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What Causes Itchy Rashes On The Upper Back, Neck And Shoulders?
Question: I'm 30 years old, 5 feet and 11 inches, and approximately 210 pounds. One week ago, I developed an itchy rash on my upper back, neck, shoulders, and behind my ears. The rash consisted of small individual bumps that ranged in color from flesh tone to pink. The rash dissipated after a few days. After that, I developed mild pain in one knee. The knee hurts when I squat down or stand from a seated position. There is no pain when walking and little to no pain when using stairs. Now, for the past couple of days, I've had swollen ankles. Am I experiencing heart problems?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX!
Welcome on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that your upper body itchy rash and swollen ankles do not seem to be related to any specific heart issues.
In fact, they are quite nonspecific for a cardiac disorder.
Instead, it seems more likely to be an inflammation/infection expressing with those cutaneous eruptions and inflammed (swelling and pain) joints.
There is no cardiac disorder (any coronary artery disorder, heart failure, cardiac thythm or conductance disorder) that is manifested that way.
So, you shouldn't worry about any cardiac issues at all!
Coming to this point, I recommend consulting with your doctor (internist) for a comprehensive differential diagnosis of your actual complaints.
A careful physical exam and additional lab tests are necessary:
- complete blood count,
- PCR,
- ESR,
- complete urine test,
- thyroid, renal and liver function tests,
- complement titers,
- rheumatoid factor,
- antistreptolysin o titer,
- ANA and XXXXXXX
- specific immunological and microbiological test if sufficient suspicions are raised.
In case that clear evidemce of any certain infectious disorder is present, you need to consult with an infectious disease specialist.
You should discuss with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful.
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX!
Welcome on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that your upper body itchy rash and swollen ankles do not seem to be related to any specific heart issues.
In fact, they are quite nonspecific for a cardiac disorder.
Instead, it seems more likely to be an inflammation/infection expressing with those cutaneous eruptions and inflammed (swelling and pain) joints.
There is no cardiac disorder (any coronary artery disorder, heart failure, cardiac thythm or conductance disorder) that is manifested that way.
So, you shouldn't worry about any cardiac issues at all!
Coming to this point, I recommend consulting with your doctor (internist) for a comprehensive differential diagnosis of your actual complaints.
A careful physical exam and additional lab tests are necessary:
- complete blood count,
- PCR,
- ESR,
- complete urine test,
- thyroid, renal and liver function tests,
- complement titers,
- rheumatoid factor,
- antistreptolysin o titer,
- ANA and XXXXXXX
- specific immunological and microbiological test if sufficient suspicions are raised.
In case that clear evidemce of any certain infectious disorder is present, you need to consult with an infectious disease specialist.
You should discuss with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful.
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear XXXXXXX
Your suppositions about liver or kidney implications cannot be excluded without further clinical investigation.
That’s why it is necessary a comprehensive differential diagnosis and the above recommended lab tests.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t worry too much until the preliminary tests results confirm any abnormality.
It may be due to just an acute inflammation/infection completely curable.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend!
Regards,
Dr.Iliri
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear XXXXXXX
Your suppositions about liver or kidney implications cannot be excluded without further clinical investigation.
That’s why it is necessary a comprehensive differential diagnosis and the above recommended lab tests.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t worry too much until the preliminary tests results confirm any abnormality.
It may be due to just an acute inflammation/infection completely curable.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend!
Regards,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you again for replying, doctor. I forgot to mention that the swelling in my ankles seems to be pitting edema. When I press on my ankles an indentation remains for a moment or two. Does this have any bearing on your advice?
Brief Answer:
Systemic and local reasons may be responsible.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Pitting edema may be caused by systemic as well as a local disorder.
Liver and renal function should be reviewed as they may become compromised in the case of a systemic inflammation/infection.
Your recent clinical scenario (skin rash, painful joints) is not compatible with a responsible cardiac issue.
Also a local factor such as lower limbs vein insufficiency may be responsible for the occurrence of pitting edema.
It is recommended (as I explained you above) to check liver, renal function, plasma protein level.
A lower limbs vessels ultrasound could rule in/out the presence of venous insufficiency.
I still insist in performing all the above mentioned tests for an adequate differential diagnosis.
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Systemic and local reasons may be responsible.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Pitting edema may be caused by systemic as well as a local disorder.
Liver and renal function should be reviewed as they may become compromised in the case of a systemic inflammation/infection.
Your recent clinical scenario (skin rash, painful joints) is not compatible with a responsible cardiac issue.
Also a local factor such as lower limbs vein insufficiency may be responsible for the occurrence of pitting edema.
It is recommended (as I explained you above) to check liver, renal function, plasma protein level.
A lower limbs vessels ultrasound could rule in/out the presence of venous insufficiency.
I still insist in performing all the above mentioned tests for an adequate differential diagnosis.
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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