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Is An Itchy Rash Indicative Of Shingles?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Question: have an outbreak of some sort on my arm of some sort don't know what it is but it itching like crazy took an antibiotic called hyrodroxine 25 but didn't seem to help don't know what is is going on have nt put any new medicine like creams of any type could it be herpes or shingles
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Probably allergic rash

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

it seems to be an allergic rash. You can try an oral antihistamine tablet (ask your pharmacist for availabitility, any antihistamine will do) and perhaps also local application of a corticosteroid cream. If the rash won't get better with the antihistamine and the cream within a few hours then visiting your doctor would be the most appropriate action.

Have you used anything new (new fragrance, shampoo, soap, anything...) recently (before the rash) ? Do you have a history of allergic reactions? Sometimes the cause of an allergic reaction cannot be identified!

I hope it gets better soon!

Contact me again, if you'd like more information.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 minutes later)
could it be an std of some sort but haven't used anything new as far as fragrances creams
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No std

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

no std presents this way. As I've told you in my previous answer, identifying the cause is sometimes impossible. If it won't get better or if you get recurrent similar attacks then you should visit an allergologist.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (22 minutes later)
could it be scabies.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Probably not

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

the rash seems allergic. Scabies usually causes interdigital lesions and may spread around the body. Tunnels may be apparent. The diagnosis can be established by either identifying the tunnels or watching the mite itself (under microscope). The picture is not clear enough for tunnels to be seen but the rash distribution reminds me more of a local irritation that caused an allergic reaction.

And it is because other possibilities (like scabies) are valid, that I suggested visiting your doctor if you don't have an almost immediate relief with medication.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)
I just took another photo n the rash is spreading to other body parts fast so are u sure it's not scabies or an std of some sort
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I have nothing more to add

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I've seen the new picture. Allergies usually spread to various parts of the body and usually faster than scabies! I've addressed the STD issue before.
I usually advise patients to try the antihistamine and the topical corticosteroid for 24 hours. Avoid scratching the irritated areas because scratching increases itching. If you don't get better by then, you should definitely visit your doctor for a close look at the lesions.

Kind Regards!
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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Is An Itchy Rash Indicative Of Shingles?

Brief Answer: Probably allergic rash Detailed Answer: Hello, it seems to be an allergic rash. You can try an oral antihistamine tablet (ask your pharmacist for availabitility, any antihistamine will do) and perhaps also local application of a corticosteroid cream. If the rash won't get better with the antihistamine and the cream within a few hours then visiting your doctor would be the most appropriate action. Have you used anything new (new fragrance, shampoo, soap, anything...) recently (before the rash) ? Do you have a history of allergic reactions? Sometimes the cause of an allergic reaction cannot be identified! I hope it gets better soon! Contact me again, if you'd like more information. Kind Regards!