Red spots on the body after showering
June 23, 2009 | 10,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Olaf Stephan
Dear specialist,
After showering, I get small red bumps and flushed areas on my upper body and arms, which only fade after hours or with the help of a cream. The areas only itch partially. It gets worse when I take a hot shower. My dermatologist says that redheaded people often have sensitive skin. Is this true?
Also, I have very small rough patches on the insides of my forearms. They rarely itch and I haven't used any new detergent. Could this be eczema?
Best regards
Hello,
Unfortunately, the answer to your question is quite complex and somewhat speculative, as the diagnosis of skin conditions largely depends on the appearance of the changes. Nevertheless, I will try to assist you with the issue.
First of all, your dermatologist is correct in saying that red-haired and fair-skinned people generally have more sensitive skin, as you may already notice when sunbathing. This is not necessarily a problem, but rather a predisposition that requires careful skin care.
If you notice small red spots on your body after showering, which may also itch and later disappear on their own, this could be a sign of a condition called cholinergic urticaria (urticaria is hives in German). This condition occurs when the skin temperature suddenly increases, causing the skin to react with hives and itching. Cholinergic urticaria often affects young adults, causing mild, moderate, and severe reactions. The mild form is most common, occurring in about ten percent of people, usually between the ages of 20 and 30. Many affected individuals choose not to seek treatment because they can manage their condition well. Based on your description, you likely have the mild form, if any. Cholinergic urticaria can last between two and even 30 years. It affects men and women equally, but is more common in individuals with a family history of allergies. Activities that increase skin temperature can trigger hives:
- Sports
- Sauna, hot showers, warm baths
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Fever
- Sudden emotional stress
The faster the temperature rises, the quicker the skin symptoms appear. The hives typically last for about 30 minutes to an hour, rarely up to three hours. After they disappear, the condition usually requires a pause before recurring, usually eight to 24 hours, sometimes several days. Affected individuals usually have relief from symptoms during sleep. You could try showering with relatively cold water to see if the symptoms do not appear, although this may be challenging, it could provide long-term relief if you have the aforementioned condition, as it does not increase skin temperature. In severe cases, a fast-acting antihistamine (such as Fenistil drops) can be taken, but it may cause drowsiness as a side effect.
Another possibility is that you are allergic to soaps, shower gels, or cosmetics used during showering. The rough patches on the insides of your arms that you described could also be consistent with eczema, especially based on their location and description, indicating a clear tendency towards allergies and urticaria within the context of atopy. It is important to have these visible skin changes examined by a dermatologist. Effective treatment methods are available for eczema today, but you will need to consult a dermatologist. For skin detergent intolerances, you can use Wofacutan or pure soap for body cleansing, as these detergents are almost allergen-free.
I hope this advice is helpful to you.
Best regards,
Olaf Stephan
