red blotchy chest/neck rash - Anxiety

lolly2194

Sep 06, 2010

i get a heat rash on my skin too :( i get it when im anxious, nervous, really excited, upset and embarassed. i get it on my chest, but also on my legs. its not actual heat rash, because i dont get bumps and it doesn't itch at all. my docotor said it was a reaction to internal heat, but i get it from the sun and when playing sport alot too. the redness is blotches covering my calves, knees and chest (and sometimes on my shoulders and top arms if i get really ecited/emabarrsed ect) and are much more heated then the rest of my skin, its scary. im not sure what to do about it, but i feel a bit comforted other people kind of have the same problem :) id like to try beta blockers and fake tan, because my formal is coming up :)
goodluck to everyone

siszap

Sep 07, 2010

To: lolly2194

I've suffered from this for years. You can tell yourself your are calm and not anxious but it just happens. For me it's only chest, back and neck. 10 years ago I had to start taking .25mg of Atenolol (beta blocker) for high blood pressure. I haven't suffered from it since, except when I am sick. After a fever or a cold or an illness I will get red and blotchy and it lasts for a day or 2.

exxsprout

Sep 18, 2010

To: jennfromwa

I've also suffered from this for years. I hate it. It's really embarassing. I read somewhere about the Atenolol blocking it and it actually works! I have to take a lot though, usually around 1-2 mg when I think I might break out. I had a really hard time explaining this to my dr, no dr seems to understand what I'm talking about and are even more hesitant to prescribe it. Now I just tell them it's for headaches and they have no problem prescribing it. If I am already breaking out in red blotchiness, it won't work if I try to take it then. I have to take it before. It does not work for alcohol though, so be warned on that one. I usually have to wear something that covers my chest for the first few drinks anyway, and then it goes away.

shunsy

Sep 19, 2010

Can i just ask if anyone also suffers from Rosacea ? I've suffered with it for years and about 12 months ago i started getting blotchy bits on my neck and chest whenever i get stressed or too hot etc.....I've got to the stage were i avoid certain places because i know what will happen. I went to the doctors last week and he was really understanding and said it was part of my Rosacea, that's why i asked if anyone else has been diagnosed with it, because that could be the problem too. He's put me on Beta Blockers, so i'm just going to see how it goes.

By the way i sympathise with all of you, I know only too well how distressing this can be !!

thepurselady

Oct 22, 2010

I am so glad to see I am not alone with this condition.

I wondered if I could ask anyone, do you happen to have Mitral valve prolapse?  I found out through a routine echo that I have MVP and digging deeper I found that this condition comes with some autonomic disfunction and anxiety disorder.  I have had the chest rash for about 15 years.  I am 40 years old.  And it's getting worse.  I had a glass of wine with a friend and my neck looked like someone just tried to choke me.  Bright red up my neck and on my chest.  So embarrasing.  I try and wear turtle necks or things that cover the neck like a scarf but I love scoop neck tops and I just cannot wear them.  In the summer when I am tan all is good I am not as self concious but in the winter when I am pale as a ghost it just sticks out and people comment on it.

I was told that it oculd be a release of histamine, adrenaline that can cause the flushing to appear.  It goes away in about 20 minutes or so.  But when I feel it coming on I also feel a sensation of feeling bad, headache etc.  So I know this release of adrenaline or whatever it may be is not good on the body.  This is not something that trying to relax will cure.  It's a real physiological response to stress, something is released and something occurs in the blood vessels.  So people who say relax just do not get it.  No relaxation will prevent it.

I just got some beta blockers and I will give them a shot.

pannawanna

Dec 14, 2010

To: exxsprout

thank you soo much everyone. I am sooo relieved to find out I am not the only one with this problem. It does go away after a few drinks, but with in the first 3 its ridiculous. Along with test taking, smoking, and all emotions that raise addrenaline or simple everyday activies. Mediation, yoga, acupuncture, and now hopefully this Atenolol will help. Although Dr's think were crazy, I understand how you all feel. But I am happy for the life I am given and realize it could be much worse.

pannawanna

Dec 14, 2010

To: thepurselady

AND I am just like you! OMG in the summer its ok because my tan covers it up, but I will not let my self go to a tanning booth just to cover up this condition that has affected me for years now. I became aware of it 3 years ago and now its getting worse due to the fact I am conscious of it, which then alleviates my anxiety.

Victoria10

Dec 21, 2010

To: all

Has anyone had any success taking the beta blockers for the "splotchies?" I get them all the time and its really annoying/embarassing. I keep buying more and more turtlenecks and i hate them! any info will be helpful! thanks!

april1986

Jan 04, 2011

To: the comments

It could be a nerv imbalance. I just got told of it today. I wus broken out in a rash on my Face/Arms/Chest it wus rly hot feelin but died down abit mostly at night. Went hospital 4 times & thought wus allergic reaction. Told me go my Family dr. I went & told me Allergic reaction is all over the body not just places it wus on on me. Said a lot medical stuff & said tht its caused by Stress/Anxiety & stuff like tht. Go ask ur doc about it could be this.

karen61

Jan 08, 2011

To: all

I have suffered from this all of my adult life. I thot it got better as I became more confident in my self, but in stressful events, I too get a blotchy neck. Inderal ( a performance anxiety medication) has helped at weddings etc immensely. Yesterday I took it before a court case I was a witness for, and either I did not take enough or not long enuff before I testified. The judge told me he understood I was nervous but to calm down and not talk so fast. Funny thing is that I did not feel nervous, but my body reacted to the stress anyway. Maybe the answer to this is I need to take more Inderal, (20 mg rather than 10 mg). I was annoyed as I felt like this affected my "believability" of my testimony.

s1lvrbullet77

Jan 15, 2011

It seems like this mostly happens to women but I am a male and feel the same way as everybody else in this community. Most (not always) of my rashes occure any time I'm drinking alcohol or in any type of situation that I feel that I'm put "on the spot". Butl, if I drink enough alcohol it usually goes away. It can still come back later (while drinking) for no apparent reason (not stressed at all, but feeling buzzed) the rash will usually first show up when I first start drinking (like usual) and go away, but (very unusual) comes back sometimes even if I am just watching TV, hanging out alone, etc..,and/or drinking some beers. I know that alcohol causes it and makes it worse but the rash usually goes away after a good buzz (less stress?) I think I am possibly using alcohol as crutch, especially in social situations. Been to the doctor but it's been a while, just sort of gave up on them not understanding and now I'm OLD and findng more and more ways to deal with it, I guess. Please let me know if anybody find a cure for our misunderstood problem.

Hooroo

Feb 03, 2011

To: Red chest rash, whats the cause!!

Yeh I don't remember having this break out rash on my chest in school. Maybe i'm just easily stressed now days? I find I break out with a rash on my chest when I drink (again like most of you, only for the first few then it goes away) and everyone reacts the same, omg! whats wrong with your chest! are you okay?!? - so embarressing. I also get the exact same rash / redness in the exact same pattern each time (its not lumpy, just red) when I: exercise, go from cold to hot environments, eat wheat products, put in a social situation that i feel uncomfortable in, sex!, sometimes after a hot shower, and especially when getting ready to go out somewhere social, even with people i am really comfortable / excited to see! I think it has alot to do with temperature, blood pressure and anxiety / stress levels. But would love for someone to just say "this is what you need to do to cure your problem!" so any tips, i'm keen to try them!!

lizzyloo701

Feb 19, 2011

To: pannawanna

This has ruined my life - I started with it when I was 15, and I've never been able to wear clothes that I would like to - always had to cover it up. I've tried all sorts of treatment, from surgery to lasers and various tablets. I've got a new and very expensive dermatologist who is keen to help and I should have a new prescription early next week for tablets he wants me to try - and I will try anything - promise to keep you posted xxx

tbo37

Feb 19, 2011

To: all

I too suffer from this unexplained rash of the neck and chest during any emotional moment, including happy moments. My friends know it will happen and try to make light of it and joke about it, but it is very difficult to deal with. I also have fair skin and it seems to be worse in Winter months when my skin is pale and not tanned. So, from what I've been reading, people have had success with beta blockers. What are the side-effects of such drugs? I saw another post of someone using Pepcid AC MAX, which I don't even know what that is used for, heart burn? Anyway, I am at least conforted by the fact that I'm not alone, although I was hoping for some miracle cream I could just rub on my skin to make it thicker or something! I know, sounds crazy, but it would be worth inventing! This problem is a nighmare!! Good luck everyone!

willis20

Feb 22, 2011

I have suffered from the exact same thing all my life. But it has never been to the point where its ruining my life...just embarassing. My friends are able to figure out how i'm feeling without me saying one word. My rash appears in many situations; when i'm happy, nervous, anxious, mad, emotional..pretty much any emotion thats being expressed abundantly. I get the rash on my chest but when its really bad i get it on the sides of my arms, and my back. I think this condition is hereditary because my mother gets the same blotches as well, though they don't occur as often as mine. Does anyones elses family members get the same blotches as you?? It really was embarassing this weekend, i went to a party and i was wearing a shirt that revealed some of my chest. I got nervous because my ex-boyfriend was there and of course, i got really blotchy. I need help! What meds should I take!

HeidiJanora

Feb 22, 2011

I started getting this when I was a preteen, Im now 26 and I only get it on my chest, neck, and FACE! When I was a teenager, I was able to relate it to an emotion change. Not necessarily when Im nervous, but also when Im angry, or stressed, or under pressure. Just today I had a tooth pulled and the lady said "are you okay??" and I didn't understand why she seemed so worried, then she pointed out that my chest was bright red. Which happened because I was extremely nervous. (this prompted me to do this research today). It is embarrasing when people ask me if I've been hit when I get a big splotch on my face..lol, I just tell them it happens all the time. Is there a name for this condition?? It is definately anxiety/blood pressure related.

babbott

Feb 22, 2011

I have suffered from the red blotches to the chest, neck, top of arms and face since I was a teenager. I always blushed easily, and am not sure exactly when the blotching started but I remember it being there when I was 17yrs - having to always cover up as much as possible to hide it. And the same as you guys - the constant 'oh my god you what is wrong with your neck?" etc which is tiresome.
Interestingly, I recently found out that my mum used to suffer from it - she said it disappeared when she went through menopause. That's comforting but as I'm 30 it's a little while away! It would be nice to find something that will ease it at least. I'm studying psychology which I love, but the thought of having to stand up and give a presentation (which will be required at some point) almost makes me want to drop out. And that is worrying that it can have that effect on my life!
I wouldn't say I'm a shy person, I'm sociable and love being around people, but the blotches limit who I feel I could be. It would be really nice to have a professional 'someone' know more about this.
I looked at another chat site where someone posted some homeopathic tablets for menopause hot flushes that have worked - http://www.amazon.com/Boiron-Hot-Flashes-Carekit-kit/dp/B000FJ2LXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1295811167&sr=8-1
I'm going to buy them and give them a go. Will keep you posted.

It's really refreshing to talk to others who understand!

jftroopers

Mar 05, 2011

Holy cow! I have (knowingly) suffered from this since the 7th grade. That is when a classmate commented on my neck after I finished giving my science project presentation. I didn't know what he was talking about, but after looking in the mirror after class, I became concerned. Before every high school and college basketball game warm up, my neck and chest looked like a red, splotchy mess. It always went away by game time. My mom used to tell me it was from nerves mixed with being very fair skinned. I, too, noticed that it wasn't such a big deal when I had a summer tan.

Fast forward to my career in teaching and coaching. Every ballgame was a nightmare for me. I found that my mind was more on whether or not my neck was breaking out than what play I was calling. When I am teaching a topic where I get really charged up (excited), I can feel the heat on my neck. Sure enough, it's happening. It starts out with bright red splotches. Within 30 minutes, the splotches join and my entire neck is bright crimson. Students comment on it sometimes out of concern. It's humiliating. I used to think it was a confidence issue, but I've since ruled that out. It pops up even when I rolling, confidently, in a situation. Adrenaline may be the ultimate culprit.

I have done everything from using tanning beds in the winter months, which does help, to using turtle necks, but it's hard to predict when it will hit. Curbing my caffeine use has been helpful. It seems to worsen in the afternoon hours, especially on days when my coffee intake is higher, however. I've also noticed that psychological conditioning has a big part in it. If you've noticed the flare ups during and after certain activities, your mind quickly pairs the unpleasantness with the stimulus.

In closing, I'm a 40-year-old male with a (as I've been told) fun and flamboyant personality, but I can honestly say that this has limited my potential in life. I have turned down opportunities out of fear of this. It's ironic that I chose education as a career, but, at the same time, I work well with kids. I'm glad to hear that a beta blocker could help this. I'll have a talk with my doctor.

Hang in there, everyone.

JJs_Balls

Mar 05, 2011

To: babbott

Hey What's up? I am now 34 and have been having an issue (suffering) from anxiety of speaking publicly for about 10 years. I used to get a high over speaking in public, then something changed for some reason. I now get freaked out for some reason over a situation that used to give me feelings of empowerment. i get the blotchey neck when I drink, am too emotional, or get anxious. Quite frankly, I am sick of these feelings and I am now going to get involved with a group that works on presentations: Check out toastmasters.com and see if there is a group close to your area where you can work on anxiety w/ giving public speeches, I am. Good luck!

amorvincitomnia

Mar 10, 2011

To: ALL

Hey everyone,

I am 22 and have been dealing with outbreaks of a blotchy red rash on my upper chest (mainly) and neck (in extreme cases) for about 7 years now. It is absolutely humiliating and I am extremely self-conscious of it. It has put a damper on my social life--I do not like meeting new people as I get very uncomfortable and the rash eventually creeps up. I also have limited my wardrobe to T-shirts and turtlenecks so that I do not have to worry about obsessing about whether or not I am bright red or not. I had gone to my doctor when it first started and she advised me to take antihistamines--did'nt work. The rash that I break out in during stressful events, emotional changes, hot weather & while consuming alcohol is completely flat, not raised like typical hives. To everyone else who experiences this, I believe I have found a name to match this embarrassing outbreak. It is called "cholinergic urticaria". Basically, your parasympathetic nervous system produces too much acetylcholine which prompts the swelling of blood vessels. It apparently occurs in 0.2% of the general population and there are multiple things you can do to help reduce your risk for the rash appearing. Avoiding stressful situations and managing stress in your life will definetely help. There are also several medicines that will help reduce swelling of your blood vessels that cause the rash. I have found that trying to accept that the rash happens makes it not occur as bad, and also if you do indeed have cholinergic urticaria there is a chance that you will grow out of it eventually. I hope this helps to all who suffer from this.

