Suggest Treatment For Itchy Red Bumps On Arm

Posted on Sat, 27 Jun 2015

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

Sat, 27 Jun 2015 Answered on

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a cluster of red bumps on my arm that just appeared on my arm in a matter of hours. The bumps itched the first few hours and today on day three started to burn really bad. Nothing helps, I put antibiotic cream on it and I have iced it to try to sooth the burn. Nothing helps. I'm allergic to many things. As to medicines, I'm allergic to aspirin, nsaids, betadine.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
shingles?

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
This sounds like herpes zoster (commonly called shingles). If it is shingles, and the burning certainly makes it sound like that then you need to see a doctor right away and get an antiviral medication. This needs to be started as soon as possible and definitely within 72 hours of the outbreak. Anyone who has had chickenpox may get shingles. It typically presents as a burning rash that follows a nerve root on only one side of the body.
It is best for you to see a doctor right away even if that means going to an urgent care of Emergency.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar