Chest irritation

Lately my chest has been itching like crazy... it comes and goes, but it's been pretty consistent for the past two days. If I do my best to ignore it, I can kind of ignore it for a while, but it comes back pretty soon. There is no sign of a rash or anything. My chest looks absolutely 100% normal except for when I scratch it until it turns red. But aside from that there is no abnormality. It first started about three weeks ago I think. My chest had started itching at night while I was watching television, then when I woke up in the morning, my chest hurt. When I took my shirt off I saw several red scrapes, apparently from scratching in my sleep.

Has anyone heard of anything like this happening before?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be contact dermatitis, rash due to friction rub with clothes, dermatitis (atopic, contact, allergic), heat rash or excessive sweating causing sweat dermatitis.

You may try calamine lotion on the rash. You should also maintain hygiene and try to keep the area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid deodorant / cosmetics. You can also use a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste or petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizing cream applied directly to wet skin after bathing.

If the rash persists then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist. Scabies has to be ruled out.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.