Chriskin

Mar 12, 2011

To: Everyone

I think that the thing I hate most is definitely when my neck and chest go bright red and blotchy. Always at times of stress and takes ages to go away. Even thinking about a stressful situation sets it off and it really feels like it's burning from within. Really horrible! If I get upset and emotional at the same time then my face follows suit and I look like a bloated lobster for a good 15 minutes or so. Maybe I could understand it if I was a teenager but I'm now 52 and still experiencing it! Interesting to read everyone's comments and I must add that I am a blonde with very pale skin so I suppose it shows up even more. I've got a stressful meeting coming up in a couple of days and I'm going to practice with the makeup for that - so here goes!

kirsten449

Mar 16, 2011

To: ALL

Hi everyone. I had this exact same problem for about 4 years through university. It was manageable as I knew the situations when it would occur and was always prepared with a scarf/foundation etc.My rash was very blotchy and was all over my face and neck and the more I worried about it the more it would happen and the longer it would take to go away. Recently I began my first job out of university. It is rather a high pressure role, with constant public speaking and important meetings/discussions. I was having huge problems with my nervous rash and it was making me depressed and I found I wasn't performing as well as I could in my new role. I have wanted to see a doctor for years, but I honestly thought they would think I was crazy and would not like to prescribe anything for it. However, the doctor I saw knew exactly what I was talking about and was very caring and supportive. She prescribed the beta blocker proponolol (spelling slightly wrong) and I havn't looked back since. I havn't had any rash problems so far and I have been confident in my new role. I know medication doesn't get to the root cause of my problem, but my doctor suggested I seek stress relief classes and attend toast masters or some form of public speaking group which I am currently looking into. I was so relieved to know there is other people out there going through the same thing. Please don't be afraid to see a doctor as they do understand. I wish everyone all the best.

lonaura

Mar 28, 2011

To: All

Do you all find it difficult to enjoy social situations? I get the blotchy spots, my close friends don't think about it anymore, but I get really uncomfortable when new people see the rash, because they think of me as a timid/scared person. I'm not! I've always been outgoing but over the last 4 years my rash/hives/blotches all over my neck and chest are increasing in activity.

I've recently graduated college, and find getting a job difficult, because every time i interview I turn all red and spotted! Then the employer always thinks i'm super scared/anxiety ridden! How are people controlling it?

jltouch

Mar 29, 2011

I can't believe how many people have the same problem as me. I get the red blotchy rash on my neck and chest and half the time I don't even know it's there unless someone says something to me. I mostly get it when i'm drinking alcohol or when i'm in front of people or put on the spot. Sometimes it also happens while i'm just sitting there. I have been seeing a Dr for the last couple months due to my high blood pressure. I'm 24 years old and have had high BP for 2 years. They started doing some tests and tested me to see if my body is producing too much adrenaline because they think that's where my blotchyness is coming from, along with my headaches and high bp. Just waiting for the test results.

Ashmaads18

Mar 30, 2011

To: Everyone

Wow, it amazes me to see that there are this many people out there that suffer from this, and I mean suffer. It absolutely has changed my life. I remember my first "breakout" of this being at a wedding where I was drinking wine and laughing a lot, and someone pointed to my neck and said what happened to your neck?? Ever since then I wear turtle necks or a lot of make up on my chest and neck if I know I will be in a large social situation. The worst part of that is that I'm a very outgoing person who will talk to anyone....for short period of time. Now as soon as I feel the heat creep up or feel like I might be getting splotchy, I come up with an excuse to walk away. I hate it. I dread first dates, I dread large meetings at work, I'm getting to the point where I dread drinking in public...it is taking over my life. I can't even enjoy a new person joining my lunch group cause talking to them could cause me to get splotchy.

I've dealt with this so far by wearing turtle necks or turtle neck tank tops and/or putting make-up on, or even tanning. But it is only a temporary fix and it is exhausting. I need to be tested for high blood pressure or something, I need to talk to my doctor I suppose. Reading other people's posts have made me feel so much better though, so thank you. My friends think its funny or even cute, but I hate it. I sound calm, I look well put together, but my body totally defies me and I get splotchy and everyone knows I'm nervous. It doesn't help that I have a very long neck and chest area. I think it is pretty on most women, but on me it is just a larger canvas for the blotches!!! Anyway, thanks for posting to this site- it is very nice to know I'm not alone. I will for sure let you all know if i come up with a fix as I hope you will as well.

Ashmaads18

Mar 30, 2011

To: Everyone

I just wanted to add to my (very long) earlier post- I have light hair and skin also, and I don't want to go to the tanning bed a lot due to skin cancer fears. In the summer months, turtle necks and scarves look ridiculous, so make-up is the only defense I have. But I recently started using a fake tanner spray made by Neutrogena. I just spray a little on my hands and wipe them over my face and neck almost every night. I only do my whole body about once a week. Since I use an exfoliating face wash, my face never looks unusually dark or fake, in fact I told a friend about this and she is now doing it as well. Although not a cure by any means, it takes the edge off my paleness and disguises the blotches on more daily basis to some extent and is an alternative to the tanning bed solution. Hope this helps a little.....

redcat76

Apr 07, 2011

I am amazed (and comforted at the same time) by how many people suffer from this problem. I can't even remember how long this has been going on, but it is debilitating. I am a 35-year-old woman who has been trying to find the highest-neck shirts I can possibly find. Like most of the other posts I have read, my neck and chest break out in red blotches when I start drinking alcohol (goes away after a few when I am buzzed and relaxed)...am stressed out...nervous...have sex...a million different situations. I can't even sit in a meeting at work with people I know and this happens. Sometimes it is even when I am talking to one person who I thought I was comfortable with. Thank you all for sharing your stories - I am going to check out beta blockers.

KoehlerRN

Apr 11, 2011

To: Everyone

I have been trying for years to do something about this! The beta blockers didn't help me and made me feel really bad, most likely because my blood pressure is so low normally. I have the chest/neck redness and profuse sweating associated with social anxiety. Neurontin has helped tremendously for the sweating but did nothing for the redness. For the last 2 weeks I've been taking the 3g of Lysine and Arginine and it actually seems to be working for the redness. It's cheap too! You can buy it just about anywhere. I would give it a try. At this point I'm willing to try just about anything!

LuvDaisies13

Apr 12, 2011

Well... I would like to let u all know, thank you for posting. I have been to the Dr. and tried all types of non-allergen products and nothing has helped. These blotchy breakouts happen whenever they want. I have been experiencing this for approximately 2 years and my doctor always says just put Cortizone on that. It's not a big itching problem tho. I do get self conscience over it because it looks like bug bites most of the time (on my neck)... like I'm infested or something. UGH! Glad to know I'm not alone.

redcat76

Apr 12, 2011

I have never heard of the Lysine or Arginine supplements before for this problem. I don't sweat when the red, blotchy rash appears - mainly I feel a hot flash (this doesn't always happen) and the rash appears and takes quite a while to fade. That cortisone recommendation by a doctor seems a little out there...especiallly since there is no itch associated with the rash. My blood pressure is a little high, so possibly I may benefit from the beta blockers. I think I'll try the over-the-counter route before I schedule anything with my doctor. Thanks for the tips!

kDUET

Apr 12, 2011

To: YessicaT

I feel your pain. Ive had this as long as i can remember. Everyone always asked me if i have a rash, but i always respond with "no its not a rash, dont know what it is, cus i know im not allergic to anything". that statment is repeated over and over everyday, because i have to explain to people who have never seen it before. its embarrasing! and it also "gives" me away when im trying that im not mad or something. lol iam going to my derm in may and im gonna ask him what he thinks!

staybokkie

Apr 13, 2011

I am a 22yo male and have suffered from this red blotchy rash on my chest, neck and upper arms since i was in 7th grade. i first noticed this rash when i was in embarrassing situations.. i would embarrass myself in front of my friends or if i had a class speech. In high school it became a bigger issue only bringing more attention upon myself leaving me to somehow explain it.

I could always feel it coming on because i feel a big burst of heat. i then noticed simply by sitting in the sun for a few minutes would bring it about, but it wasn't a heat rash with bumps and it did not itch. my doctor just told me i have sensitive skin and recommended me to a dermatologist who then just told me to drink more water.

I've since become to understand that my body cannot regulate heat the same as others. If I work out to the point my body sweats it releases the heat normally. however if I am under a stressful situation where my heart rate increases to the point a normal person sweats a bit, sometimes the very anxious sweat a lot.. i do not sweat at all, i just turn bright red and feel the my skin burning. this happens during sexual intercourse, a job interview, a speech, or if out of no where all eyes are on me.

i work as a bar tender and occasionally we have to take our shirts off. I am secure with myself and don't get red but if someone i know comes in and somehow embarrass myself then my upper body becomes completely blotchy and people think freak out thinking something is wrong with me.

since doctors could not explain my body's reaction to stress and heat i've been going to tanning salons on a regular bases. i have found it appears much less obvious when i tan or especially look sun burnt. I am going to follow up on others advice about a beta blocker and see if my new doctor will prescribe it. i think it is amazing so many people have this issue yet doctors do not seem to care to look into it. this is something that if we understood, sounds like would change many people's lives for the better. personally for me it's extremely uncomfortable and unless i rub ice water all over myself and sit in our bars cooler can last up to 45min to a couple hours.

does anyone else feel it's due to increased body heat?
this happens - after i tan, sexual intercourse, embarrassment, sitting in the sun, drinking alcohol, and when i have strong emotion.

kr815

Apr 19, 2011

To: everyone

I suffer from the same thing. I believe no doctor will ever tell you this but I truly believe it is brought on by certain foods. for everyone the foods that we react to could be different. for me, it is sugar, caffeine, chocolate and black tea. So my solution is to first find the culprit foods and that in itself is a job and to agressively detox. Skin rashes is a sign of the liver being overtaxed. When we have skin problems you need to look at the liver and help it out. Be prepared though that when you detox it can make the rashes worse for awhile but what have we already got to lose considering it has affected our lives like it has. My solution is work on cleaning up your diet and move to more natural foods and detox detox detox til it's gone! Keep a food journal, it can be very helpful to see a pattern. It takes perserverance and patience. It is a frustrating journey but we have to be our own detectives as doctors are no help in this arena. I know when i drink coffee (which I don't anymore) I feel itchy within 30 minutes of drinking it. It's worth looking into your foods. good luck. Would love to hear more on what people find out as their cause.

tl05

Apr 25, 2011

To: Everyone

Thank you everyone for all of your great advice suggesting Beta Blockers. I think I am going to make an appointment with my doctor ASAP because I cannot stand this anymore. I work in a professional environment and I do not feel comfortable talking to anyone because I get bright red on the chest and neck. I just feel like such an outcast because I never go out of my way to have a conversation because I always turn red. I usually try to plan my outfits with a high neck when I know I am having a meeting but there are those times that we have a last minute meeting and I look like such an idiot. The crazy thing is that I do not feel anxious what so ever, the only thing that I am anxious about is knowing that I am going to turn red.

I used to experience it with alcohol as well. Even with a few sips but then it would go away after a few. I felt like I could not even hang out with my friends because it was so embarrassing. I tried taking Benadryl which has an antihistamine and it works every time. The bad thing is that it makes you drowsy but if you ask me, it is totally worth it.

sophia11675

Apr 27, 2011

To: Everyone

I am 50 and thought it was a hormonal imbalance of some sort. I did not realize that there was this many people who suffers from this. I am a working professional and yes it is embarrising. Many people ask me if I have been out in the sun and or sunburnt. My neck and upper chest are affected and it gets worse throughout the work day. I look like a lobster all the time. Its bad enough being 50 and also have to suffer with the redness which brings out the lovely wrinkles on my neck. I will ask my Doctor about the beta blockers. I hope that works and please know I feel all of your pain.

zippy020

May 11, 2011

To: Everyone

Wow, I never knew there were so many people that also experienced this.

The first time this happened to me I was 17. I was in the middle of doing a presentation in front of my class and noticed some girls in the back pointing at my chest with horrified faces. I have no idea why it just started all of a sudden...I wasn´t more nervous than usual or anything. Since then it has just become worse and worse. I am now 24 and in grad school, so I have to do presentations all the time and the only thing I can think of is to use shirts that cover up my chest and neck.

When it starts to happen, and I realize it, I just get more nervous because I know it´s happening, and that causes me to go even more red!

I have read somewhere that it could be linked to hypothyroidism? Can anyone tell me about that? My mom has hypothyroid so I was wondering if I should get tested.

Also what do you say to people when they point it out?

Kfrost53

May 13, 2011

To: Everyone

I too get a rash around my neck, chest, in the fold of my arms and sometimes on my face around my eyes, but it is only when I am sick or feeling bad. It doesn't itch at all just looks ugly. It usually last for a few days and by the end it looks like I have been in the sun. This has been happening to me for over 30 years. One doctor told me it was like a form of measles like Roseola. One doctor asked me if I had Scarlet Fever as a child, which I don't know. Does anyone else do this when they are sick or feeling bad?

tylerairb0rnedaddo

May 16, 2011

im 26 ive had the same symtoms (symptoms) for 6 months.its been scaring me so bad.ive been in iraq been in all kind of situations never ever had a worry untill recently i just had a son and so scared of it being something bad but after reading your post i feel wonderful.if you could email me so i can ask more question ***@**** a zero in airb0rne

kl678

May 18, 2011

I also suffer from this, but I think that it is important to get things into perspective. So we go red, big deal. You just can't let it rule your life. There are so many worse things that you could suffer with. I have done lots of public speaking in the past and am fine, unless I am challenged, and then my neck rapidly breaks out into a huge rash, but it hasn't stopped me. I also find that talking one on one to people gets me rather hot under the collar.

I think that the less you think about it, the more relaxed you become and the less that it happens. My going red has definitely improved with that attitude. Who cares what people think - particularly strangers! I personally don't think that drinking a lot before you go out, or taking beta blockers, is the solution.

anoniii

May 20, 2011

To: kl678

I get this red rash on my chest and neck too when i'm nervous. It only happened a couple of times in my last two years of highschool but since i've started uni it's taken less and less to make me feel nervous and 'breakout'. To me the rash feels hot and i feel like there's increased adrenalin circulating in me. I'm just concerned about my stress levels because it's unhealthy to have chronic increased adrenalin so i think it's important to try and address the root of the problem which for me, is anxiety. Have to agree with the comment above though. The less i think about the rash the less nervous i am. I wear a scarf sometimes and say that the rash is a reaction to the wool fibers - i have sensitive skin :\. But medicating it would be a last resort for me. Anyway just my 2 cents. :).

amv1003

May 25, 2011

Hey everyone!  I'm another sufferer of the same thing.  ANY extreme emotion I feel is shown by the blotchy redness that creeps up on my neck and chest.  Any time I dare to scratch my skin I will have red trail marks left behind.

