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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Blistered Rash To Appear Around Knee Replacement Surgery Incision?

Three months following complete knee replacement surgery I developed a heavy, blistered rash aroundthe incision area. Itching was bad, so I used Cortisone to calm the area. Nothing helped. I went to myDR who couldn t find the cause of the rash. She put me on Benedryl, Prednisone and Ranitidine (Zantac).My P.T. ofc. looked at rash and had no answers either, but had me alternate heat then ice packs on rash while I elevated my knee. My DR said this is not a reaction to metal in the knee, but a chemical reactionto some cream I used on my knee. Rash is only on my knee and is probably a 10-inch long oval shapedirritated area.I used Jergens Lotion, Urea 20% Cream prior to rash appearing. The day before the itching began I useda packet from my daughter s DR especially used for joint pain/arthritis. It was strong, and I wonder if that is the culprit. What do you think?
posted on Mon, 22 Feb 2016
Twitter Fri, 3 Apr 2020 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 6 Apr 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

The symptoms seem to be related to shingles.
Shingles is an infection that can cause a rash after surgery.
After you have chicken pox, the varicella -zoster virus that causes it lies dormant in the nerves near your spine.
The stress of surgery can reactive the virus, causing the painful blistering rash associated with shingles.
I suggest using an anti viral cream for local application such as Acyclovir cream.

Hope my answer was helpful.

If you have further queries feel free to contact me again.

Kind regards!

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician
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What Causes Blistered Rash To Appear Around Knee Replacement Surgery Incision?

Hello, I read carefully your query and understand your concern. The symptoms seem to be related to shingles. Shingles is an infection that can cause a rash after surgery. After you have chicken pox, the varicella -zoster virus that causes it lies dormant in the nerves near your spine. The stress of surgery can reactive the virus, causing the painful blistering rash associated with shingles. I suggest using an anti viral cream for local application such as Acyclovir cream. Hope my answer was helpful. If you have further queries feel free to contact me again. Kind regards! Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi General &Family Physician