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What Causes Small Fluid Filled Blisters On The Back?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Nov 2016
Question: Suspecting my husband may have shingles. Noticed yesterday outbreak of tiny water like blisters on his back in in the shape of a curved line. Complained of itching, some burning, minimal discomfort. Noticed another outbreak on left upper quadrant this morning.
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Answered by Dr. Dinah Levillard (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
suggestive of shingles. Upload image if possible. treat as advised.

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome to HCM.
I'm Dr Dinah and I'll be answering your queries today.

From your description of your husband's complaints, it does sound like shingles.
However, I would like a few more clarifications-

-Has he had chicken pox before? Is this the first possible outbreak of shingles?
-Does he have any chronic illnesses, is he on treatment for anything?
-Did he have any recent illness, surgery, stress that could have set off the outbreak? Any contact with someone who might have had chicken pox or shingles?
-Does he have fever? More of burning and pain? or itching.
Are there rashes anywhere else on the body?

We also have to rule out other possibilities like allergies, insect bites etc
It would help to confirm if you could send in an image of the blisters. You can simply upload i at the reports section.

Shingles is self resolving, and will heal on its own, but given your husband's age, it could take longer and also lead to more prolonged nerve pain and complications. Starting antiviral treatment like Acyclovir for a week, will help heal faster. Pain killers also may be prescribed.

The dose needs to be adjusted according to his weight and also reduced if he has any kidney related illnesses. For this reason, it would be advisable to consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe correct treatment.

To start with, an antibiotic cream maybe applied over the blisters to prevent outside infection. Areas with burning or itching can be treated with calamine or menthol lotion. Paracetamol in case of fever and pain, till seen by a doctor.

Kindly get back to me with the clarifications. feel free to clear any other doubts you have.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
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. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dinah Levillard

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 263 Questions

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What Causes Small Fluid Filled Blisters On The Back?

Brief Answer: suggestive of shingles. Upload image if possible. treat as advised. Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome to HCM. I'm Dr Dinah and I'll be answering your queries today. From your description of your husband's complaints, it does sound like shingles. However, I would like a few more clarifications- -Has he had chicken pox before? Is this the first possible outbreak of shingles? -Does he have any chronic illnesses, is he on treatment for anything? -Did he have any recent illness, surgery, stress that could have set off the outbreak? Any contact with someone who might have had chicken pox or shingles? -Does he have fever? More of burning and pain? or itching. Are there rashes anywhere else on the body? We also have to rule out other possibilities like allergies, insect bites etc It would help to confirm if you could send in an image of the blisters. You can simply upload i at the reports section. Shingles is self resolving, and will heal on its own, but given your husband's age, it could take longer and also lead to more prolonged nerve pain and complications. Starting antiviral treatment like Acyclovir for a week, will help heal faster. Pain killers also may be prescribed. The dose needs to be adjusted according to his weight and also reduced if he has any kidney related illnesses. For this reason, it would be advisable to consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe correct treatment. To start with, an antibiotic cream maybe applied over the blisters to prevent outside infection. Areas with burning or itching can be treated with calamine or menthol lotion. Paracetamol in case of fever and pain, till seen by a doctor. Kindly get back to me with the clarifications. feel free to clear any other doubts you have. Hope this helps. Take care.