I'm going to go see an herbologist on Friday.  I'm a firm believer in natural remedies and have had a lot of luck with other issues that are usually controled by prescribed traditional medicines.  I never thought to talk to her about this issue and I'm glad I found this site and I will be sure to share with all of you as to what she suggests.

I'm a 40 year old woman and just to give an example as to how she's helped me in the past is that I started with the whole "change" thing with night sweats and other not so fun stuff.  After sharing with her what my issues were she told me what product I needed to buy and within 2 weeks of taking the herbs, the symptoms were completely gone and have not resurfaced!

samff

May 27, 2011

This happens to me too, but I have had my blood pressure tested so much lately and it's normal. Its so annoying. It also happens when Im excited, nervous, anxious or happy, any emotion really and its actually embarrassing because my skin is so fair that its so obvious and people just stare. Im not the type to get nervous much anymore and this never really happened to me before...I work with people and if I get anxious it happens..

st186

Jun 23, 2011

Hi everyone, once again I'm glad I'm not the only one, as I've been dealing with this for over 10yrs . now there has been many of things I've tried. For some months I would only have a cold shower to see if making my skin so cold would stop the rash. Then I would do the opposite and have a really hot shower and get the rash out early so nobody would see it but nothing worked. At one stage of my life, I would get the rash on both legs, arms neck, back, face and sometimes my stomach ( yup I know everywhere) I'm a red head and I've been told that us rangers have very sensitive skin. I'm also been told I suffer from fructose malabsorption not sure if this has anything to do with the rash but who knows it may. I have also done further reading and it seems that we maybe allergic to our own adrenaline. So when we feel happy, sad, angry etc this is when our emotions run and our adrenaline starts and we get our rash. So I hope this helps any of you reading. I wish you all the best in finding something that works for you :)

st186

Jun 23, 2011

Hi everyone, once again I'm glad I'm not the only one, as I've been dealing with this for over 10yrs . now there has been many of things I've tried. For some months I would only have a cold shower to see if making my skin so cold would stop the rash. Then I would do the opposite and have a really hot shower and get the rash out early so nobody would see it but nothing worked. At one stage of my life, I would get the rash on both legs, arms neck, back, face and sometimes my stomach ( yup I know everywhere) I'm a red head and I've been told that us rangers have very sensitive skin. I'm also been told I suffer from fructose malabsorption not sure if this has anything to do with the rash but who knows it may. I have also done further reading and it seems that we maybe allergic to our own adrenaline. So when we feel happy, sad, angry etc this is when our emotions run and our adrenaline starts and we get our rash. So I hope this helps any of you reading. I wish you all the best in finding something that works for you :)

st186

Jun 23, 2011

P.s further to my msg above, has anyone ever been badly sunburnt? I've spent many of sleepless nights going through my life to see if I may have done damage etc to my skin?

We must all have something in common? Do we eat something we shouldn't? Do we use a skin product that aggravates us? Do we have a certain skin type eg freckles,pale.

So from reading everyones post I have learnt that anxiety is the number issue we find starts the process of the rash. Most of us seem to have started this rash back when we were in our early teens. So if you guys are as keen as me to fix this problem asap I want to fill in the gaps and see if we can find something in common. I understand this may be hard for some people to give put personal info but if we start finding more common things between us, may may just get a little further to solving our worst nightmare ....

fbhy123

Jun 24, 2011

To: Everybody

I feel what all of you are feeling. Whenever i am nervouse the same excat thing happens to me. I am 14 years old going into highschool next year and it is really hard for me to express myself becuase of this. It has lowered my confidence soo much. but heres the thing....I have also realized that when im with my family its NEVER there.. you just have to be comfortable with yourself and keep telling yourself not to care what others think of you. It has been very imbaressing so far , i have had people come up to me asking why im so red and of course it makes it worse because there probably thinking i have some type of disease...but i have learned that if you just dont think about it and your true an comfortable with yourself then you should just accept it. I've learned that poeple are not going to stop liking you because of this.... I have told almost all of y freinds that when i get nervous ithats what i do, and they dont think any different of me..when i told them this they were really understanding and they accepted it...an some of them even find it amusing and hey i kinda do to lol :) but thats the way you have to be , you have to be positive about yourself and ACCEPT yourselfff ! Dont get a perscription? you dont have a disease do you? nooo you dont.. you are a normal person just like everybody else ! :) Just tell this to yourself everyday like i doo , and im sure youll see less an less redness/blochyness everyday .. just like i do :)

YessicaT

Jul 02, 2011

To: Everyone

I've had this since I was about 14 and its gotten progressively worse ever since and im now 19. In November 2010 I went to my doctor and started taking 25 mg of atenolol and it was great! Once my body started getting used to it I barely ever got the rash, i could wear lower cut tops again without being fearful that I was going to get it. My anxieties started drifting all away almost. But then 2 weeks into i started breaking out into really bad pimples, which i had never gotten before. My skin was extreme clear before. but i kept on taking it until about a month ago i got extremely fed up with having so many pimples on my face. I went to a homeopath and she said to stop taking it because she thinks its a physical symptom of something that wrong in my body. And i don't understand why everything for me is always compromise. I couldn't have my normal clear skin and no chest rash. So at this moment i have both! It's extremely awful and my anxiety is back and its worst and im so much more emotional now, because its an extremely stressful and and awful thing. Even yesterday my mom had to point it out to me when i was upset like she thought that was something that would be wonderful to bring up at that moment. " oh hey by the way your chest is all red." It was terrible, to have your own mother judge you in that way.All i want is for this rash to be treated, not medicated. I hate to be the barer of bad news but as soon as anyone comes off beta blockers the rash will just come back and leave you where you started. Does anyone know of any herbs or homeopathic remedies that would help to lessen this rash?

ForeverLastSummer

Jul 07, 2011

To: st186

I think sunburn is a major cause for this. I am 18 and have VERY fair skin. Whenever I go red it goes everywhere except where my bra straps should be. There are white straps left. I would post pictures but I cant find the cord for my phone!

mischik

Jul 08, 2011

To: st186

Hi everyone..

I do a lot of television work and have also suffered from this all my life. I also do speeches .. and same thing. I remember once a group of people I was presenting to tell me that my "blotchiness was distracting" and she couldn't concentrate. Talk about humiliating.

I now use Dior's Spray Makeup Foundation. Sounds silly, but spray yourself, and the blotchy's can't be seen. I haven't found the underlying condition yet, I just know this has allowed me to do my work.

RedandFrustrated

Aug 16, 2011

To: Everyone

I'm so relieved to find this.  In my life, I've NEVER seen someone react to stress/anxiety (whatever it is) like I do!  Any updates from people that were trying something?

I too flush in social situations, severely when public speaking and when I have alcohol (usually fades after 3-4.)  It actually seems to be getting worse with age when obviously I was hoping it would get better.

I don't want to be overdramatic about it.  I realize things could be worse but this really has affected my life.  And I'm starting to avoid social situations (especially when I'll be meeting new people or drinking) because of the dreaded FLUSH.  My husband doesn't think it's a big deal but he isn't the one there with a beet red face and rashy neck.  People constantly make comments.  I can't really blame them because after seeing myself sometimes in the mirror during a flush - well I'm concerned too!

I have hashimotos so I have talked to my Endo and a dermatologist about this.  I tried almost everything with the dermatologist (meds for rosacea, antihistimines, creams, etc...)  Nothing worked - he recommended surgery which is NOT an option for me.  My Endo gave me beta blockers 10 mg propranolol.  I was sure that would be my 'cure.'  I took one as he recommended.  It did nothing.  I tried 2 the next time.  It did nothing.  I'm a little nervous to go higher than that so I think I'll schedule another appt. with him first.  Even the Endo and Dermatologist seemed somewhat baffled by the condition.

It's honestly starting to consume my life a bit.  I'm constantly checking my neck/face.  Has anyone tried anti-anxiety meds?  I tried Zoloft in college for about a year but it did nothing to reduce the flushing.

I'm DETERMINED to find a fix/cure for this.  I'll keep updating as I try new things.

In the meantime, I use Jane Iredale mineral makeup (pressed powder form.)  It 'helps' but still doesn't completely cover it.

So nice to meet others like me.  :)

redcat76

Sep 13, 2011

I've tried the over-the-counter Lysine, beta-blockers (25 mg. Atenolol), anxiety medicine (1 mg. Ativan) and an anti-depressant (40 mg. Citalopram). The anti-depressant was mainly because I'm going through a lot right now with a divorce and other issues...but the doctor thought that would possibly help with my "rash problem". She recommends switching the Atenolol to Propranolo to see if that would help - but at this point, I am doubtful anything will help. As someone else stated, all you can think about is how red and blotchy you are getting when this occurs, and you can not concentrate on anything else. Yesterday, I was in a meeting at work with seven other co-workers that I knew. Sure enough, as soon as the meeting started I broke out in a huge rash on my neck. I had forgotten about the meeting so I didn't wear a high-necked shirt. I feel like I can't even contribute to the meeting because when I talk, everyone will look and me and wonder why I am all blotchy. I really wish there was a cure for this problem! Thanks everyone for sharing your story.

natalielouise86

Sep 16, 2011

To: everyone

Hi all fellow rash types!!

i have suffered from this red rashy neck,chest and face in extreme situations for about 8 years, im 25 and would say i am a confident and outgoing person, but this damn thing holds me back every time im in situation were adrenaline is increased! i do agree with a lot of posters that it is definetly linked to an increase in adrenaline, its asthough your allergic to your own adrenaline! i HATE this it does affect my life, i would love to think that we are all people and it doesnt matter what you look like but this is just not realistic when you just want to watch your daughter on a swimming lesson with the other mothers and not feel like a freak!!
i have fair skin and definetly think this is linked to fair skin types, doctors are useless for this i will have to go back to mine and tell them about beta blockers and see what they say.
although this is not a cure i have found a type of make-up that covers this its a green corective stick sold in boots stores in the natural collection make-up section its very cheep and looks like a lipstick if you apply this to your neck and chest (generously if your gonna have a bad day!) your whole neck will be green (sounds rediculous just but it works) you then put your foundation over this followed by a dusting of bronsing powder and it will work i promise you i wouldnt apply the green stick to the face as it can be very drying (wont do any harm if you need it on the face as a one off!)
its a shame to have to cover it and that theres no cure but realistically its better to do this than to suffer in silence!
in this respect i feel sorry for men as they cant use make-up to cover it.
ill post again when ive tried the beta blockers.

RedandFrustrated

Sep 19, 2011

To: RedandFrustrated

Ok, so I’m back.  :)  I talked to the Endo about the Propanonol (not working at 10 mg or 20 mg) and I flushed/hived out in his office.  He gave me a prescription for Ativan (1 mg.)  I wasn’t excited about taking a Benzo (can be highly addictive) but I tried it an hour before I had to present in a work meeting.  I ‘felt’ more confident I suppose but hurried to the restroom after my meeting and my neck looked like someone had strangled me and my cheeks were flushed (but not as bad as they can be.)  And this was seen under my loads of makeup I had put on that morning.  So I’m thinking the Ativan could probably help me somewhat with my anxiety but still not with my hives/flushing when I’m presenting and all attention is on me.

As I mentioned above, my flushing and hives is becoming somewhat of an obsession for me (which is not a good thing) so lately it has really gotten out of control.  I’m flushing at restaurants when I’m just out with my husband!  One thing I’ve done to combat that and I realize this sounds so corny but my mind would always go – don’t flush, don’t flush, breathe, OMG, don’t flush…  So of course, I ended up flushing.  I read somewhere that your brain doesn’t understand DON’T – so it just hears – flush, flush, flush.  Now I tell myself (over and over and over) I’m cool.  I’m calm.  I’m cool.  I’m calm.  I’ve done this on multiple occasions and it worked!  It hasn’t worked in more stressful situations yet (work meetings, lunches, etc…) but I’m going to keep it up.  My problem is when I HAVE to talk.  Then I lose focus and I flush.  Then if I can’t ‘escape’ the hive, splotchiness begins and just gets worse and worse.  I’ve had people stop a meeting and say – are you ok?  Are you allergic to something?  So, it’s pretty bad.

I had an usually stressful day at work last week and had a meeting (I had to present) and a lunch interview (for a potential new employee.)  I was so anxious about everything.  I’m not proud of this but I ended up taking the Ativan in the morning and then about 4 hours later, 2 of the Propanonols.)  During the lunch interview I was a mess, thinking I would flush.  I felt it happening and excused myself to the bathroom.  Honestly, at that point if I could have just RAN, I would have.  Anyway, NO FLUSHING OR RASH.  I couldn’t believe it.  I felt like it was there but it wasn’t!  So maybe the meds together worked?

Here is the thing, I don’t want to HAVE to pop multiple pills to talk to people.  And at this point, this is where I’m heading.  My husband and I have been discussing kids in our near future so meds will not be an option for me then.  As I mentioned before, I’m DETERMINED to overcome this.  I will not let it control my life.  I have an appt. with my GP today.  I’m going to discuss all of the above with him (as I flush and hive, I’m sure.)  I’ve crossing my fingers that he has dealt with this before.  I’m also going to discuss social anxiety and possible therapy options?  Has anyone here tried CBT?  I’m not giving up my meds yet but I think it would probably be helpful to pair them with counseling since it isn’t logical to think I will have to take meds for the rest of my life whenever I have to go to a work meeting or have a one on one with someone I’m not comfortable with.

I’ll update again soon.

RedandFrustrated

Sep 19, 2011

To: Everyone

Thought I would update sooner rather than later.  Went to GP and as I expected, I flushed and hived pretty severely (I had never discussed this with him before and the office was warm.)  He said he has seen this before but I am definitely the most severe case that he has seen.  He was very kind and we talked through everything I have tried before and what I am currently trying (Ativan and Propanolol.)  He wanted to put me on something long term – Effexor.  But I told him that my husband and I were thinking about kids in the near future (3-6 months.) Then he said he wasn’t so sure.  Some women take those type of drugs but there is a possibility for side effects (although they don’t think there are any.)  Long story short – not an option for me.  I don’t want to be on any drugs that could potentially harm my baby. He suggested delaying the pregnancy 6 months to a year to see if the drug helped.  I told him I would consider that but if I went off, would I just go red again?  He said that was a possibility but sometimes the brain just needs ‘help’ for a while and it fixed or improves the problem.  I decided against the Effexor for now.

