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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes A Red Bump On The Chest?

Good evening, My mother has noticed a reddish bump that popped up in the last 3 days on her chest just below her neck. It was itching at first, and she thought something probably bit her. She scratched it in her sleep, and woke up with it spreading and appearing to be 5 or 6 bumps that looked like a rash. Now the area has a stinging feeling to it.... similar to that of an insect bite. She is using Cortisone cream which the pharmacist recommended, but it doesn t seem to be getting rid of the rash. We are wondering what the rash could be, and what she should do next.
posted on Sun, 26 Feb 2017
Twitter Tue, 20 Nov 2018 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 20 Nov 2018 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

There are several possible causes of the rash you are explaining. It can be insect bite or eczema or it can be shingles.

It is important that she sees the doctor to differentiate which is the case. Sometimes corticosteroids can make shingles worse. If the doctor suspects it is shingles then very likely she should not use the corticosteroids or if it is within 72 hours the doctor might prescribe an antiviral and can allow the corticosteroid to help with the inflammation.

Shingles is self limiting, most of the time it settles in 1-2 weeks and only treatment for pain and the itch is needed.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician
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What Causes A Red Bump On The Chest?

Hello, There are several possible causes of the rash you are explaining. It can be insect bite or eczema or it can be shingles. It is important that she sees the doctor to differentiate which is the case. Sometimes corticosteroids can make shingles worse. If the doctor suspects it is shingles then very likely she should not use the corticosteroids or if it is within 72 hours the doctor might prescribe an antiviral and can allow the corticosteroid to help with the inflammation. Shingles is self limiting, most of the time it settles in 1-2 weeks and only treatment for pain and the itch is needed. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Antoneta Zotaj General & Family Physician