[48M] Experiencing red itchy spots on chest and stomach

Patient Description

A 48-year-old male reports having three red, itchy spots on the right side of his stomach and left side of his chest for the past three days. The spots are small and have been decreasing in size daily. The itchiness is somewhat relieved by the application of cortisone cream. The patient has no known allergies, no recent exposure to new substances, and no history of similar rashes. There are no signs of infection or systemic symptoms such as fever. The patient's medical history is unremarkable, with no chronic illnesses, and he is currently taking Bupropion. No other medications or allergies are reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

  • Contact Dermatitis: This is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when substances touching your skin cause irritation or an allergic reaction. The inflammation appears as red, itchy spots that can become increasingly painful if left untreated. This condition can be caused by many substances, such as soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, or plants.

    • Treatment typically involves avoiding the irritant and applying creams or ointments to the affected area.
  • Allergic Reaction: This could be a response to a new food, medication, or substance you've come into contact with. Allergic reactions can cause a variety of symptoms, including red, itchy spots.

    • Treatment typically involves avoiding the allergen and taking antihistamines to reduce the allergic response.
  • Insect Bites: Certain insects can cause red, itchy spots when they bite. These spots usually appear soon after the bite and can last for several days.

    • Treatment typically involves applying a cream or lotion to the bite to relieve itching and prevent infection.

What you can do

  1. Continue to apply the cortisone cream to the affected areas as directed on the packaging. This should help to reduce the inflammation and itching.
  2. Try to identify any new substances you may have come into contact with that could have caused an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. This could include new foods, medications, soaps, detergents, or plants.
  3. Keep the affected areas clean and dry to prevent infection.
  4. Avoid scratching the itchy spots as much as possible. This can cause further irritation and could potentially lead to infection.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • The itchy spots become increasingly painful
  • You develop a fever or other signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus
  • The itchy spots spread to other areas of your body
  • You experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, as this could indicate a severe allergic reaction

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What are common causes of red, itchy spots on the skin?

Common causes of red, itchy spots on the skin include contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, insect bites, and sometimes infections or other dermatological conditions. Identifying the cause often involves considering recent exposures to new substances or environments.


How can I differentiate between an allergic reaction and contact dermatitis?

An allergic reaction often involves a broader range of symptoms, such as hives, swelling, or respiratory issues, and is usually triggered by an allergen like food or medication. Contact dermatitis is localized to the area of contact with an irritant or allergen and typically presents as red, itchy patches or blisters.


What are the recommended treatments for insect bites?

For insect bites, treatment usually involves cleaning the area with soap and water, applying a cold compress to reduce swelling, and using over-the-counter creams or antihistamines to relieve itching. It's important to avoid scratching to prevent infection.


When should I seek medical attention for skin rashes?

You should seek medical attention for skin rashes if they become increasingly painful, if you develop systemic symptoms like fever, if the rash spreads, or if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, which could indicate a serious allergic reaction.


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