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Severe Rashes From Thumb To Shoulder. Using Chlorphenamine And Hydrocortisone Cream. Help?
Question: very bad rash (with severe blistering) appeared over night, 3 weeks ago. my doctor has sent away sample of the blisters for analysis, but the lab nor my doctor are able to detect the cause of the rash.
The rash extends from my thumb on my right hand all the way up to my right shoulder.
I am on a course of chlorphenamine (4mg) tablets (4-6 hourly) and using hydrocortisone cream.
the rash is receding but very slowly!! XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
The rash extends from my thumb on my right hand all the way up to my right shoulder.
I am on a course of chlorphenamine (4mg) tablets (4-6 hourly) and using hydrocortisone cream.
the rash is receding but very slowly!! XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Hi XXXXXX
Thanks for your query
Going by the way things have presented in your case, there are blisters present over only the right hand and arm.
I would be better able to help if I can have a look at the skin lesions. It would be helpful if you can take some close up pictures of the skin lesions and upload them here on this page or you can email the pictures to YYYY@YYYY with reference to Dr Geetika Paul
You seem to have developed Herpes Zoster (Shingles) involving the right arm.
Herpes Zoster presents with fluid filled blisters involving only one side of the body and involving only one dermatome.
It is usually associated with severe pain and burning sensation. The fluid filled blisters can be grouped at places.
The treatment involves the use of oral antivirals which have to be given regularly for a period of at least one week. With proper treatment, the lesions take up to a week's time to heal. However, if adequate treatment is not given, the lesions may persist for many weeks.
I would advise you not to use a topical steroid over the affected area. You can infact apply a topical antibiotic cream like mupirocin over the affected area twice a day to avoid any superadded infection.
You would need a course of oral antivirals , so I would suggest that you should see a dermatologist soon for proper assessment and treatment.
In the mean time, keep the area clean, wear cotton clothes and apply the antibiotic cream over the affected area.
Hope it helps
If you have any other query, please let me know
Dr Geetika Paul
Thanks for your query
Going by the way things have presented in your case, there are blisters present over only the right hand and arm.
I would be better able to help if I can have a look at the skin lesions. It would be helpful if you can take some close up pictures of the skin lesions and upload them here on this page or you can email the pictures to YYYY@YYYY with reference to Dr Geetika Paul
You seem to have developed Herpes Zoster (Shingles) involving the right arm.
Herpes Zoster presents with fluid filled blisters involving only one side of the body and involving only one dermatome.
It is usually associated with severe pain and burning sensation. The fluid filled blisters can be grouped at places.
The treatment involves the use of oral antivirals which have to be given regularly for a period of at least one week. With proper treatment, the lesions take up to a week's time to heal. However, if adequate treatment is not given, the lesions may persist for many weeks.
I would advise you not to use a topical steroid over the affected area. You can infact apply a topical antibiotic cream like mupirocin over the affected area twice a day to avoid any superadded infection.
You would need a course of oral antivirals , so I would suggest that you should see a dermatologist soon for proper assessment and treatment.
In the mean time, keep the area clean, wear cotton clothes and apply the antibiotic cream over the affected area.
Hope it helps
If you have any other query, please let me know
Dr Geetika Paul
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. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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