Woke up with an itchy burning rash on my chest

[Teaandwater]

Woke up on Sunday morning with this rash. It has steadily got worse, burning, tight and itchy. It happened about a month ago but just on a part of my chest but it wasn't sore or itchy. I have doctor's appointment tomorrow.

I haven't changed shampoo, moisturiser etc.

Check the bottles of the shampoo and other products - they may have a "new formula" or "new scent" label. Fairy screwed me over with their pods a few years ago doing that.

Otherwise, any foods you have had on both days? Or used a hot water bottle / electric blanket? Any new medication?

However also be aware that lupus can show up with a butterfly shaped rash on the face or chest and neck. It's called a malar rash and can come from sun exposure. It seems unlikely to be that, but worth excluding!

I get itchy burning rashes like this randomly on different parts of my body and have no idea what precipitates them. My GP thinks they may be related to Sjogrens, but not sure. The only thing that relieves them (and only temporarily) is a paraffin-based cream. I'm currently using Cetraben, splashing it on liberally. I get it on prescription in a big tub.

Have you been ill recently? I always get a rash like this after an infection. It comes on after the infection has passed and I'm in the mend. Here's mine!

Have you had a bad throat? It looks rather like a post strep rash. I had this and then it turned into guttate psoriasis. It always felt worse after water was on it.

Thanks everyone. No I have not been unwell. I last had an antibiotic in 2024 for a UTI. Can't even say I've had a cold either. Haven't changed shampoos/ detergent etc. I checked our toiletries too and they don't state the formula has changed.

I see my GP at 3pm today so hopefully he can give me something because the burning, stinging and itching is unbearable.

Hope you feel better soon.

Allergy season hives? GP can prescribe 180mg fexofenadine if so.

I had this too. Suddenly become allergic to a shower gel that I had used many times before.

I washed the affected area with soap to remove any allergens.

Then several days of fexofenadine to reduce the rash.

Is shingles a possibility?