What Causes Sunburn Like Feeling On The Arm And Armpit?

Posted on Fri, 14 Oct 2016

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

Fri, 14 Oct 2016 Answered on

Tue, 8 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a area on my arm, above my armpit that just feels like a brush burn feeling, or a burn like sunburn. Theres nothing there at all, no rash or anything. It feels sore to the touch. Feels literally like a brush burn? What could this be. It very bothersome and painful a bit.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on your description, it appears to be Herpes Zoster. It would require Acyclovir or famciclovir (to prevent /reduce chances of post herpetic neuralgia) and gabapentin for treatment.

The area needs to be examined to confirm the diagnosis. Consult your GP to prescribe the treatment accordingly.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 minutes later)

Is that shingles? If it continues i will see my primary care. Thank you. Its not too bad and like i said it just feels like a brush burn in a certain area on my arm. No rash or anything at all there. :(

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

You are most welcome

It can present with numbness parasthesia and tingling burning sensations.

It's likely to be HZ though you should see your Primary care physicIan.

Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 hours later)

Could this be something else? And if so what could the other things be? Also a few days ago i had back pain there and used a heating pad in that spot for a few hours. I have no red mark but can that burn you ? I had a sweatshirt on so i didnt think that could really happen.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (41 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Yes the differential diagnosis can include folliculiitis, insect bit, contact dermatitis, eczama, celluliit's, spinal root compression.

Thanks

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