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What Causes Blisters In Legs And Arms?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Feb 2014
Question: ARE THESE SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH AN ALLERGY ? BOTH LEGS,FEET AND ARMS ARE COMPLETELY COVERED AND BLISTERS ARE NOW IN AREAS WHERE PURPURA WAS MORE CONCENTRATED
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Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Findings seem to be consistent with drug reaction Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to us. From the description provided, it seems the hospitalised person has developed a drug reaction. It could be Stevens XXXXXXX syndrome, if body area involved is less than 10 percent or toxic epidermal necrolysis, if body area involved is more than 30 percent. Another possibility could be erythema multiforme that usually has similar picture but occurs due to an underlying infection( most commonly herpes simplex virus infection). Drug reactions are basically hypersensitivity reactions and should be managed actively as it could be fatal too if body involvement is extensive. In drug reactions, the offending drug should be stopped immediately and should never be taken again as it can again cause a severe reaction. In our clinical setup we usually manage it with a dose of intravenous steroid like hydrocortisone started in a high dose and tapered in few days. This controls the disease activity( however some consider its use to be questionable). Also patient should be kept under antibiotic coverage to prevent infection of peeling skin. Intravenous fluid line should also be started to maintain adequate hydration and nutrition. Topically, antibiotic cream should be applied to help the lesions heal and patient should be kept in an isolated and sterile room to prevent any infection. Hope this helped. Should there be any other doubt,please write back. Wishing the young girl a speedy recovery.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Kalpana Pathak

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2014 Questions

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What Causes Blisters In Legs And Arms?

Brief Answer: Findings seem to be consistent with drug reaction Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to us. From the description provided, it seems the hospitalised person has developed a drug reaction. It could be Stevens XXXXXXX syndrome, if body area involved is less than 10 percent or toxic epidermal necrolysis, if body area involved is more than 30 percent. Another possibility could be erythema multiforme that usually has similar picture but occurs due to an underlying infection( most commonly herpes simplex virus infection). Drug reactions are basically hypersensitivity reactions and should be managed actively as it could be fatal too if body involvement is extensive. In drug reactions, the offending drug should be stopped immediately and should never be taken again as it can again cause a severe reaction. In our clinical setup we usually manage it with a dose of intravenous steroid like hydrocortisone started in a high dose and tapered in few days. This controls the disease activity( however some consider its use to be questionable). Also patient should be kept under antibiotic coverage to prevent infection of peeling skin. Intravenous fluid line should also be started to maintain adequate hydration and nutrition. Topically, antibiotic cream should be applied to help the lesions heal and patient should be kept in an isolated and sterile room to prevent any infection. Hope this helped. Should there be any other doubt,please write back. Wishing the young girl a speedy recovery.