unexplained rash on abdomen

I have a rash that just showed up yesterday on my right abdomen.  It appears to be a mark (slight redness) such as you would get from laying on a towel or something else that leaves slight indentations.  It does not hurt or itch.  It is mostly on my side but wraps a little to front and back.  Any ideas?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, cosmetics, or other chemicals.

Avoid using any lotions and creams over the skin for the meantime. Wash it with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat your skin 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 rash persists then pls get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.