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Is An Itchy Rash Indicative Of Shingles?
Posted on
Mon, 6 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 6 Apr 2015
Answered on
Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : have an outbreak of some sort on my arm of some sort don't know what it is but it itching like crazy took an antibiotic called hyrodroxine 25 but didn't seem to help don't know what is is going on have nt put any new medicine like creams of any type could it be herpes or shingles
Brief Answer:
Probably allergic rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it seems to be an allergic rash. You can try an oral antihistamine tablet (ask your pharmacist for availabitility, any antihistamine will do) and perhaps also local application of a corticosteroid cream. If the rash won't get better with the antihistamine and the cream within a few hours then visiting your doctor would be the most appropriate action.
Have you used anything new (new fragrance, shampoo, soap, anything...) recently (before the rash) ? Do you have a history of allergic reactions? Sometimes the cause of an allergic reaction cannot be identified!
I hope it gets better soon!
Contact me again, if you'd like more information.
Kind Regards!
Probably allergic rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it seems to be an allergic rash. You can try an oral antihistamine tablet (ask your pharmacist for availabitility, any antihistamine will do) and perhaps also local application of a corticosteroid cream. If the rash won't get better with the antihistamine and the cream within a few hours then visiting your doctor would be the most appropriate action.
Have you used anything new (new fragrance, shampoo, soap, anything...) recently (before the rash) ? Do you have a history of allergic reactions? Sometimes the cause of an allergic reaction cannot be identified!
I hope it gets better soon!
Contact me again, if you'd like more information.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
could it be an std of some sort but haven't used anything new as far as fragrances creams
Brief Answer:
No std
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
no std presents this way. As I've told you in my previous answer, identifying the cause is sometimes impossible. If it won't get better or if you get recurrent similar attacks then you should visit an allergologist.
Kind Regards!
No std
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
no std presents this way. As I've told you in my previous answer, identifying the cause is sometimes impossible. If it won't get better or if you get recurrent similar attacks then you should visit an allergologist.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
could it be scabies.
Brief Answer:
Probably not
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
the rash seems allergic. Scabies usually causes interdigital lesions and may spread around the body. Tunnels may be apparent. The diagnosis can be established by either identifying the tunnels or watching the mite itself (under microscope). The picture is not clear enough for tunnels to be seen but the rash distribution reminds me more of a local irritation that caused an allergic reaction.
And it is because other possibilities (like scabies) are valid, that I suggested visiting your doctor if you don't have an almost immediate relief with medication.
Kind Regards!
Probably not
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
the rash seems allergic. Scabies usually causes interdigital lesions and may spread around the body. Tunnels may be apparent. The diagnosis can be established by either identifying the tunnels or watching the mite itself (under microscope). The picture is not clear enough for tunnels to be seen but the rash distribution reminds me more of a local irritation that caused an allergic reaction.
And it is because other possibilities (like scabies) are valid, that I suggested visiting your doctor if you don't have an almost immediate relief with medication.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
I have nothing more to add
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I've seen the new picture. Allergies usually spread to various parts of the body and usually faster than scabies! I've addressed the STD issue before.
I usually advise patients to try the antihistamine and the topical corticosteroid for 24 hours. Avoid scratching the irritated areas because scratching increases itching. If you don't get better by then, you should definitely visit your doctor for a close look at the lesions.
Kind Regards!
I have nothing more to add
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I've seen the new picture. Allergies usually spread to various parts of the body and usually faster than scabies! I've addressed the STD issue before.
I usually advise patients to try the antihistamine and the topical corticosteroid for 24 hours. Avoid scratching the irritated areas because scratching increases itching. If you don't get better by then, you should definitely visit your doctor for a close look at the lesions.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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