body sunburn but not in the sun

[justthinking82]

I am not sure where this should be posted.

I have been searching and searching the internet for something and am hoping someone here might have seen, or experienced something similar.

I have had for 1 week now sunburn like feeling through out my whole upper body (face, neck, back, chest, stomach, palms, legs), but I have not been exposed to the sun. My skin doesn't feel hot, or cold. It is not raised, and the only way you notice it is by pressing on the skin and you see how it is red. I have been under some extreme anxiety and stress, which I have read can cause the burning sensation in the skin, but it mentions nothing about the color.

Please if anyone has experienced this let me know.

thanks

[justthinking82]

should also add that my skin is not dry or flakly.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to irritant contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction. Avoid using any lotions and creams over the skin for the meantime. Wash with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat it dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.

If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[justthinking82]

Is there any chance that this could be classified as secondary syphilis rash? I have not been using any lotions or changed any detergents.

thanks,

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
During secondary syphilis apart from a skin rash which is mostly a chancre or a sore on the palms or soles of feet, additional symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and hair loss may occur. Hope it helps. Take care and regards.