45

Health anxiety is horrid. It is most likely just an allergy to something OP. Do you have a DH who might’ve used a new body wash and you’ve had a hug, or DC with a new shampoo?

Also, stress can cause itching!

Thank you for responding. I’m terrible for worrying over silly things. I have had quite a lot of stress this Christmas in particular so that could certainly be contributing. I am trying my best to stay off google or I’ll convince myself I have liver disease or something!

Good point about DH he has had a men’s shower pack gifted so it could be that. Thanks again and happy new year to you! X

OP posts:
Kitcatmouse · 31/12/2023 21:39

It’s really hard to tell by the pictures but could be shingles if it’s painful? I can’t tell if it’s on one side of your neck/chest or more wide spread?

BrimfulOfMash · 31/12/2023 21:42

Does it feel as if your nerves are red raw and on the surface of your skin ? If so I would think shingles.

Seeline · 31/12/2023 21:45

I haven’t used any new fragrances, detergents etc

Have you checked to see if anything has a 'new improved formula'? That drives me nuts!

Original poster
87SPD · 31/12/2023 22:56

@Kitcatmouse@BrimfulOfMash it does feel really raw and like the pain is deeper than the actual dry/red skin if that makes sense but I’m not sure about it being one side as it seems quite central although more of it is on my right hand side. Not sure if it’s relevant but I keep getting goosebumps that are mainly on my right side and make me ‘shudder’ if that makes sense like a real chill blaze type pain.

I suppose I could just be coming down with a cold and have been stressed of late. Doesn’t shingles make you really ill? Other than what I’ve mentioned I don’t feel poorly as such, more tired and drained but aren’t we all this time of year….😅Also it’s quite itchy not sure if that fits with shingles?

OP posts:
Original poster
87SPD · 31/12/2023 22:57

@Seeline good point that I didn’t think of. Will have a check x

OP posts:
prai · 31/12/2023 23:00

Shingles is more in a clump isn't it rather than widespread ? When I had them they were really very obvious

prai · 31/12/2023 23:01

For reference

To ask what this rash could be..??
Original poster
87SPD · 31/12/2023 23:02

@prai thank you thats what I assumed too, and thanks for the pic, mine is less bumpy and and more than a little area, it’s my neck chest and I can see now it’s gradually reaching my left shoulder too. Very bizarre but does feel more than surface skin irritation and like it’s raw..

OP posts:
Tel12 · 31/12/2023 23:10

You can get a lot of shingles in different areas. It's a bit like nettle rash, is painful too. Lots of photos for reference in the web. A GP can diagnose by photo and prescribe antibiotics that are effective if prescribed early. Maybe phone 111 if there's no improvement by the morning.

Original poster
87SPD · 31/12/2023 23:12

@Tel12 thank you, I will call 111 tomorrow depending how I feel. Because I have health anxiety I worry I am imagining sensations now but the goosebumps pain is a definite real feeling and of course the rash. I have just had a look online for pictures and they all look so different so can’t rule it out completely I suppose. Thanks again

OP posts:
prai · 31/12/2023 23:12

Tel12 · 31/12/2023 23:10

You can get a lot of shingles in different areas. It's a bit like nettle rash, is painful too. Lots of photos for reference in the web. A GP can diagnose by photo and prescribe antibiotics that are effective if prescribed early. Maybe phone 111 if there's no improvement by the morning.

Isn't it antivirals for shingles ?

WomanOfSteel · 31/12/2023 23:16

prai · 31/12/2023 23:12

Isn't it antivirals for shingles ?

Show quote history

Yes it is, but they only help if caught in the first 3 days. Cold sore cream is good to put on them.

SavBlancTonight · 31/12/2023 23:21

That looks very similar to.something I get. I always think of it as a form.if mild excema but not sure. I use various otc excema creams.whennit flares up that dh has from his excema and it seems to help.

Justforxmas2023 · 31/12/2023 23:30

OP I don’t think that’s shingles. As a PP said more liky irritation/allergy type rash. Assuming you don’t have any history of skin issues and are otherwise well then antihistamines and simple unscented moisturiser eg e45 is a good place to start for a few days.
then Gp when they are open if it persists.

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