Red Spots on Shoulder and Back

Last Tuesday I carried a relatively heavy laptop computer while I was on business travel.  It has a carrying case that is slung over the shoulder.  It was a hot day, and I carried this computer for quite some time.  When I arrived at my destination, I noticed that I had a number of red spots on the shoulder and back that corresponded to the locations where the shoulder strap and carrying case rubbed against my shirt.  I was wearing a cotton knit shirt.  

The spots were red, about 1/4 of an inch in diameter (some were quite a bit smaller), and did not itch.  I had about 20 such spots, mostly on the shoulder.  The spots were slightly raised, separated by an inch or more, and did not have any pus in them.  They have generally healed in the past week, although some redness remains on about half of the spots.

I am fair skinned and have a lot of allergies.  I am currently taking azmacort for a cough and xalatan for glaucoma.  Do you know what this rash is and what could have caused it?  The rash is healing by itself, so there does not appear to be any need to do anything with it at this time.  But I want to make sure that this is not an indication of a more serious problem that I should check into.

I'd appreciate any input you can provide.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You give a very nice description of folliculitis, blocked pores, which can come from many things, one of which is certainly pressure and sweat, both of which you had.  Allergies and infections don't look like this and don't localize to skin under straps.  My advice is to l,et things alone, as you are doing, and watch the spots go away, as I expect they will.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[alejandrarosales]

A related discussion, red little spots on my shouders was started.