Oh yeah the old blotchy skin from heat packs - it takes a while but eventually it goes away. As for me, when the pain is bad, I will take relief over a blotchy back any day!
Mine isn't going away (had it for over a year) but I honestly don't care. It's not like I walk around in a bathing suit 24/7. I'm with you -- relief is more important than a blotchy back. My doc was worried about it but I promised to always use an auto-shut off heating pad (which I turn right back on when it shuts off). If it never goes away, I might get a huge tattoo to cover it up. I've always wanted a big, giant tattoo, so that would give me a good reason.
