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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is There A Medical Test To Determine The Nature Of A Lesion On The Back?

Every few months I have a lesion on my back close to the hip that flares up. It is usually about the size of a quarter (redness) and after a day or two a cluster of blisters raise up in the center. It does itch but I have learned to leave it alone since scratching makes it worse. It is no more painful than a burn or bite or bruise. My GP did not diagnose it but leaned toward it being a single shingle. I asked my endocrinologist and she wasn t sure either. Is there a test I can get to determine what this thing is. Oh yes....it is always in the same spot.
Fri, 27 Jul 2018
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The diagnosis is probably Herpes Zoster (shingles). The bedside test to confirm diagnosis is Tzanck test. The diagnosis is clinical but as you are insisting medical test, you can undergo Tzanck test. Please do follow the treatment regimen given by your Dermatologist/Family Physician. Early treatment reduces the risk of postherpetic neuralgia.

Get Well soon.

Regards,
Dr. P. Siva Subramanian.
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Is There A Medical Test To Determine The Nature Of A Lesion On The Back?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The diagnosis is probably Herpes Zoster (shingles). The bedside test to confirm diagnosis is Tzanck test. The diagnosis is clinical but as you are insisting medical test, you can undergo Tzanck test. Please do follow the treatment regimen given by your Dermatologist/Family Physician. Early treatment reduces the risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Get Well soon. Regards, Dr. P. Siva Subramanian.