I told him that my flushing/hiving is giving me social anxiety.  Or is social anxiety giving me the flushing/blushing?  I asked him to recommend a psychologist and he recommended a counseling center.  So I guess that’s my next step.  He told me they should be able to tell me how long it would take for them to ‘help’ me and if it didn’t work, return to him.

I also asked him about using the Ativan and Propanolol together since I thought it helped me in the interview situation.  He thought about it for a while and said I could but to be careful since it could make me very tired.

So I’ll schedule a therapy meeting, take Claritin (another thing he recommended which I have tried in the past but I’ll try again) and use the Ativan/Propanolol when needed.  Wish me luck.

And please, any success stories, please share – meds or non meds.  I’ll update more after I start the therapy.

mailchickie76

Sep 19, 2011

I, too, suffer from this horrible condition. I'm a 35 yr old female and I have been dealing with this since my early teen years. I break out in giant red blotches on my face, neck, arms, legs, and back. I can feel the heat start building inside and I know I'm bright red. I'm so tired of people asking me what's wrong or having my friends joke about my blotches. I am sure I have a form of anxiety but I'm not sure if the blotches are caused by the anxiety or the blotches are the cause of my anxiety. I have never taken anything for the blotches. I just accept the fact that I look like a hot mess anytime I'm in a public situation or anywhere that causes stress or any form of emotion. I can blotch at times and not even know it until someone makes a comment about it. I'm a very shy person and this just makes it so much harder for me. I have a fair complexion like a lot of you. I sunburned quite badly a few times as a child but I don't particularly believe that contributed to this condition. I am fairly confident that it's a physical response to a psychological issue like anxiety. I just got married in May and I was so concerned about looking like a freak in front of everyone. My dear sister gave me a prozac (well, let's just say a few of them) before the wedding and to my utter amazement, I did not get red or blotchy. I want to go to the doctor to start a low dose anti-anxiety medication but I'm nervous that my doctor will think I'm nuts. I'm always bright red, blotchy and shaky every time I go there anyway. There are days my skin feels so crawly that I can barely stand it. I don't know if any of you suffer from that, too. It's horrid. My family doctor will probably be of no help to me. What type of specialist do you guys recommend? This site is so wonderful. It is so good to know that I'm not the only one who deals with this problem.

natalielouise86

Sep 27, 2011

To: everyone

ive been to see the doctor!!! nightmare with the rash again, she didnt know exactly what this was, yet again!! she said that some people just go red in this way when your in a situation that produces above average adrenaline etc! i feel like i as palmed off yet again!
ive kinda come to the realisation that this is not caused by anxiety it definetly brings on anxiety once you feel it happening but you have no control of the blotching, i think no amount of therapy will get rid of the blotches it may however make you more able to deal with it when it does.
i am a bit to worried about taking medication for this because of side effects and also the fact that when you stop taking them it will just start back up-again!! has anyone taken any medication that actually does stop this rash in a stressfull situation long term? im concerned that my rash is soooo powerfull when in full force that nothing can hold it back !!
i took another posters advice and bought dermablend foundation, this is fantastic when teamed up with natural collection green concealer, i know this isnt a cure and i hate to sound pesamistic but there is no cure, i think the key is to learn to live with this (i know this is easier said than done!) and find away to adjust aspects of your life to make you more prepared for when it does happen,like clothing to cover up certain areas,mak-up etc. i would love for a cure and will keep my fingers crossed but it doesnt look good when your own gp doesnt even know what it is!

minigundy12

Sep 27, 2011

I commented probably about a year ago how I started taking propranolol when I knew I would be in a stressful situation. (For my job I interact with physicians and higher level hospital administrators) I have seen amazing results with the propranolol and it has even helped me overcome the blotchy skin at times without even taking it. Just knowing I have the option to take it helps because it has made me more confidence. When I have to give a presentation I take it about a half hour to an hour before and I have no blotchiness. It doesn't block the feeling, it just blocks the showing of the blotches so yes, you will still feel like it is happening even when it isn't. Im my opinion life is too short to go through worrying about something like this so if there is a medication that can help, TAKE IT! I usually take 80mg sometimes even 120mg and the only side affect I get is feeling tired, but to me that is a small price to pay for feeling confident and also looking confident. I don't take it very often, a bottle of 80 40 mg pills lasts about 3-4 months.

lolamola

Oct 01, 2011

I'm 11 and i got rashes on my neck when im happy sad etc. And people make fun of me. My mom says it dry skin but i put loshin on it and it still does it. Its don't itch and it doesn't have bumps but it does feel hot. I don't know what it is and how to stop it please help.

franceslee

Oct 01, 2011

To: All

I get a flushed face, could it be from anxiety??!!

natalielouise86

Oct 05, 2011

To: lolamola

i dont think it wold be wise to take medication to try and stop this as your only 11, i do feel for you as you are only young to be dealing with issues that will effect your confidence, are you male or female? if female then theres certain make-up that you can use to help cover this but most importantly i'd try to stay calm when it happens and think of something to take your mind off it.

natalielouise86

Oct 05, 2011

To: minigundy12

minigundy; i think i might speak to my doctor about propranolol because i agree that we shouldnt suffer with this if you dont have to it would make me feel soo much better about myself and stop me running away in stressful situations!(which happen a lot at work!!) thank you ill update when i get it.

Drugmebaby

Oct 05, 2011

To: Lolly2194

Oh my gosh I get this all the time... But it's only in my third period class where I have this guy I really like... I started to think it was when I got nervous too but it only started happening after I gotna huge sun burn on my chest last year..:/ is there anything I can get to controll it? And by the way I'm only 15

mickeyyy321

Oct 08, 2011

I also get this. From reading everything I agree that Benadryl is the easiest answer. I have very fair skin as well. I had an absolutely horrible childhood. I'm pretty sure that's where my horrible social anxiety comes from. In almost all social situations I get very anxious and nervous. It is definitely worse one on one. I can feel myself become very hot and feel the heat rising up my chest and neck. Also when it happens I get even more nervous because I know it's happening. It's like a fight or flight response going on in me. I definitely want to run and get out of the situations but obviously in life you have to stay and face your fears right? Dr.'s usually do treat you like a freak when you go in and it's happening. I've had them pretend like they've never seen it before which just makes you feel worse. Benadryl for sure seems like the easiest answer. It's calming plus it helps your body from going blotchy. Try even just a half a pill next time and see if it helps you before a stressful situation.

Drugmebaby

Oct 08, 2011

To: mickeyyy321

Thanks! I'll try this:)

cammy1

Oct 11, 2011

To: all

i have been suffering with this since i was a teenager it is horrible and very embarrassing. i am now 42 years old and have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. the doctor just started me out on a low dose water pill 12.5 mg. called hydrochlorothiazide. when i started takeing this for my blood pressure it started really helping the rash on my neck and chest. it's only been 1 week and it's been amazing.

LetsFindACure

Oct 11, 2011

Hi everyone,

I have been following this forum for about 1.5 years now. I have been a sufferer of this horrible red blotchy rash on my neck since I was 13 years old. I am 23 years old now, and unfortunately with age it seems to have only gotten worse.

Now that I am entering the professional workforce, I have decided to make it my mission to find a cure for this problem because it is starting to take a toll. I am generally an attractive, very social, outgoing person so it has always baffled me that I am affected by something like this. Anytime I am in any social situation (around family, friends, coworkers, drinking alcohol of any kind, first dates, meetings - sometimes even sitting in my room all alone!) I break out in this red blotchy rash that covers my neck, chest and sometimes shoulders. I live in turtle necks and scarves, which is not fun and looks ridiculous when it`s 30 outside degrees in the summer.

The only thing that has helped me cope with this in any way is by wearing tattoo make-up all over my neck/chest, but it is expensive, sometimes gets on my clothes, takes time to apply in the mornings and doesn't always cover properly. I recently decided to talk to my doctor about it, and she basically said "there is nothing that you can do about it". I told her how much it was affecting my life, and she gave me a prescription for over-the-counter Reactin (allergy medication) and gave me a requisition for a thyroid test. The Reactin has done absolutely nothing to improve the situation, except cost me $$.

I also decided to try alternative medicine by visiting a Naturopath doctor. He was no help either, talked to me for two hours and gave me some herbal tonic that did absolutely nothing. This cost $250!

So basically nothing I have tried has helped, I'm going to go in for some blood tests to see if anything out of the ordinary shows up but I really feel very hopeless in this situation. It's getting in the way of work, dating, and socializing. But I am not going to stop until I find someone who has a cure, or knows more about this. Good luck to all who are trying to find a way to control this and I will keep you posted on my progress in finding a solution.

believe88

Oct 11, 2011

I too suffer from this horrible condition. I have experienced it for many years now. I always try to avoid situations where I think it might happen. But i just started graduate school for physical therapy and part of our curriculum is giving presentations and having to interact with patients. It terrifies me to know that my neck and chest will get all red and blotchy when i am in a stressful situation. I have tried all the herbal remedies that have been recommended on here but nothing really works. I am hesitant to try the beta blockers as I have had some heart issues in the past. I just really feel like this is holding me back so much and is making me feel insecure and self conscious. I feel like I cant be confident when I know that my blotchiness is going to show up. I think I may go and talk to my doctor about it.

It is nice to know that there are others out there who are experiencing the same thing I am and are also searching for a cure.

red46763

Oct 13, 2011

I also suffer from this redness/blotchiness on my neck and chest like many of you. Reading these posts I tried to pinpoint when it started & I believe that it started sometime after I began taking birth control pills. I was just wondering if this could be the case for any of you too?

red46763

Oct 13, 2011

I also suffer from the red/blotchiness neck and chest. After reading all of these posts I have tried to pinpoint when my first started. I believe it was sometime after I started taking birth control pills & I was wondering if this was the case for any of you??

tooblessed2bstressed

Oct 13, 2011

To: RedandFrustred

Hi I was really moved by post. Your story is identical to mine everything about it. The thoughts, running to the restroom to check the blotches, wanting kids, having an episode when your just out having dinner with my husband, etc you know. Things I have done was ruled out carciniod syndrome or any thyroid problems with a doctor. I have also taken steroids, anti-histamines,clonidine, and l-arinine. None of the meds have helped at all. The only thing I have found to help is tanning and it is the worst thing I can do I have very fair skin. I try to have ice water all the time when I am at work or if we have a meeting it only helps a little so I don't get so hot. I want to look into beta blockers and Ativan/Propanolol that you have mention. I see my doctor next week I will post any new info.

pinkkitten1

Oct 14, 2011

For those of you who only suffer the rash from time to time....try taking antihistamine........I take them everyday and the rash during stressful times has completely stopped.

RedandFrustrated

Oct 24, 2011

To: All

I’m back.  I’m not having a great day, actually stayed home from work ‘sick.’  Really, I had wine (it’s been a LONG time since I drank) last night and seemed to be doing ok, than I ate chicken and tomato rice and my facial flush was intense.  My face, neck, even eyes.  Luckily I was just at home with my husband but it was still painful and I was up most the night with anxiety.  (I also have a presentation I have to do on Tuesday and work lunches almost every day this week.)

So back to my treatment.  I’ve started counseling with a psychologist.  It isn’t earth shattering stuff but I think it’s good for me to discuss my anxiety/flushing/neck rash with someone besides my husband (who gets frustrated with me b/c he doesn’t see it as a big deal.)  I have to take an Ativan to get myself to the appts. and of course I flush.  We’re working on ways to think more positively, address the flushing/rash in social situations…  She wants me to announce it and say it’s due to medication but I’m not comfortable talking about it yet.  I feel like if I bring it up, it will just get worse but she says that isn’t how the mind works, that once I announce it, my mind will relax.  So there is still work to do there but it’s nice to have an objective opinion about the whole thing.

I went back to the Dermatologist and was fully flushed/hived because I was so nervous.  He basically told me some people just have red faces…  He isn’t sure it’s rosacea.  But he gave me Doryx and told me to take 10 mg of Propanolol a day.  I’ve since stopped the Doryx, it did nothing to reduce the redness (he told me if I didn’t notice a difference within a week, it probably wasn’t going to do anything.)  I have another appt. with him in 6 weeks.

I went back to the Endocrinologist and told him I thought I may be overmedicated for my thyroid.  Although I have always flushed/rash in extreme situations, it’s NEVER been this bad.  I even had some pictures saved on my phone of my face/neck.  I flushed/hived while talking to him.  He agreed that this was a very big problem and he ran thyroid tests, hormones, adrenals, etc…  Once those results come back, he’ll let me know if I need to adjust my thyroid meds (I’m going to go ahead and do it anyway) and if I need progesterone?  He said before I try the Effexor (GP doc’s recommendation) I may want to try progesterone cream.  But still waiting on results and I have a follow-up appt. in Dec.  He was very adamant that if I had anxiety, I should take the Ativan, even if that means daily.

I’m still using the Ativan and 20 mg of Propanolol in extreme cases (presentations, work lunches.)  It helps but I still seem a little splotchy but nothing near as bad as I used to be.  I’m pretty sure upping the Propanolol would help but for some reason I’m nervous to do that and I can’t get any doc to tell me to – they say if it isn’t working at the lower dose, it isn’t working.  But I definitely noticed a difference at 20 mg.  I need to try the Propanonol without the Ativan but I’m afraid to really test it (don’t want to go completely red.)  I’m also taking Zyrtec and sometimes Claritin (not really sure they are doing anything but thought I would try.)
My flushing/rash definitely seems worse in the evening 5:00 p.m. on…  Which is weird since I would think it would be worse at work but in the morning is when I feel the calmest.

