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Suggest Treatment For Itching And Swelling After Vaccination For Smallpox
Question: I was vaccinated for smallpox in 2004 for deployment in the Military. For the past several days it has itched and became swollen. It is slightly bleeding too. What could cause that, and what should I do about it?
Brief Answer:
Please upload a photo
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
Can you please upload a photo into our system so I can have a look at it and determine which is the best treatment you need or if you need to see a local dermatologist.
It is pretty unusual that the smallpox vaccine would give side effects after so many years, so I think the location of the skin rash it is just a coincidence. IT may be either a fungal or a bacterial infection. Have you scratched that area recently?
Looking forward to your follow up question.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Please upload a photo
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
Can you please upload a photo into our system so I can have a look at it and determine which is the best treatment you need or if you need to see a local dermatologist.
It is pretty unusual that the smallpox vaccine would give side effects after so many years, so I think the location of the skin rash it is just a coincidence. IT may be either a fungal or a bacterial infection. Have you scratched that area recently?
Looking forward to your follow up question.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.
Brief Answer:
Main treating strategy is to keep the skin all the time moist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I looked at your photo.
It seems like the area is infected.
Because the skin there has lost the epithelium, so the layer that regenerates itself, so it is more difficult to heal completely.
What I will suggest, is applying twice/day an antibiotic cream (a triple antibiotic for example). So it will keep the clot and the wound soft. Gradually the clot will fall (do not attempt to scratch and remove it yourself), and the skin underneath the wound will start regenerating.
It will need some time, but if it is kept soft and moist, it will heal well.
Hope this is helpful and makes sense.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Main treating strategy is to keep the skin all the time moist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I looked at your photo.
It seems like the area is infected.
Because the skin there has lost the epithelium, so the layer that regenerates itself, so it is more difficult to heal completely.
What I will suggest, is applying twice/day an antibiotic cream (a triple antibiotic for example). So it will keep the clot and the wound soft. Gradually the clot will fall (do not attempt to scratch and remove it yourself), and the skin underneath the wound will start regenerating.
It will need some time, but if it is kept soft and moist, it will heal well.
Hope this is helpful and makes sense.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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