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Suggest Treatment For Skin Eruptions In Chest And Back

Posted on Mon, 6 Oct 2014

Question: Hello Doctor!

I have got some skin eruptions on the left side of my chest and back. These look like Herpes Zoster and are filled with fluid.

I have got slight pain in the affected area also.

Can you please recommend what I should do.

thanks in advance!

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Upload a photo.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query.

I would like to have a look at them. Can you upload a digital photograph of the affected area?

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (51 minutes later)

Hi Dr. Kakkar!

Thank you for replying back.

I have attached 3 pictures from the affected areas. I had applied 'Shower To Shower' powder on the area and hence one of the pictures has white smudges.

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes Zoster

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

This is Herpes Zoster, indeed. I would normally recommend an oral antiviral i.e Acyclovir 800 mg 5 times a day (every 4 hourly) for 7 days.

Topically you may apply an OTC antibacterial e.g Bactroban ointment(2% mupirocin).

An OTC pain killer/ anti inflammatory e.g Ibuprofen(Bruffen) 400 mg twice daily would provide you symptomatic relief from itching.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 minutes later)

Thanks Dr. Kakkar!

Should I follow this course of Acyclovir, Bactroban and Ibuprofen for 7 days? Would Herpes heal in 7 days or would it take more time?

Also, can Acyclovir be taken on empty stomach or should I eat something before taking it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes Zoster

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, 7 days would be good enough to dry it up. Sometimes pain may last for a few more weeks even after herpes has healed and may require a pain killer.

Acyclovir can be with or without meal, preferably after a meal. You have to take it every 4 hours.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

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