HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Burning Sensation On My Upper Chest And Neck?

default
Posted on Fri, 27 Mar 2015
Question: Hello,
I started feeling a hot and burning sensation on my skin a couple of hours ago. It's located on my upper chest and neck area. I have a raised rough spot on the skin on my chest. It has been there approx. 1 month. I also started getting a fever blister this morning.
I was diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis about 20 years ago. I've been using ketoconozale shampoo on my face and xolegel topical gel for almost 20 years as well.
I've been experiencing a lot of stress in the past two weeks. I am guessing that this is the cause of the fever blister.
The burning sensation is new for me.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Kindly send details and good resolution pictures of the condition.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.

I can understand your concern for the hot and burning sensation on your skin. In view to help you best I request you to kindly elaborate certain points:

- Do you feel only hot burning sensation only or you see red patches also.

- Is it present in the center of the upper chest and neck area or in one side only.

- What is the severity of burning sensation - mild /moderate or severe.

In view to help you best I request you to kindly send good resolution picture of the affected area. For that you have a feature on the right side of the page. or else you can send your pictures at

YYYY@YYYY

With subject as "attention - Dr. Sanjay XXXXXXX Kanodia "

Hope to hear soon from your side.

With regards,

Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD-DERMATOLOGY
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (22 minutes later)
The area that burns is in the middle of upper chest and on either side of my neck. Nothing on my shoulders or under my chin. There is a slight redness. Its not painful to the touch. Severity level is mild, similar to a mild sunburn .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Sun sensitivity / polymorphous light eruptions: avoid direct sun light.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back and thanks a lot for posting the details and the pictures.

After analyzing the picture and correlating with the details I can make out that you have got the condition due to sun sensitivity.

To explain you elaborately about the possible condition - It is related to sun sensitivity also known as polymorphous light eruptions. This is a common condition resulting due to exposure to sun and then sudden burning sensation in face and arms with itching over the same.. So there can be initial redness and itching with mild pain sensation. As we scratch it or due to exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight, sweating dust and hot humid climate, it can get aggravated.

This is a quite simple problem which we see in our day to day practice and persist for only the time till the aggravating factor is present. So the most important part in your management is avoidance of the aggravating factor enumerated all above.

For the betterment kindly follow the suggestions below:

1. Avoid direct sunlight and hot – humid climate.

2. Wear cotton clothes and avoid synthetic clothes. The clothes should cover the entire neck and upper chest area so that direct sunlight should not be evident over the affected area.

3. Stay in cool environment(preferably AC) and avoid sweating.

4. Take two time bath once in morning and at night time which will soothe your skin and prevent the aggravation of the problem

5. Do not Pinch pop or squeeze or rub any area.

6. Do not use any deodorants or any cosmetics over and near the affected area.

7. Do cold compression over the affected area. Take a wet towel soaked in cold water and apply it for 5-10 minutes for 3-4 times a day.

For the part of treatment I suggest m patients to follow:

1. Apply over the counter available calamine lotion on the affected area in day and afternoon time. Apply it in very thin layer.

2. Apply plane cortisone or fluticasone or Mometasone cream in a thin layer in morning and at night time. Apply in a very thin layer so that it should not be visible to naked eye. You can apply it for 7 days and then stop it after that.

3. If there is any irritation or itching is present then can take tablet “Loratadine” or "Deslotatadine" tablet by mouth up to three to four times also if the itching is more.

I hope these information's will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help.

"Wish you good health"

Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (18 minutes later)
I haven't been out in the sun at all today. I am moving and was inside the entire day packing. The burning sensation started earlier this evening. The last two days have been cloudy and I wasnt wearing a v-neck shirt either day.
The garment shown in one of the photos i attached shows the neckline of the sports bra i wore today.
Having this additional information, do you still feel this is sun related?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Do not worry you will be alright soon.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome back and thanks a lot of your further follow up.

Sun sensitivity can occur even after couple of days of exposure or in cloudy days too. It can get aggravated by any of the synthetic clothes or related garments.

Your sports bra can cause the irritation and this can get aggravated by the sunlight and vice versa. It is big myth that you wont get a sunburn on cloudy day. Even cloudy days are more prone to cause sun burns. The ultraviolet rays which are mainly responsible for the sun sensitivity can cross the clouds.

Any how the suggestions I have provided in the previous mail are applicable to your condition due to any of the cause. Do not worry you will be alright soon.

I hope these information's will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help.

"Wish you good health"

Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology)
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4165 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Burning Sensation On My Upper Chest And Neck?

Brief Answer: Kindly send details and good resolution pictures of the condition. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum. I can understand your concern for the hot and burning sensation on your skin. In view to help you best I request you to kindly elaborate certain points: - Do you feel only hot burning sensation only or you see red patches also. - Is it present in the center of the upper chest and neck area or in one side only. - What is the severity of burning sensation - mild /moderate or severe. In view to help you best I request you to kindly send good resolution picture of the affected area. For that you have a feature on the right side of the page. or else you can send your pictures at YYYY@YYYY With subject as "attention - Dr. Sanjay XXXXXXX Kanodia " Hope to hear soon from your side. With regards, Dr Sanjay Kanodia MD-DERMATOLOGY