I've Had A Rash On My Back For 4 Days

Posted on Sun, 3 Feb 2019

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

Sun, 3 Feb 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I've had a rash on my back for 4 days and now it's spreading. I just got a new job so I don't have a doctor yet and urgent care was closed due to volume. There are a lot of bumps and the skin between and around them is very pink. I'm using Cortisone 10 for the itch but need to know if this is a bigger deal than that

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload images

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through the query.

I request you to kindly upload a few images of the affected area in "Reports Section" so that I am able to have a look and guide you accordingly.

Hope to assist you further once I get the images

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)

Picture uploaded

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Shingles

Detailed Answer:
Thank you.
I think you have Shingles.I suggest you to take an oral antiviral e.g Valacyclovir or Acyclovir, for a week. You would need a prescription for these. You may take an OTC painkiller e.g ibuprofen for symptomatic relief from pain.

Take care
Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana