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Can Moisturizing Cream Be The Cause Of Rashes In Arms And Shoulders? Are They Symptoms Of Shingles?
I had the shingles vaccine 2 years ago.
I have developed a rash first on my lower arms then on my upper arm, shoulders. The lower arms have cured.
I thought at first I was allergic to my arm moisturizer, because that's only where I applied it .
So I stopped.
No sores, just red blotches. Somewhat itchy, but not unbearable. I tried hydrocortisone, but that seems to make it worse.
The best I can do to relieve it is to wash the area with Dove liquid soap and mop it up a bit.
It doesn't seem to go away.. I have an apt with a dermatologist next month.
My question is..is this a possible small shingles problem, or my other question is could it be alcohol poison related, because I have been overdoing it for a few months.
What's my best option at this point?
I have developed a rash first on my lower arms then on my upper arm, shoulders. The lower arms have cured.
I thought at first I was allergic to my arm moisturizer, because that's only where I applied it .
So I stopped.
No sores, just red blotches. Somewhat itchy, but not unbearable. I tried hydrocortisone, but that seems to make it worse.
The best I can do to relieve it is to wash the area with Dove liquid soap and mop it up a bit.
It doesn't seem to go away.. I have an apt with a dermatologist next month.
My question is..is this a possible small shingles problem, or my other question is could it be alcohol poison related, because I have been overdoing it for a few months.
What's my best option at this point?
posted on
Fri, 13 Dec 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 13 Dec 2013
Answered on
Fri, 13 Dec 2013
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Shingles and Shingles vaccine had nothing to do with your problem.
Shingles usually offers a lifelong protection in a immuno-competent individual and will not recur usually.
Some of the moisturizing creams contains urea and other chemicals which can produce such irritation or allergy and produce such rashes. Similarly certain soaps and mops also may likely to irritate the already sensitized area and worsen the condition.
You may need a potent steroid cream to control the same. Certain Alcohol preparations can produce rashes but usually it would be generalized rather than confined only to arms alone.
Frequent washing with plain water and applying some soothing oil like coconut oil or olive oil will be sufficient till you meet your Dermatologist.
Get well soon.
DR S.Murugan
Welcome to HCM.
Shingles and Shingles vaccine had nothing to do with your problem.
Shingles usually offers a lifelong protection in a immuno-competent individual and will not recur usually.
Some of the moisturizing creams contains urea and other chemicals which can produce such irritation or allergy and produce such rashes. Similarly certain soaps and mops also may likely to irritate the already sensitized area and worsen the condition.
You may need a potent steroid cream to control the same. Certain Alcohol preparations can produce rashes but usually it would be generalized rather than confined only to arms alone.
Frequent washing with plain water and applying some soothing oil like coconut oil or olive oil will be sufficient till you meet your Dermatologist.
Get well soon.
DR S.Murugan
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