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

question-icon

Can Going Out In The Heat Or Taking Shower Cause Non-itchy Red Splotches All Over The Body ?

default
Posted on Thu, 19 Apr 2012
Question: For about 2 weeks my chest and back have gotten red splotches on them, particularly after a shower or getting outside in the heat — then they go away over time. This time, there are a few on my arms and thighs. They do not have the ring appearance of ring worm, do not itch and are only slightly raised. A few have a white pin dot in the middle and others have turned very dry and started peeling. Any advice? Took a Benedryl last night and they were OK in the morning, but came back.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (31 minutes later)
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

From your description the most possible causes in my opinion are-
1. Erythema multiforme.
2. Dermatitis- due to skin infection, allergy,etc.
3. Dry skin- Xerosis.
4. Heat rash.

A direct examination by a Dermatologist is the best way to get it diagnosed.

Most simple rashes improve with gentle skin care and avoiding irritating substances. You can help the improvement by
1. Avoid scrubbing your skin.
2. Use mild soaps. Use gentle cleansers instead.
3. Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly on the rash.
4. Use warm (not hot) water for cleaning. XXXXXXX dry, don't rub.
5. Eliminate any newly added cosmetics or lotions.
6. Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.
7. Try calamine medicated lotion.
8. Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is available over the counter and may soothe many rashes but please discuss your doctor before starting on it.
The patches usually take 5-7 days to disappear.

If the patches become more of purple rather than red then you must consult a dermatologist immediately.

You can mail me the photos of the rashes to YYYY@YYYY with subject:ATTN: Dr Rakhi Tayal as this would help me in providing you with specific suggestions. Please do confirm the mailing of the photos by writing back here as to reply you back at the earliest.

Awaiting your response.

Wishing you good health.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (21 minutes later)
Thank you. I felt it was prob. pretty harmless and my mold allergies have been horrible in the past few weeks. Your comment about the warm (not hot) water makes sense why they appeared stronger even though I was soaking in a (hot) bath with Aveno.

I do have some leftover calamine from a bout of chicken pox last year. Should I avoid lotion (Burt's Bees) to combat the dryness? Can they possibly spread by touch or is it simply XXXXXXX (hoping to avoid appearance on the face).

They have faded at the moment, but I will send you a few photos of them as at this lighter presentation to your attention at WWW.WWWW.WW

Many thanks,
Wendy

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The rash seems more likely to be XXXXXXX and is not likely to spread by contact.
Hope my answer is helpful. By looking at the pictures, dry skin can be excluded.
You can continue with the steroid ointment.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.
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. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14043 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
Can Going Out In The Heat Or Taking Shower Cause Non-itchy Red Splotches All Over The Body ?

Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

From your description the most possible causes in my opinion are-
1. Erythema multiforme.
2. Dermatitis- due to skin infection, allergy,etc.
3. Dry skin- Xerosis.
4. Heat rash.

A direct examination by a Dermatologist is the best way to get it diagnosed.

Most simple rashes improve with gentle skin care and avoiding irritating substances. You can help the improvement by
1. Avoid scrubbing your skin.
2. Use mild soaps. Use gentle cleansers instead.
3. Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly on the rash.
4. Use warm (not hot) water for cleaning. XXXXXXX dry, don't rub.
5. Eliminate any newly added cosmetics or lotions.
6. Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.
7. Try calamine medicated lotion.
8. Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is available over the counter and may soothe many rashes but please discuss your doctor before starting on it.
The patches usually take 5-7 days to disappear.

If the patches become more of purple rather than red then you must consult a dermatologist immediately.

You can mail me the photos of the rashes to YYYY@YYYY with subject:ATTN: Dr Rakhi Tayal as this would help me in providing you with specific suggestions. Please do confirm the mailing of the photos by writing back here as to reply you back at the earliest.

Awaiting your response.

Wishing you good health.

Regards.