How Can A Spreading Rash On The Abdomen Be Treated?

Posted on Wed, 28 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : my daughter is 26 and autistic and while she has language skills it is hard to tell how bad things. she has a large rash that started on her stomach and traveled up her back, it is very red and blotchy. We have been putting on Benadryl but it is not helping. this morning she started throwing up. she says it hurts from the inside but I am not sure what that means to her. I know the rash itself is large, burning and itching. a lot of little sores though not like rashes she gets from allergies, a little larger. any idea of what we can try or should do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
seems like a fungal infection...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I went through the details posted. A good quality picture of the rash will be helpful. If feasible please post a picture during follow up.

That being said, based on the current description primafacie seems to be a fungal infection. Large blotchy rash with intense burning and itching is very classical of fungal infection. And therefore I believe we should start her on antifungal. Prescription drug - oral antifungal will be better than otc antifungal creams. Therefore I will recommend to visit a local GP or dermatologist for prescription.

Until then we can use otc antifungal creams like lotrimin and hope it helps.

Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

PS: The latest vomiting spell is unlikely to be related to the rash. Perhaps it's due to gastritis secondary to pain medications. If she persistently complaints of abdominal discomfort, please start her on antacids.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (8 minutes later)

Thanks. We have gone to urgent care to see if we can get some anti fungal meds

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
welcome...

Detailed Answer:
Wish her a speedy recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

turns out she has shingles so they gave me some meds to help with that. unfortunately she is still throwing up so I cannot give them to her yet. I am going to try some tums now.. thanks for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Shingles is definitely possible...

Detailed Answer:
Yes, shingles is definitely possible if the lesions are grouped and spread over dermatomes. Since you didn't post a photograph, I cannot confirm this diagnosis.

Anyway, I am glad a diagnosis was arrived and she is treated appropriately.

Yes, please give her tums and see if it helps.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad