What Causes A Rash On The Lower Left Of The Back?

Posted on Fri, 19 Feb 2016

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

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 Answered on

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, do you have any ideas, this rash has been present gor around 2 weeks now, it doesnt seem to be spreading and has a muld itch

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like molluscum contagiosum

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have read your question and I have also reviewed the Images.

I would keep a possibility of Molluscum Contagiosum. It is an infection caused by Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV). The infection is acquired by direct skin to skin contact or through sharing infected items like towels, handkerchiefs, clothing, rajors etc
Molluscum typically presents as dome shaped, pearly white papules on skin. A central dent/ umblication is visible in larger lesions. Lesions are asymptomatic.
Molluscum may spread by autoinnoculation to surrounding skin and shaving usually encourages spread to surrounding skin

I would like to know where is it located?

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 minutes later)

Hi thanks for your reply, its located on the lower left of the back.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would like you to upload a few more Images

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Though this seems very much like a molluscum (asymptomatic, dome shaped and pearly white lesions) however I would like to rule out a possibility of shingles although 2 weeks history does nt really go in favor if shingles. Moreover shingles is usually painful and presents on one side of the body in a horizontal stripe-like/ band like pattern and it usually heals in 2 weeks.

I would request you to upload a few more clear images so that I am able to appreciate the morphology better? preferaby one which includes both halves of body, on either side of spine. This would allow me to appreciate if it has a band like arrangement like shingles or not?

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (34 minutes later)

Are these any better?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Molluscum Contagiosum

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have reviewed the Images

I would stick to my original diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum. This is not herpes zoster/ shingles, because even though lesions are localised to one side of body, they are certainly not confined to a single dermatome as in shingles and rather seem to involve more than 3 dermatomes as can be seen from the distribution which extends from mid back to lower back. Moreover, lack of pain and 2 weeks history goes against shingles. Shingles should have healed by now.
Molluscum can be treated with a chemical e.g Trichloroacetic acid Or Potassium Hydroxide Or they can be ablated with an electrocautery/ radiofrequency procedure.

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