Please let’s continue to post solutions/progress on here.  I’m determined to figure this out.  I would recommend to anyone that has this as bad as I do, get to your doctor and see about an anti-anxiety drug.  It may not cure it but it helps it.  The worst thing I was doing was beating myself up after every flush and searching and searching online.  Now I’m taking control, taking drugs when I need to, doing counseling and using this forum only to try to find a treatment/cure.  My ultimate goal is to get myself under control, stop the drugs so that I can get pregnant.  I’ll keep my progress on here.

tooblessed2bstressed  - Please let me know if the Ativan/Propanonol works for you.  And your ‘name’ I’m always telling me husband, we’re too blessed, our life is too good for me to be breaking into this nervous rash all the time!  I’ve started to want to avoid anyone and everything but the Ativan is helping me not obsess.

jlhoney37

Oct 26, 2011

im so happy to have found this , its ***** thinking your the only one this condition definatley keeps me from enjoying life,going to school and work mine always shows up on my face though and its miserable, ive tried taking allergy medication and that didnt help, ive been on propanerol 10mg day n night and ive seen a little improvment it keeps me calmer in certain situations but when im upset or drinking my face will still get red and blotchy :( ive also been on a long mission to find something and its really discourging that Dr's dont know that people are having to figure out cures for themselves , also from reading all these i aswell would like to know if birth control comes into play?,.. because this started for me freshman year and im now 21 ,...... someone please reply or email me info ***@**** :) thanks

redcat76

Oct 27, 2011

I haven't been on here in a while and was interested in all of the additional comments since the last time I've visited this site. I also started taking Propranolol (as needed) in addition to Ativan...my regular doctor did not recommend taking them together but my therapist said it was fine. Unfortunately, this hasn't helped. Reading other posts, I'm thinking I should up my dosage since I have only been taking 5 mg of the propranolol. I will talk to the therapist before I try this...but at this point I am willing to try anything. I am not fair skinned - I tan well in the summer and rarely burn. I don't wear makeup because I have sensitive skin, but am tempted to smear on this green stick some of you have talked about:-)

ACosby

Oct 30, 2011

I am so pleased to have found this page also. I get the rash after drinking wine and champagne -without fail. I get it when I make presentations, when I drink some varieties of alcohol, when I have arguments, when I'm nervous, excited. So admittedly its clearly a mixture of emotions related and also perhaps a reaction to something used in the process of wine / champagne making as I'm fine after eating grapes. It doesn't seem to appear after food consumption, only when alcohol is drunk alongside it! I haven't seen anyone else admit this but has anyone else had their rash develop during sex? Obviously emotions and adrenaline are at their peak then and recently that has added to my list of situations when the blotchy rash appears!

Does anyone have advice- especially on what to say in the GP office? Anyone successfully got rid of it yet? I would love a success story!
FYI ...I'm 18 years old, had it for about 2 years, its progressed worse in the last year as it used to only be my chest, now it appears on my chest, neck, arms, face and once when I was really emotionally it extended although the way down my chest to my stomach. I am fair skinned but I do tan so don't know if that has any thing to do with it!

Many thanks,
Alex

tom425

Nov 01, 2011

To: Alex

Hi, im Alex 16 year old Male and I also suffer from this rash/blotchy skin. When i am doing sport the blotches begin to appear and i become horrifically itchy, forcing me stop what i am doing for a couple a minutes, waiting for the blotches to pass, and then can happily return to the sport.
It usually occurs when i am hot (doing sport), but sometimes when i am doing very little like a walk in the park it occured. As yet it hasnt really dented my confidence as very few if any people have noticed (or atleast haven't said anything) but if it spreads to my neck or happen during intimacy i will become self conscious.

I am fair skinned and always suffer from blushing. This occurs several times in a day, even when not particually embarresed- this can sometimes get on my nerves but usually i make a joke out of it and if people laugh i'm not really bothered.
I always went red when doing sport from a very early age, but can not remember going red through embarressment unitl secondary school (but that might just be my memories fault)

delly3

Nov 04, 2011

To: redandfrustrated

Hi,

I have been suffering with this since i was 15. I remember the very day, I was at mass and had to meet a boy after and was so excited with anticipation broke out in a rash on my neck and made a very interesting pattern on my face. Fast forward to now... am 41 with three kids and a wonderful husband. But boy has this dominated my life. So many things I would have loved to have done. Ran away from so many social situations with excuses. Have anxiety now and take the occasional xanax but only have the anxiety because of the rash.
How do you explain to people that you dont get any more nervous than the average person but for us its written all over our bodies and as a result it just accelerates our nervousness.
I cannot go to spas with girlfriends as I will break out, cannot wear low cut or strapless anything. Even my wedding dress was a compromise. Oh I could go on for ever.
I went to doc three weeks ago with terrible migraines, have been suffering for a long time and are worse now due to fact that I have 3 kids under age 5 so am always strung out. She put me on 80mg of propanolol (40 mg twice a day).
They have definately made a huge difference in regular social situations. However had to give a talk yesterday and was very nervous, ran to bathroom after to see resul and had a bright red neck, I was gutted as I thought it would really help. So I think that it helped with chatting to people and regular adrenaline rush but not for the extremely anxious feeling.
I truley believe that I am going have to accept this as part of me as tough as it is. I use estee lauder camoflague make up every morning on my face and neck, also use fake tan as I am very fair, wear only round neck or polo neck tops and am grateful that while I do have a debilatating condition (and those of us who have it know that it is) my family are well and I am too.
By the way my doc said that 80mg of propanolol is a low dose and I know that when I am anxious my BP is high. I have done cbt and while it was good its very hard to control the fear of the rash kicking off especially when everyone has such a shocked reation to it. When I was 25 weeks preg on my third child I had to go into hospital for a procedure and as I got the epidural in my back the anaest asked alarmingly what is wrong your back is covered in a rash, its hideous!!!!! , nurses docs all looking at you as though you have the plague. I cried the night before my wedding at the thought of having to walk up the aisle while knowing everyone would not say look how beautiful the bride is but oh what happened her....
ok rant over, my prayers and thoughts to all you fellow sufferers

delly3

Nov 04, 2011

Just as I re read that post it reads like I implied that the anaesthist said to me that it was hideous, he didnt that was me saying that everyones reaction makes me feel that way. I guess what I mean is that when people comment it angers me because I would never say to some one with acne or spots etc 'oh whats that all over your face'. Do people think that we are not aware of it 'doh!'. sorry its like I have found a place where people know and understand.

elle78

Nov 05, 2011

I've dealt with the nervous redness as long as I can remember. In school, kids would point out "what's that?" Ridiculous. It's called reality children. I am pale as well. I don't like the redness for the fact that people know what I am feeling (nervous) when I'm trying to act calm. I've been taking minerals, b vitamins. Still nothing. drugs are not an option for me. I wouldn't be concerned about the redness if it weren't for people who are immature enough to point out what they think are "flaws". I understand it's an indication of anxiety, etc. However, aesthetically, if you think about it, maybe those who flush/become red are perfectly fine and those who point it out are the ones who need to change.

sunandmoon1

Nov 06, 2011

Response to "hooroo." The instances you described for when you get splotchy are dead on. I am 22 and have only developed this splotchy reaction within the past year. I was very shy growing up and had anxiety when speaking in front of others but it never showed with a physical reaction such as this. I do find that it occurs most frequently when I'm talking about something that makes me worked up, or when I'm nervous or in an uncomfortable situation. It too happens when I begin drinking alcohol. Certain activities like sex, for example with bring on the reaction. Also I was just realizing that when I work out, my skin turns pinker than most other people when working out, though I am in good shape, slender and weigh 125 pounds. Not sure if this is connected to my splotchiness. Often my ears get red as well whenever my chest, neck and face get splotchy. I agree that temperature may play a factor, a warm room combined with nervousness is a recipe for disaster! I haven't yet talked to a doctor about it yet but hope to get more feedback. Thanks for everyone who has posted!

maggot20

Nov 10, 2011

i suffer from the same thing blotching on the neck and chest and it gets to a point when it happens that i feel i am having a panic attack as i no people are staring or are going to say something to me about it..
it has a real burning sensation and sometimes it travels up my face i look like im going to explode...
i have been to the doctors about this but they just tell me to stop stressing and gave me anxiety meds which by the way didnt work..when someone tells me to stop stressing i get it worse because i knew i wasnt stressing in the first place..if i am happy it happens as well but people always think im stressed or annoyed even if i am laughing...i hate this feeling it is embarrassing and people pointing it out to me makes it even worse..
im hoping if i go back to the docs and ask for these beta blockers everybody is talking about he will be kind and give them to me to help this condition..
let me just say i feel for everybody who this affects..

natalielouise86

Nov 10, 2011

To: all

hi all, just to keep you updated on my progress!! i went to the doctors AGAIN! this time i saw the new doctor, he like all other doctors did not have a clue what it was but he did say that there are many illnesses that have not yet been recognised, he said that it definetley relates to adrenaline/emotions and because of this propanolol would help, he prescribed me 40mg twice a day, he said this was a low dose and anything below this would be pointless taking as you wouldnt see a benefit. i have been taking it now for 6 days and today was the real test as it was my daughters swimming lesson (i usually blotch without fail!!) and i didnt get a single blotch, the only way i can describe these tablets is that they make you feel an allover sense of calm,delly3 commented that she still got the rash in an extreme situation and this is a shame as it IS fantastic so far, i suppose if it stops 90% of the blotches then i can use the camoflage and polo neck/round necks for the times when i know its gonna be extreme or maybe pop another sneeky pill! as i dont always take 2 a day if i know its going to be a calm day! (although i am still wearing the make-up aswell at the moment because i feel worried about letting go!)
i do feel much happier and better for taking these tablets i havent had any side effects so i would recommend these to all. do not suffer with this we all understand how each other feels and lets be honest its hurrendous to live with.
good look to all ill keep you updated to any changes.xx

delly3

Nov 11, 2011

To: Natalie

Hi,

I am really delighted for you. Isnt it such a liberating feeling not to get it. I too find the swimming pool a really tough task. I have 3 under age 5 and got so stressed getting them all ready for the pool one day that I was a mess and everyone and I mean everyone was staring at them (splotchies). I even scoured the net for a swiming suit that would cover me.
I know that I def feel calmer too knowing that if I unexpectedly meet someone down town or have an unexpected heated discussion with someone and I dont have a bit of camoflague that I will be ok. For me too I was initially on them for my migraines and that has improved enormously. So a miracle for me all round. I have prayed for a cure for so long for both migraines and rash, this low drug dose does both so I am praising God for my cure.

LivingWell4Life

Nov 13, 2011

To: all

First time posting. This may be a bit lengthy. I feel like there is an definite answer to this issue that does not involve taking drugs, (not that I'm totally against that). I was most intrigued to read DietCures post on the hypoglycemic diet helping her. I really think there's something to that alhtough some people may require deeper nutrional work/healing.

I have had this issue for about 8 years. I'm female and it started when I began having a regular period so I'm sure it's hormonal. I've been having major fatigue for the past few years and tirelessly working to get better via the natural route. I've worked with many practitioners and finally found someone who totally gets it and is really helping me. I have explained the rash issue to her, she knew what I was talking about and said it all has to do with adrenal fatigue/burnout. She has been treating me for this for the past year and I'm slowly getting better. The recovery is slow for many but the important thing is you CAN recover from this and live w/out the anxiety is tends to induce.

I am on a very low carb diet- lots of good fats, protein and veggies. Chocolate and any caffeine are total no goes. I feel the lifestyle change it requires is totally worth it- especially for me since i had such low energy issues as well.

The rash is just a sign that your boy is stressed to the max. It could be because of a stressful childhood, genetics, nutritional deficiencies or a combo of those factors. It is not because we're crazy, it is very much a physical response to a a depleted body chemistry. All this can be rebuilt with dedication and work. There is hope and recovery!

If anyone wants more info you can leave me a comment and I'll try to respond.

LivingWell4Life

Nov 13, 2011

To: correction

*body*

RedandFrustrated

Nov 13, 2011

To: natalielouise86, delly3, LivingWell4Life, DietCures

natalielouise86 & delly3  - So with Propanolol (40 mg) you feel that you are cured in most circumstances?  I'm wondering if I should try to up my dose (I've used 20 mg) because propanolol alone doesn't stop it for me.

Also, my husband and I are trying for our first baby (so soon propanolol will no longer be an option) and I'm just curious to all commenters was anyone better/worse during pregnancy.  This sounds ridiculous but that is one of my biggest fears with becoming pregnant.  Drugs will no longer be an option so I'll have the red face/red neck more...  I guess it really doesn't matter but I'm just curious if pregnancy has any effect on it.

Is DietCures still reading this?  Any updates?

LivingWell4Life - I would love to know more about your diet and if there are any supplements you are taking to strengthen your adrenals?  I was tested for this by my Endo and he said everything seems fine with my adrenals and hormones.  I believe that diet definitely has something to do with it.  I've given up caffeine, soy, most dairy and now I'm trying for sugar and gluten.  That's the hardest for me since I love my bread and occasional sweets.

Random question 1 - anyone else have a thyroid problem?  I have Hashimoto's (can change from hyper to hypo until my thyroid dies out.)  I realized when I was more towards the hyper, my face/neck was at its worse.  I was actually having hot flashes and my entire face and neck felt like it was on fire.  I stopped my meds and thankfully the major flushing stopped but still the rash...  Just curious because when I started the thyroid meds (I've tried both natural and synthetic) my rashes seem to be worse.

Random question 2 - anyone find the rash worse in the fall/winter?  This could be more because I don't have a tan but it seems more severe in the winter - but at least I can wear a turtleneck!  I honestly wear one almost every day in the fall/winter.

Thanks again to all those who are sharing their thoughts/meds/cures.  It helps me to believe that I am NOT losing my mind.  ;)

LivingWell4Life

Nov 14, 2011

To: RedandFrustrated

Ok, in my opinion you can not rely on traditional docs to test you correctly for hormonal issues. If you have hashi's you have hormonal imbalances. You can't have a thyroid disorder and have healthy hormones, that just wouldn't make sense. I tried going the western medical route and I was always diagnosed as healthy when I knew I was not.

I do take a ton of supplements- basically my practitioner (she's an acupuncturist specializing in nutritional balancing), works with HTMA, (hair tissues, mineral analysis), and from those results she puts me on a very specific protocol of supplements for exactly what my body needs at the time. The supplements I take change every 3-4 months with further retesting. She lives in a different state from where I live and we do all my work via phone and mail in testing. I can email you her info if you want.

My diet is wonderful. I do not feel deprived but rather more satisfied and nourished than I ever have. It did take awhile to adjust and I did mourn the loss of some of my favorite foods but now I have new favorites! I eat lot's of organic, pastured meats, juicy steaks, roast chicken, grass-fed butter, coconut oil, roast veggies, yummy salads with olive oil, salmon, farm fresh eggs, herbal teas, coconut milk, (i do use stevia to sweeten my teas), some cheeses and a little heavy cream. I also take really high quality Cod Liver Oil and butter oil. This may all sounds overwhelming but it will pay off in the long run. This kind of diet is also very conducive to healthy baby making.

The rash will not just dissipate immediately. Only once the adrenals are really healed, (which can take quite awhile), will it be gone. I'm fine with this- to know that there is an end in sight and if I provide my body with the right nutrients and rest it will heal is enough to keep me encouraged.

Best wishes on your health journey!

delly3

Nov 14, 2011

To: Livingwell4life

hi,

firstly redAndfrustrated I would say that 40 mg would help. During my 3 pregnancies it was the same as always. I do find it a bit harder during the winter as going from hot to cold etc is hard on sensitive skin.

