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What Causes Lump Around Shingles Injection Site After Corticosteroid Injection?

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Posted on Fri, 30 Oct 2015
Question: Hi. I am starting to panic - a bit. I have what looks like a (at first) a spider bite on my right side of my lower stomach (liver area). Now, due to irritation from my pants' waistband, today the round red circle is larger and the 'blood blister' is larger. I had a shingles shot (I'm 59) on Sept. 30. I had a reaction in my arm (large lump that finally is reduced) where the shot was injected. I've had shingles 3 times and doctor thought I should have it. Now.....I have ostoarthritis and I have been receiving lower spine cortico steroid injections for 10 years. I see a pain doctor every month and take prescribed pain meds. Do you think this is still a r5action to the shot? I should tell you that I have a fatty liver and have had for about 5 years.

My doctor did not teed to see me for the arm injection reaction. He said to take benedryl and see if it calms down - which it did, but it took a good week for it to subside. Now I have this.

He had never heard of a reaction in my arm like this to a shingles shot. I always have a swelling and pain from flu shot too.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Can you please upload an image for review?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this rash/blister that you have mentioned. I will suggest that you send an mage for review. This way, your response would be personalized and tailored to address your worries. Depending on its presentation, I will be able to tell whether it is suggestive of shingles or not. Shingles remain a possibility because of the steroids shots for back pain which reduces the strength of your immune system. Another issue is the fact that steroids also cause thinning of the skin that can easily lead to blisters. A review of this area will provide more clues to make the exact cause. It is very unlikely to represent a reaction to the shingle shot at this area.

I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience and promise to respond promptly. Until then, I wish you well.
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. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Causes Lump Around Shingles Injection Site After Corticosteroid Injection?

Brief Answer: Can you please upload an image for review? Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this rash/blister that you have mentioned. I will suggest that you send an mage for review. This way, your response would be personalized and tailored to address your worries. Depending on its presentation, I will be able to tell whether it is suggestive of shingles or not. Shingles remain a possibility because of the steroids shots for back pain which reduces the strength of your immune system. Another issue is the fact that steroids also cause thinning of the skin that can easily lead to blisters. A review of this area will provide more clues to make the exact cause. It is very unlikely to represent a reaction to the shingle shot at this area. I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience and promise to respond promptly. Until then, I wish you well.