What Causes Rash On Leg After Shaving And Oil Massage?

Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2014

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

Tue, 1 Jul 2014 Answered on

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I developed a rash shortly after a massage. I thought it was from shaving too quickly before the massage. It is on the leg she focused on as I had been having knee pain. The rash wasn't improving after nearly 2 wks so I went to see a PA in my doctor's office who said he didn't think it was a shaving rash and wasn't sure but didn't think it was shingles but said he was Herpes. He asked if I get cold sores which I do, probably about 2 times a year. I am a healthy 51 year old woman married to my hubby for over 30 years. I know there are different strains but wondering if u feel that's what it is. Many years ago I had pityriasus rosea as well & I tend to be allergic to several meds. I know there are different strains of Herpes. It has not spread, it's only on my left calf.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be allergic rashes to massage oil.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.

Shingles is entirely different from cold sores. Even though both are caused by Herpes group of virus, Shingles has no direct relationship for cold sore as a causative etiology. Shingles would be strictly confined to one half of the body along a course of a nerve and highly painful or burning and not itching. Obvious blister formation will be there on a reddish base over the skin.

Immediately after shaving, skin will be highly sensitive and prone for allergic reaction. So application of massage oil would be likely to become Allergic and produce rashes.
Sometimes it need applications of some soothing creams or oil or an application of steroid creams in severe cases.
Consult your physician and follow his/her advice, you will be alright soon.
DR S.Murugan

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