Livingwell, thatnk you for your post it is very interesting what you said,

However I am very fair, have very sensitive skin(if a bit of hot air blew on me in a car I would break out) and am very sensitive by nature. My mom would be very similar to me as would my sister and brother though I am the most extreme. I have a very good diet, porridge, salads, nuts, veg and fruit. I am 41 years of age and it aint getting any better as I get older. I have lived with this a long time and absolutely know without one shadow of a doubt that it has nothing got to do with hormones, diet etc... for me anyway. Its simply got to do with my genetic make up, skin type, celtic origins etc. I will manage it as best I can but will always live with it. I stumbled on this medication side effect as it was initially for migraine and if my doc takes me off them at least I will have had a bit of respite which I am thoroughly enjoying. I will live with the rash again if needs be. It is debilitating but not life threateneing Thank God.

Thats my belief anyway.

all the best to you guys!!

delly3

Nov 14, 2011

By the way, my bloods always come back excellent, surely if my body was stressed to the max and I was depleted in something that it would show up in my bloods. I'm sorry but I dont really go with that theory,

Regards delly3

spirit2925

Nov 20, 2011

It's so great to see that others are going through this too! The red splotches on my face, neck, legs and knees has been appearing ever since I was little; my mom remembers this happening when I was toddler. If I'm nervous, hot, anxious, drink caffeine and sometimes just randomly they appear but the redness isn't raised above my skin. I've always been curious as to why this happens. I'm 24 and in shape, but high blood pressure runs in my family. I wouldn't say that I suffer from this because you can't let it rule your life. Whenever someone points it out I just say "it's a good thing I look good in red." I also have to constantly attempt to explain this to my boss because she thinks that I can control this (I wish!) and that it's purely stress-related. In the past I would always go to tanning beds, but now I'm trying to use self-tanners.

I feel like I've tried every type of makeup to cover my neck and face. I'm trying to find a type of spray foundation or airbrush because I've heard this helps. Has anyone had any luck with makeup foundation or cover up?

No1Tac

Nov 21, 2011

I have suffered with a red blotchy rash when I get nervous, anxious, tired or stressed and the best thing ever that has helped me and would defo recommend for anyone else is 20mg of citalopram a day, honestly speak to your doctor. I do not suffer with any side effects of citalopram but what I can say is I hardly ever suffer with my dreaded rash. I got so bad with it tht I was covering my neck up with makeup, now I feel 100 times better, calmer less anxious and so much happier speaking to people without the worry of the rash! So book you appointment with the doc and rid the rash:-D

natalielouise86

Nov 24, 2011

To: delly3, redandfrustrated

Delly 3- i do feel sooo much better i should have started taking this a lot sooner rather than suffering, because i think once you let it get to extremes it can get a hold of your confidence and before you know it its difficult going to the supermarket! i agree with you when you say u are doubtfull that it is purely linked to food, as i also eat healthly and excercise frequently i dont have high bllod pressure and other members of my family have it which suggests in my case it is genetic! we all have fair/medium skin(its my luck that i get it bad!) my brother says if i where an animal i would be a puffa fish going into my own world and puffing out! he can sympathise with it as he also suffers with it mildly, he said i shouldnt worry as much because people are not as bothered as i think. im sure he's just trying to calm me down but his kind words do make me feel better!

red and frustrated- 40mg seems to be doing wonders for me, dont let this control your life,when i was pregnant with my little girl i found that i didnt get the rash half as much as i did before maybe its a change in hormones, although this might not happen for everyone,theres always the camoflage make-up. i agree that it does seem to get worse in winter i think its definetly to do with a lack of sunlight, but like you said atleast you can cover up with scarfes and jumpers!! i was round at my sister in-laws the other day and hadnt taken any tablets for two days nore where i wearing any make-up! n she only went and put the central heating on! let me say its a good job i was wearing a scarf! luckily the week before i'd been talking to her about this condition and she said she gets it on her chest! she didnt say anything but im sure she knew what was happening and turned the heating off (note to self: always carry pills in your bag for emergency situation!)
i dont think there is a cure to this i dont mean to sound pesemistic, life is for living so take tablets if you can to help it, wear make-up to cover it and clothing where possible. just think there are beautiful people out there with permenant facial defects and they seem to be making the most of it.lets all take a leaf out of there book.xxxx

spirit2925- try natural collection green corrective stick(apply to neck only)with vichy dermablend corrective foundation on top this can be applied all over as its hypo-allergenic and suitable for even sensitive skin. i then put a small amount of mineral powder foundation on top just so you dont look to oily.x

blushing32

Dec 01, 2011

To: all

My mother began experiencing this near her 30's, and yup..since I turned 27 I have been experiencing it too...I just turned 32 today. I suspect it to be genetics as well as high blood pressure and stress (since HBP runs in the family). I additionally suffer from a lot of anxiety. I also have PVC premature ventricular contractions (irregular heartbeat) that started around 27 as well. My doctor has told me this is probably due to my low iron levels and why my heart palpitations increase the week around my period. I just had a bad embarassing flush a few hours ago in the office in front of my boss and co-workers...and wouldn't you know it.. it occurred the day I decide not to wear makeup and wore a v-neck! My cheeks and chest were all blotchy and pink! I had to run to the bathroom and soak a papertowel in cool water to apply to my chest and cheek area. Ugh. My mom is 54 now and still gets the splochies. ...so looks like I have a long road ahead.

rossty

Dec 01, 2011

POTENTIAL FIX**************

Hi,  I have the same symptoms as read above and read on other boards.  Red splotches on neck/chest primarily when in high tension settings such as talking to bosses, giving speeches, etc.  Also occurs when around new people and occurs more frequently with alcohol.

I have found that taking Claritin D 24h solves this problem for me.  After further investigation and personal trials it has worked almost everytime.  I believe the answer is in the psuedoephedrine, not the antihistamine.  Psuedoephedrine restricts blood vessels and restricts flow to the rash area.

I actually went into a meeting one day after being sure this was working out for me and got the rash again...I thought I had taken the medication that morning...however, I had forgotten to.  Proof that it isn't a placebo effect on me.

Another medication that has similar effects is Preperation H believe it or not.  Prep H restricts flow to blood vessels.  I may test this as a topical solution soon.

Post back with comments and results.

I am male unlike a large portion of the females I've read about this occuring to.

I noticed the problem start after I stopped smoking 2 yrs ago.  This further validates my conclusion.  Smoking restricts blood vessels so maybe the nicotein was providing this same effect for me before.

mickey24

Dec 05, 2011

To: all

hi, unlike a lot of people here i dont get these rash when im under the sun or meeting new people. mine occurs after i drink alcohol, it takes about 8hours to manifest and then it may itch just a little it usually takes about three days to clear n leaves some kind of blackheads. i have it on my back and chest. atimes when i have one to many drinks it occurs faintly on my palm and wrist and that one happens to be really itchy.

is there anyome here that experiences same kind of reaction to alcohol and advice on how to manage this.
its really embarrassing and annoyin

vanessa8321

Dec 05, 2011

To: rossty

CURE!!!

This is a response to rbevis' Dec 1/11 post about PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - it works!

I'm a 28 yo female, suffering from this since I hit puberty. I had my company's holiday party to attend and was seriously concerned about bright red splotches all over my neck and chest. So I purchased some Claritin Extra-Strength Non-Drowsy (I live in Canada, Claritin D 24h wasn't available). The Claritin D 24h contains 240mg, and the extra-strength contains 120mg. The 120mg seems to work just fine for me. This is my 4th day, taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

The results are amazing!! Normally after a drink, in social settings, meeting new people, any strong emotion, I'm embarrassingly red, everyone stares/comments. I have not had a splotch of redness in 4 days. This is an EXCELLENT over-the-counter alternative.

THANK YOU RBEVIS!!

Kelliz

Dec 07, 2011

I know other people have posted this but i have suffered with this problem for as long as I can remember. First noticed after giving a presentation in school and everyone commented on how red i was. It starts on my chest, works its way up my neck and then sides of my cheeks until it can cover my whole face. Not a pretty sight. I am a nurse and it can really affect me. I have tried not to let it get to me but it can be very upsetting because once i feel it start to happen it does feel like i am burning from the inside. It can even start when i am just watching tv.
It is good to know that some people have had success stories. I think i may try the claritin d. Has it made anyone drowsy though?

Repo438

Dec 07, 2011

I get itchy with it to

rossty

Dec 07, 2011

Claritin "D" shouldn't make you drowsy.  Antihistamines such as benedryl will make you drowsy; however, the addition of the decongestant psuedoephedrine in Claritin D counters this.

If anything, claritin D will make you feel a little too 'clear' and possibly jittery similar to caffeine.  This is an effect of the pseudoeph.

Make sure you get the "D".  Other claritin's don't have psuedo and WILL make you drowsy.

I'm actually in a 5 day communication skills type training session and I've been testing the Claritin D each day we have presentations.  The first day I took the 24h D at 7am and got minimal red splotches when I presented around 5pm.  I think it was wearing off a little despite the 24h claim.  Today I took it at 1pm before my presentation at 5pm and the red rash was VERY minimal.  I asked the critiquers to watch for it and give me feedback.  Normally, without the medicine, the rash is solid and very noticeable.

I also mentioned testing Prep H as a topical solution.  I retract this suggestion.  Prep H is 99% petroleum jelly and would leave you very greasy to say the least.

Kelliz

Dec 08, 2011

To: rossty

Good feedback about the claritin D will definatley give it a try.

whatsnext25

Dec 08, 2011

Hey guys

First off, blotches suck in every way possible (pardon my language but if you suffer from this you understand)  I deal with their annoyance....so do some of my family members both male and female.  Knowing your triggers will help but its virtually impossible in life to avoid stressful and high anxiety situations.  I'm a model/actor.  It seems like all I encounter are "trigger" situations and its been debiliating at times to say the least.  Im a confindent, masculine and physically fit 30 year old man.  When I get blotchy and red I feel weak and feel I'm projecting everything but a masculine image.  I know how that sounds but its how I feel....whether true or not.  Maybe some of the men who have posted can relate.  The worry of the blotches is mentally fatiguing but even worse, it holds you back from truly putting yourself out there and laying it on the line because its always in the back of your mind.  Its has a compounding effect.  I can relate to many of your posts.

I read up on histamine/anithistamines and how it reacts in the body.  I posted a quick definition below from WebMD.

How Do Antihistamines Work?

When you are exposed to an allergen -- like ragweed pollen -- it triggers your immune system to go into action. Immune system cells known as "mast cells" release a substance called histamine, which attaches to receptors in blood vessels causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching, and changes in secretions. By blocking histamine receptors, antihistamines prevent these symptoms.

Obviously guys, Im not a doctor.  Everything is have found is through trial and error.  I read on another post where once your body releases histamine it takes time for it to build back up in the body.  Which makes sense in my experiences.  Once I get through my intial flush and get blotchy (apporx. 30 min to fade out) I won't react that way again for awhile.  I can get nervous or anxious but won't react by blotching up.  I feel a big part of the cure is getting past that intial rush of heat we all describe that burns up from your shoulders, to your neck and onto your face.  So I have found some success by fighting fire with fire.  I grab a alcholic drink before I go to bed.  Red wine, beer or even a shot of whiskey and trigger the release of histamine.  Once the histamine is realeased it depleats, I've found it greatly reduces my reaction the following day at an audition or casting.  Many of you mention you get red and blotchy over the course of your first 1 to 2 drinks then you are good to go.  That could be the alchohol releasing your bodies histamine reserves.  Also, a vigerous workout has also shown to prevent my blotchiness....again, your heart rate goes up adreneline and histamine is released then its over for awhile.

Some of my triggers, B-Vitamins mostly noted Niacin.  They do make a Non-Flusing Niacin but you'll find Niacin in almost everything!  Breads, crackers, protein powders, energy drinks, etc, etc.  Read the labels, if its close to the top of the ingrediants list take note.  B-Vitamins are good for you they help regulate water, give your engery etc. but if you are sensitve like myself just being aware can help.  Omega-3's or fish oils cause me to flush.  Again, they are good for you but limiting how much I take in has helped.  Canned tuna kills me!  Too much caffenine can be bad lead to breakouts and anything that reacts as a thermogenic in my body.  It raises your body temperature and can wreak havoc with blotches.

I am going to try the Clartin-D 24hour.  Seems easy and painless enough.  I also take a baby asprin everyday for circulation.  It thins your blood and prevents blood pooling, hence will help circulation.  Curious, do any of you have bad circulation?  Some of my family memebers have found success with blotches by taking Xanax.  The problem is you need a script because it perscribed for treating anxiety and panic disorders.

Anyways guys, thats my two cents.  We'll get it figured it out.

LivingWell4Life

Dec 09, 2011

To: everyone

Ok, just an update on my diet changes and nutritional balancing to combat the rash. This is the first month I completely went off chocolate and all coffee, (even though I was only drinking decaff- there's still some caffeine).

I usually get the rash worse the week leading up to my period, (again, showing this is hormonal/stress related). I am also most tired during that time, this leads me to believe my stress reserves are at the lowest, thus, major rash outbreak.

Ok, so this month, being off all chocolate, coffee, sugar and refined carbs I noticed I didn't break out barely at all! There were a few instances where I had some mild splotching but it was much more minimal than in the past. In the past it looked like someone how thrown scalding water on my neck! It would just appear even if I was just sitting around watching TV or having an excited phone convo. That did not happen this time!

I must admit, I wasn't in any super stressful situations this cycle. I'm curious to see what a more stressful situation does. Either way I feel the healing is slowly happening and I anticipate this being a thing of my past with time and adrenal recovery.

Naibara77

Dec 10, 2011

I have been suffering from this problem doir years. I want a solution, I just feel that the chest rash is just the tip of the ice berg. I think the problem must be addressed at the core, wherever that may be. I for one get really nervous in social scenarios, especially if I am hosting. When everyone is long gone I spend hours if not days in my head bouncing around "what if scenarios". I dont like the beta blocker idea simply because I read its adverse reaction. Check out the adverse reaction to beta blockers before you go down that road
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_blocker

delly3

Dec 10, 2011

Hi,

Its not ideal ever to have to take medication.
I for one wont read that link on beta blockers simply because if I pulled out all the leaflets out of any box in my medicine cabinet they would all scare the stuffing outa me. Suffice it to say that beta blockers are one of the oldest drugs on the market. Generations of information. If they were seriously damaging it would be off the market. We are talking low doses here and I trust my doctor that she is not putting me in harms way. The low dose is helping my debilitating migraines no end and helping me with these rotten confidence destroying finger pointing splotches,

Kind regards

DavDav1

Dec 12, 2011

To: all

I'm 17 and Male, I first experienced this in the summer when I was about 15, this happened for a few weeks then seemed to stop. My mother who was a nurse for a few years believed them to be heat rashes, as they sometimes (rarely) come with bumps. I've started getting them again in the past year and recently they are becoming very common. Around 5 times a day when with friends. I become very itchy with it and get very hot, at the worst the feeling of my shirt + my rash is torture and i've even had to rush to the bathroom in college just so i can take my top off, cool down and relax before returning to whatever I was doing. What should I say to a doctor about this?

