Hello,
The main cause of rib pain with sensitive skin is musculoskeletal pain due to costochondritis or Tietze's syndrome. It is a benign, painful, nonsuppurative localized swelling of the costosternal, sternoclavicular, or costochondral joints, most often involving the area of the second and third ribs
Other possibilities are fibromyalgia(musculoskeletal pain) ,lower rib pain syndromes(pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, a tender spot on the costal margin, and reproduction of the pain by pressing on the spot),pain due to gall bladder or other GI pathologies and chest trauma and fracture of the ribs.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and includes warm compresses,anti-inflammatory agents, muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, local steroid injections and other specific therapies.Pls consult an orthopedician for this.
Hope I have provided you with sufficient information. In case you need any more, then pls post us.
I have costochondritis which sounds similar to your symptoms.
Have you seen a doctor about this yet? Might be a good idea before it gets any worse.
I would be interested to hear the outcome so please post back !
Living With an Undiagnosed Illness
http://www.undiagnosedillness.org
i too had this. i thought that i could feel a lump also but it turned out to be hormone related. but the pain was when lying on my front, more rapid breaths and sore where the bra goes across breasts. i have been told that this is inflammation of the muscles between ribs or costochodritis. i also have upper back pain, inflammed back muscles and am very tired. my GP didn't really give me any advice, just that it should go away. but it's been a month and if anyone has advice of what to do that would be great. good luck.