LetsFindACure

Dec 13, 2011

To: all

Hi all,

It's been since October since my last post (http://www.medhelp.org/user_posts/list/1837177?personal_page_id=2363509) and I wanted to follow-up and let everyone know how my mission to find a cure for this incredibly frustration condition is going.

I had a thyroid blood test conducted by my doctor - as I thought nothing appeared out of the ordinary. I asked her if she could prescribe me beta blockers but she refuses to do so until I see an allergist (whom I'm seeing in Feb.)

Out of frustration, I decided to see a different Naturopath hoping that a holistic approach might be the better route (note: I saw a different naturopath this fall and wasn't happy with his treatment so switched to her). She conducted a "Koenisburg" urine test (tests adrenal function) and for the first time something showed up as not normal. Results should range from a value of 17-25 - I was a 7. From this, she concluded that I have adrenal fatigue (basically my fight or flight response is working overtime) and is confident that when I get my adrenal system functioning properly I will notice a huge difference in the blotches.

I'm starting "Adrenal Balance" supplements (2 caps am/1 cap pm), and melatonin and magnelevures to help with sleep (which in turn helps get the adrenals back to normal in combination with other things).

I will make sure to let everyone know if I find this makes a difference. It's interesting to note that after many routine blood and urine tests with my doctor that all showed up normal, this test by the naturopath showed up abnormal - it gives me hope that there is something physiologically wrong with me (and it's not just psychological) and maybe there is a cure.

Note: I tried the Claritin D-24 hour and I think it made a bit of a difference but I got very jumpy and anxious until it wore off - maybe not the solution for me :(

Good Luck to all and I will keep you posted!

LivingWell4Life

Dec 14, 2011

To: LetsFindACure

Glad to hear you are finally getting some answers. As you'll notice w/ my posts, I very strongly believe this is a symptom of adrenal fatigue/burnout. I have worked w/ several holistic docs, (it took me awhile to fine the right one), to restore my adrenal function. Just now, (1.5yrs since working w/ my current practitioner), have I begun to notice a definite lessening of the rash! Cutting coffee, (even decaf) and chocolate really has helped. It's just so reassuring to finally have some pieces of the puzzle come together and realize, yes this is physiological and can be cured! The fight of flight reaction can create some very interesting responses in our bodies.

sweetgal22

Dec 16, 2011

Hi everyone.  I have suffered from this same sort of "rash" that everyone appears to have.  I have suffered from it since the 9th grade (as far as I can remember), and am now 22 years old.  I mainly get it when I'm nervous--first started out giving presentations in school, and then I get it more often now, with strong emotions such as excitement, anxiety, anger, etc etc.  I also get it with drinking.  I think it has a lot to do with increased levels of emotion.  My doctor told me it would "go away" with age, but it has only got worse.  My dermatologist prescribed me a beta blocker, but it did not work for me.

For anyone that is interested in treating this without medication, I have found something that has worked for me...knock on wood, so far.  I feel that my rashes were VERY extreme--people would always comment on them and then it would make the matter way worse.  I didn't think makeup could work, but on another forum, someone mentioned Dermablend.  I decided to try it out, and for multiple occasions when I know I would have gotten the rash, it does not appear!!!!

I still feel a "hot flash" and feel that the rash is appearing, but I have checked myself in the mirror after each occasion and my chest is not red :)  I apply the Dermablend makeup on before an event I know I will become blotchy over.  It is supposed to last up to 16 hours.  I used it right before some big grad school interviews, and on a couple social outings with friends.  So far--it's working :) I found it at Herbergers and it's not too expensive.  Try it...it may help!

Kelliz

Dec 17, 2011

To: lolly2194

Thanks for this post, i will get some and give it a try. Did you apply to your neck as well?

sweetgal22

Dec 18, 2011

Yes, I applied the Dermablend makeup/cream just to my neck and chest area. I did not actually apply it to my face. I tend to get the rash on my upper chest and my neck. The cream is called "leg and body cover" as it is used to help cover tattoos, varicose veins, etc. There is also a setting powder that I purchased as well. I have only tried applying the Dermablend cream before knowing I will get the rash, but Im not sure how it works if you already have the rash in a breakout--I have read from other people that it has covered it up for them, so it might! I really really love this stuff--so far, it has been great for me, and like I said, I really did have extreme rashes at times. i hope it works for you--let me know!

RedandFrustrated

Dec 22, 2011

To: All

Happy Holidays all!  I just wanted to give an update.  I was excited to see the post about the Claritin D (24 hour).  I tried it about an hour and a half before a one-on-one I had at work.  I still went a little red but it seemed less pronounced - just more evenly red on my neck and chest (no redness on my face.)  Then that same night (about 6-7 hours later) I had dinner with some old friends that I hadn’t seen in a while.  I was more rashy on my chest, neck and cheeks.   Unfortunately the pseudoephedrine in it increases my anxiety and tends to make me sweat (I pitted out during the one-on-one.)  So I’m not sure this is an option for me.  I may try it again but it’s not an all day cure for me.  I’m so glad it worked for some of you!

I’ve been back to my Endo and he said he has no idea what is causing this flushing/redness.  He recommended that I go to an Allergist.  I may go but I KNOW what causes it – anxiety, indoor heat, alcohol…  Anything that ‘warms’ me up.  Others have mentioned it on here but I’m pretty sure it’s cholinergic urticaria.  Here is a link.  http://www.cholinergicurticaria.net/  I’ve yet to find a ‘cure’ online for it though and docs look at me like I’m crazy when I mention it. :) I think an Allergist will want me to try antihistamines and trust me I’ve tried them all (prescribed by my old dermatologist.)  It may not hurt to try another doctor though – maybe these hives are aggravated by food intolerances or we all have a buildup of histamines in our body…

Thanks for the suggestion of Dermablend.  I have ordered some from online and hopefully this helps cover it.  As I’ve mentioned before my husband and I are trying for a baby so I’m not interested in the prescription drug route right now.  I’ll let you all know how the Dermablend works for me.
I’ve also started tanning which I know isn’t good for me but the slight tan helps me feel more confident when I’m having a ‘reaction.’  I only go a couple times a week - like 8 minutes in a 20 minute bed.  I’ve also gotten back on a good exercise/running schedule.  I flush when tanning or exercising but for some reason this ‘forced’ flush seems to help the condition overall.

Also, I had gotten to the point where my daily flushing and rashes had my face looking horrible, like red and sort of inflamed/irritated.  I had read some articles about zinc helping your skin so I randomly bought some zinc ointment at the drug store and tried it on my face a few nights before bed.  The improvement was drastic!  I couldn’t believe it – it calmed my redness and my face didn’t burn.  The ointment was a bit too oily for my skin (it has petroleum jelly in it.)  I researched a more natural zinc cream and found one at Target - California Baby Calming Diaper Rash Cream.  I know it sounds weird to put diaper rash cream on your face/neck/chest but really it can be used anywhere (even says for sensitive adult skin on the tube.)  This stuff has helped me more than any other face product I have tried.  I use it every day, morning and night.

Sorry so long.  Thanks again for the suggestions.  I’ll keep you all updated.

aquarius01

Jan 08, 2012

To: everyone

I am glad I'm not alone. I don't know anyone who gets this like me in person. This has truly affected my life. Like everyone else, this happens with all emotions, and what's gotten me more worried, is lately it seems to happen for no reason at all, or at least way out of proportion to what I'm feeling or talking about. This happens the worst when around people I'm uncomfortable with, but it is ridiculously bad when speaking in front of a croud. In fact, I let this thing ruin a lot for me. I had just started graduate school and in one of my first classes had to get up and give a presentation. I turned scarlet red all over my chest up my cheeks. Some people were smiling uncomfortably, and I (perceived anyway) that others were trying not to laugh. It was humiliating and, actually, a bit traumatic. Long story short, I ended up dropping out of school (which I had spent years preparing for) because nearly every class required some kind of presentation. I think the worst part is that I feel I can't salvage any privacy to feel what I want inside alone (can't keep feeling insecure or nervous a secret), and, that I can't salvage any dignity or pride. Any way, now I'm in nursing school (safe enough, or so I thought) and so far we've had to get up in groups, which luckily, I find there's always someone who doesn't mind speaking. But I'm afraid it will be forced upon me to do (a new teacher is having us do this crap daily now, so the odds are rising) and I'm scared that I will let my pride and embarrassment run me out of here, too. And I'm half-way done! Yesterday I was so depressed I couldn't stand it. But I feel better today after reading peoples' posts. By the way, beta blockers are usually prescribed for high blood pressure. That (inderol) is my only defense to date. The problem is, it takes a lot. And I'm sure a lot more than that for me to stay un-red speaking in front of people. I don't know if taking enough to prevent a really bad attack will lower my blood pressure too much. What a pickle! I asked a pharmacist who said "just watch your blood pressure". But even if my blood pressure is high enough that I can stand to take a lot, what about before and after my blood pressure rises, it's not like I can sniff an antedote or something:) Any way, be careful not to take to much beta blocker, but if anyone finds out an answer to the pickle, please let me know. I'm also on my way today to get passionflower, an herb, I think. It's suppose to do the same kind of thing as valium. I'm hoping a combo of that and a reasonable amount of inderol will help. I'll keep everyone posted.

aquarius01

Jan 08, 2012

To: babbott

I began reading some posts earlier today but didn't get as far as yours. I posted one earlier that gives more detail about me, but I wanted to respond to you because you are in a position so similar to mine now, and before. I got my B.A. in psychology while dodging classes that required a presentation. I did a few, but I did not know I got so red at the time. That happened when I was in graduate school for my doctorate. I spent 6 years (going part-time at times) to get my degree and did all the things we're required to do in order to get to that point, but when I had to stand up in front of people and speak, I broke out in blood red all over my neck and all up my throat to my cheeks. I was so humiliated. I could not hide the fact that I was scared to be up there like others can. Any way, I tried to dodge the way I did with elective classes in the past, but since there was so many required ones at that point, it was impossible. I did end up leaving school for this reason. I don't know how bad yours gets, but if it is just blotchy, maybe beta blockers in the prescribed dose will help. They lessen the bounding of the heart, which lessens adrenaline output. I am also about to try (tomorrow, in fact) a combo of Inderol (beta blocker) and Passionflower ( some kind of natural thing I read about that acts in the brain like Valium). I realize that a sedative isn't going to decrease the redness itself, but it will shut down the brain activity (hopefully) enough to slow down the worrying before presentation or situations that leads to more "red".

aquarius01

Jan 08, 2012

To: staybokkie

I'm not a doctor or anything, but from what I understand, the heat sensation is caused by the dilation of the capillaries in your chest, etc. And this is due to increased adrenaline. Heat in general dilates, so that might be the reason for the sun thing. Maybe the reason it doesn't happen to everyone (or maybe it does, but it only happens then, so they blame it on the sun) is the fact that when capillaries dilate over and over they can become enlarged and be more susceptible to high blood volumes over time.

aquarius01

Jan 08, 2012

To: RedandFrustrated

I think that's fine. I don't think any of us (humans) should be ashamed to get assistance with an issue. We go to the doctor (medical), don't we? I'm not sure that the reaction isn't psychological, but I'm not sure if everyone doesn't have it. They just don't flush for one reason or the other. In my opinion, it may not be positive, but it's normal. I don't believe that we are the only one that feels that way. If anything, I think that those who can seek assistance should, and may become more well-rounded people than the average public! Who knows. I don't have insurance and wish I could look at the options you are. I only say that to give you a positive outlook. If I had your resources, I would get a second opinion at an endochrinologist, gynecologist, and visit a psychiatrist. They wouldn't have a specialty to attach a term to, if the "dreaded" last one wasn't needed :)

cheergirl229

Jan 12, 2012

To: cheergirl229

I am 15 years old, and for the past year or so i've noticed whenever I get nervous, excited, scared, angry or any emotion possible, I get this horrible blotchy rash on my chest area. I've never had it on my face and it's not AS bad in the summer time. After I take a hot shower, my legs (mainly), stomach, hips, and chest are horribly broke out. I always thought it was just from the heat of the shower but when my friends started commenting on it I began to get concerned. Nobody I have talked to has this "rash". Then I began to wonder was it just a heat rash? But it couldn't be because in winter, I get it too. And I get it all the time when I'm nervous. Wherever the sun shines on for a long period of time, and i'm not moving, starts breaking out. My mom has even noticed it but she tries to ignore it. I don't know what to think, and i'm very embarassed about this. I quit cheerleading because I got the rash at pep rallys, games, and at practice. My team mates commenting on it made me very concious and made it worse. I don't know what to do, I can't show my doctor because it onlys happens on certain occasions. I am clueless :(

SimpleSal

Jan 13, 2012

I think the reason for this is ph level, or being too acidic. Stress from nervousness or anxiety as well as alcohol, a poor diet, etc. Creates an acidic environment in the body, which causes heat and flushing. Find some way to either calm yourself (take a deep breath, think about how awesome you are and how there's no need to be stressed out), or find someway to lower the acid perhaps by consuming some alkaline forming foods. Also, the body's reaction to the alcohol is normal, to your body alcohol is a poison and so the reaction is actually normal. I think we are all just dealing with very sensitive nervous systems which may actually be more overall beneficial than detrimental.

raycre

Jan 17, 2012

To: everyone

Hi All, I have this too along with Rosacea and Serb Derm and a Balsam of Peru allergy..... I have a line on my neck where it goes red and continues up and includes my head. However its at its reddest on my neck. I have started flushin recently in social situations as i suffer from Anxiety... Obviously my body feels that making my neck and face bright red will help my with this anxiety.. !!! Ridiculous... Anyway Ive had this for about 10yrs and its getting worse.. My old colour is now almost gone altho I can see it in parts of my face and its really depressing .. Its heart breaking... I have researched everything and tried most things... Recently Ive looked into the flushing.. It looks like it is linked to the sympathetic nerve system and the fight or flight mechanism... Ive seen all the comments about beta blockers etc but I havent seen anyone mention ETS surgery... Its keyhole surgery and seems to be very good.. here is a link to a story on it http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-107003/Surgery-cured-blushing.html and I really hope it helps someone , even one person, as i know firsthand just how utterly crippling these kind of rashes etc can be..... good luck

thegaykid7

Jan 18, 2012

To: everyone

Sounds like we've all got similar problems. An increase in adrenaline seems to be the most likely cause, at least in my case. I break out in a big red rash over my chest, neck, and sometimes upper forehead during any kind of exercise, in any kind of heat, or whenever nervous or embarrassed.

Do we really have to live with this for the rest of our lives though? It seems like the only effective treatment is through the use of beta blockers and antihistamines. It's simply not practical to use it every time I'm going to the gym or going to work. Sure, I could use it for some of the major events in my life, but even then, I'd always have that fear in the back of my mind, like what if it doesn't work again? We need the medical community to hopefully give us a workable solution, or at the very least an explanation.

RedandFrustrated

Jan 19, 2012

This will hopefully be one of my last posts here.  I’ve found my ‘cure’ and it certainly wasn’t what I expected.  It was exercise.  And I mean enough to work up a serious sweat.  My face turns bright red and burns and throbs and I usually have a slight rash on my arms and chest.  As I continue to work out more frequently (daily) it’s getting better.  The objective is to make yourself flush/break out.  Because then within a few hours or the next day, I DON’T BREAKOUT!!!  It’s amazing.  Even in awkward situations I sometimes feel like I’m going to and then I feel something ‘kick in’ and I’m ok.

I’m not claiming this will work for everyone.  Some of you might already be serious exercisers.  I’m certain my issue is heat hives (see my link in an above post) which were way worse in the winter (indoor heat.)  I’m pretty active but in the winter, I always slow down on exercise and that is always when my hives are at their all time worst.

I want to stress that while exercising – YOU WANT THE FLUSH/HIVES TO COME.  It’s releasing histamines within the body.  I wish I could understand more why this happens to me (and not others) but right now I’m focusing on - heavy exercise - it helps.   I run 45 -60 minutes every day, sometimes every other day.  Usually it takes me about 10 minutes of running before the flush comes and then it stays for about 30 minutes and then I start to feel cooler.    It took about 2 weeks of exercising (I started back at it because I had time off from work for the holidays and had gained a few pounds) before I started noticing my hives weren’t happening as much.

I’m not saying you have to run, it just needs to be something physical that makes the flush/rash happen for probably 20-30 minutes to force the histamine release.

I’m so excited to share this with all of you and I really hope it helps someone else.  I was at my wit’s end, trying to figure this out and to just happen upon this ‘cure’ feels like a miracle to me.  And as I continue to not flush and hive throughout the day, my confidence is returning and I’m beginning to feel like the old me again.  Please just try it for a couple of weeks and see if you see any improvement.  It’s not as easy as swallowing a pill but it may work and heck; it’s healthy for you too.  :)

That being said, I’m not opposed to medication.  I’ll never be fully comfortable presenting to work people in an overheated conference room so in those situations, I may pop a Valium, wear something high necked and smear my neck in Dermablend Cover Crème (it DOES help!)  I’ve had one work presentation so far and my neck became slightly red but I had the Dermablend on and it was nothing compared to how I used to get.  I couldn’t believe it.  No one commented on it and I had to like LEAN IN to the mirror (after the meeting) to see it.

I’ll update if anything changes but for now I’m labeling myself as cured.  Good luck!

k22908

Jan 19, 2012

I am in the same boat as everyone else! This is absolutely awful! It is controlling my whole life and I don't know how much more I can handle! Being a 22 year old female, there is only a certain amount of times that you can get away with wearing your boyfriends t-shirts to cover yourself up before people start asking questions! I would absolutely love to be able to wear a singlet every once in a while! IS THERE A CURE? Is there anything that anyone has tried that has actually worked? I would really like to go and see a Dr but I just can't build myself up enough to actually go!

Clairabear86

Jan 24, 2012

       I have had the same problem for a few years now (age 24), and like you all, am so relieved to hear/read that I'm not alone.  I don't think the doctors take us too seriously with this problem, but it truly can be life altering.  It's extremely embarrassing when you flare-up and everyone you talk to just focuses on your blotchy red spots instead of what you are saying.  And it's understandable!  When you look at yourself in the mirror it looks TERRIBLE!!   It's so uncomfortable when it happens, hot and itchy, sometimes so bad it feels like your skin is crawling.  And for me, oh boy, if I dare touch my skin when it's starting then it's coming on full blown.  It can never be a nice flush for me, it's always BLOTCHY and asymmetrical.

   As for the cause, I can only guess.  In my case, anxiety is definitively spot on, but I strongly believe it's hormonal sometimes.  When I'm on my period, I'm much more likely to get the dreaded rash.  But alas! I'm not a doctor, I'm no expert on how our bodies work.  A previous poster mentioned a link to adrenaline, which makes sense! Exercise, excitement, nervousness, and competition are usually triggers for me, too.

   Another trigger I haven't seen anyone really mention:  Eating at work.   When I have a long day at work, I usually get time to eat around 2pm, but I just can't anymore, because it's almost a guaranteed trigger of the redness.  I'd rather go hungry than turn red and blotchy for 30mins you say?!? ....Yes, I'd rather go hungry.  People don't understand, but I'm sure you all do! So, yes docs! It is life altering!!!
       No, I'm not allergic to any food, and in all honesty, I've tried different foods...It's not the food!  It's the stress of the day up to that point, and some reason the process of eating and digestion just triggers the red spots and blotches.  It always starts behind my ears when I'm eating, which leads me to another question, Do any of you also suffer from TMJ?? Because I certainly do.  I'll also mention here that my mother also gets the splotchees, too.  I've seen my brother get red-faced, but it's rare for him and he has to be extremely stressed and even then he's not blotchy, just flushed, you know.... how normal people get flushed, all symmetrical and pretty-like. Oh, how I wish!

                         ~~~~~~~~My remedies~~~~~~~~
   I'm hesitant to try medicines and pills just because I like to avoid medications.  Recently, my "attacks" have been less frequent.  The cure? Less stress and worrying about it less.  Anyway here's some tips:

  1.   Not getting stressed out -- I know this isn't a cure, it's the only thing that keeps it away and it's impossible for females to "cut out" or cure stress.  It's not fair we are forced to show our stress so visually on our skin, I hate it, but the more you think about it, the more it will happen.  Doctor and dentist appointments, meetings, parties ALWAYS trigger me, I can't avoid those :(.

2.  Makeup -  I HAVE to share this one because it is really, really interesting.  I use liquid foundation almost every day in the morning.  I know where I put it and where I don't (I don't usually put in on the outside of my cheeks close to the jaw).  Later on in the day, the rash comes and is ONLY where I didn't put on the makeup (around the jaw)!  This has happened many times, so NOW I put on that liquid foundation everywhere! Even down my neck sometimes, I'd rather look more made-up than red and splotchy!  I keep it in my purse and put it on the red spots when the attack starts and this sometimes helps, not always, but at least I can look pink instead of bright red.

3.  No road rage! -  This is a trigger for me.  I get mad at someone who cut me off, and then sometimes I drive faster and more aggressive, DO NOT do this!  I will show up to the place I'm heading all red.  Not a great start.  Change your driving habits if this applies to you; relax and take your time while driving, let those people drive fast and crazy, that's there issue.  Don't look at the clock on your dashboard, you will get there when you get there.  Better to be late than show up beet red!

4.  Breathing during attack -  So my avoidance of stress and makeup didn't prevent an attack, I'm now bright red and blotchy.  I focus on my breathing, the most success I've had is when I breathe in and hold my breath and slowly let it out.  The most important part is the holding, that's when I feel relaxed and the heat of my face start to fade.  The longer I hold it, the better and more relaxed I feel.  Don't hold it too hard, you can get light-headed and that's not good!  I slowly count to 4 on breathing in, hold for 4 counts and breath out for 4 counts.  Count S-L-O-W!

5. Don't gossip at work -  Generally never a good idea anyway, but most of us here are women and prone to gossip!  Sometimes it can cause rifts at work or even parties, but what happens is you can get anxious talking to and about certain people.  Best to try to get along with everyone and limit any drama that could cause a flare-up.  This has worked great for me at work which was the main setting of all my red blotchyness.  Changing my attitude and being more open and friendly (even to those you can't stand!) has really, really helped decrease my stress and anxiety in the workplace.

6.  Release the stress -  Another way I've calmed and relaxed myself when I know I'm having an attack is clenching my muscles and slowly relaxing them.  I usually run to the bathroom to do this, because it's not something that normal people do out in the open, hehe.  Go (RUN!) to the bathroom and just clench or contract your whole body, as many muscles as you can, and hold that (you might shake a little), then slowly release all that tension until you are completely relaxed and you feel limp.  It feels great, do the breathing too.  I almost always come out less red after this and working on my breathing.  Again be careful, if you get light-headed you are going at it too hard.

   These are my tips!  I've kinda accepted this as part of my life because there doesn't seem to be a cure-all without beta-blockers or other forms of medications.  It's embarrassing and truly life altering because you start to say no events like parties, or going out to lunch with the office because you know it's inevitable.  You can't really live life and feel emotions to the fullest without fear of breaking out.  You can ignore it all you want, but it's hard to when you are aware that your skin is hot and itchy and you know everyone else sees it too.  If people are nice, they ask if you're okay, if they aren't, they say things like "Omg your skin's all red!" or whisper to others while pointing at you.  We all know that situation, it's happened to us all.  Maybe someday we will have an end to it.

Clairabear86

Jan 24, 2012

I just read Redandfrustrated's comment on heavy exercise and must comment on that! I have recently been exercising a lot lately and that could also be the reason I've been getting red less, too! The histamine release makes sense, because it is almost always later in the day that my break-out comes and it would also explain the lunch break causing redness. Thanks redandfrustrated, your comments have been fantastically helpful! :>)

anpo

Jan 25, 2012

To: everyone

hi i know what you all mean. Have suffered from this for years, it is so embarassing and the older you get, the more aware you are and the worse the blotches are. Have tried makeup, herbal remedies cognitive behavioural therapy. With the CBT they tried to get me to think back to when i was younger when someone may have said something and that is what triggered it. The thing is I know its medical and its not because of mental problem. I have overactive sympathetic nervous system and any rush of adrenaline causes these blotches. I became pregnant and was weird a about 3 months in there were no blotches!! I thought i was cured however once baby out blothes came back. Went to a knew Dr and she gave me some beta blockers. AMAZING. They have made a huge difference. Blothes still there in really stressful situations but nothing like they were before. Give em a try. There should be some research into this as no Dr have a proper cure.x Good luck peeps let me know how you get one.x

natalielouise86

Jan 25, 2012

To: all

hi all,

i have been giving presentations at university all last week, i have been taking 40mg of propranolol twice a day and i did not get the rash at all, i have been excercising a lot and the one downfall is that propranolol makes you tired so by the time ive finished excercising and taking the pills all week theres no time for a personal life with my husband! i havent taken any of the tablets this week and today i had to pick my daughter up from school and take her to a&e with a bump on the head,this would have normally been a situation that i would have had severe rash, but i didnt so i to feel that this will be my last post, i am going to ocassionally take the propranolol when needed and apply dermablend every day to my neck and chest (i just apply my normal make-up everywhere else) limit caffeine and also excercise every other day doing all of these things is working for me and it seems a better alternative to suffering in a turtle neck! just to mention i looked at the link : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-107003/Surgery-cured-blushing.html posted by raycre and although this does seem to be exactly what i need i just feel that surgery is an extreme option and recently i am learning to be happy with this condition.good luck to you all.

Jimmy0000

Jan 31, 2012

To: Everyone

ATTENTION EVERYONE.

YOU CAN STOP CALLING WHAT YOU HAVE A "NERVOUS RASH" BECAUSE I KNOW NOW WHAT IT IS YOU HAVE

~~~Cholinergic urticaria~~~

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholinergic_urticaria

Even if you don't get itchy, you could still have this.  It says either itchy and/or burning sensation.  Heat, exercise, cold, spicy foods, nervousness, strong emotions etc etc can all cause it, depending on what you respond to.

There are lots of treatments, but unfortunately no cure.  The good news is it is NOT permanent.

Vitamin D, antihistamines, beta blockers etc etc can all help.  There is plenty of information on these hives on the web, and a whole website and forum (which I do not run, or have anything to do with) dedicated to Cholinergic urticaria

Hopefully this helps, and again, what you have is not a nervous rash, but it is Cholinergic urticaria

Christinaann86

Jan 31, 2012

Hello all,
I have suffered from this same condition since I can remeber, and so has my brother. Now, my brother's symptoms are not as bad as mine, but he recently went to the doctor concerning his issues. I just wanted to share what his doctor told him and it has completely worked for him! He baths/showers every morning with Head and Shoulders shampoo, he uses it as a body wash. In addition to that, if he does has a red spot, he puts athletes foot cream on it. I am not sure if this will work for anyone else, but it is worth a shot. Good luck all.

Hastobeasolution

Feb 02, 2012

To: redcat76

I so understand what you're going through. I feel like I'm the only one in the world that this happens to and feel like such a freak. I hate going to work because all I can think about is what if it happens. I just want to be able to live and not have this reaction.

nottheonlyone911

Feb 03, 2012

To: Jimmy0000

thank you sooo much this was my first time checking in ti what this might be, and now when i go to the doctor, i can finally tell him/her what i think i might have, maybe they can help

Cazza999

Feb 06, 2012

To: Everyone

Hi everyone I suffer from this too, with anxiety nd when I drink, if I take gaviscon or something similar half an hour before drinking it doesn't happen, honestly amazing, look online, lots of people agree! Hope it helps someone x

Emmykiss22

Feb 07, 2012

To: Nurseam

I get those too .. Right now my sister has it! Try some Exzema (eczema) cream! It works great for me and my sister! So I hope it helped you .. :)

Emmykiss22

Feb 07, 2012

To: Nurseam

I get those too .. Right now my sister has it! Try some Exzema (eczema) cream! It works great for me and my sister! So I hope it helped you .. :)

mtx84

Feb 13, 2012

To: everyone

I have suffered from my neck and chest getting red blotches on them when I'm nervous for as long as I can remember. My ears also turn bright red. Other things trigger the blotchiness but being nervous or anxious is the main one. I have so many painful memories of it happening that I think it just makes it worse.

I thought I was an absolute freak until a few years ago when I searched on the internet for other people with this problem and was shocked to find I wasn't the only person on the planet that had this. I have read so many posts from you all and really appreciate the helpful advice and positive attitude. I would do anything for any of you even though I've never met you because I know exactly how it feels to live with this.

I wish there was some way we could all meet up in person, we would all break out into a blotchy rash and just brush it off! :)

Keep the helpful advice and encouragement coming!