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I Have Had A Rash On My Scalp And Now

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Posted on Fri, 23 Nov 2018
Question: I have had a rash on my scalp and now I am getting severe pain that goes from the back of my head to the front and feels like the pain is going through my head and out my eye on the right side. The pain is severe and last about 30 seconds. When the pain starts I feel like I am going to vomit
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Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Could be a Herpetic infection

Detailed Answer:
What you describe as a painful and severe pain (perhaps with a burning quality which seems to be lateralized toward the right side of the head lasting 30 seconds may be a herpetic rash known as HERPES ZOSTER or commonly SHINGLES. If this is the case then, you need to be seen by a doctor who can verify this diagnosis so you can be started on proper medication. This could include medication such as ACYCLOVIR which could be given in addition to an anti-inflammatory such as PREDNISONE and then, an agent for pain such as GABAPENTIN or PREGABALIN.

Alternatively, this rash could also be a streptococcal phenomenon such as IMPETIGO caused by a bacterial invasion of the scalp. It is usually not as painful as you describe but rashes on the scalp could in fact be due to a virus or bacteria. Treatment of impetigo is with antibiotics.

If it is a dermatitis caused by some allergic reaction such as poison ivy or sumac then, again, usually these rashes are much more ITCHY than painful so that doesn't sound likely.

You could try putting a cold compress on the rash. If your concoction of apple cider and honey makes the rash feel better then I don't see the harm in using, however, if the rash is irritated or appears to become reddened or otherwise reactive to that intervention my recommendation is to stop doing that particular activity and simply get the rash looked at by someone who can identify what is going on before recommending any further action.

If I've answered your concerns satisfactorily would you do me the largest of favors and CLOSE THIS QUERY with a few words of positive feedback? Please write back to me if other questions or comments at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi should arise and I will gladly answer.

This query has utilized 25 min. of research and response time on behalf of this patient.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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I Have Had A Rash On My Scalp And Now

Brief Answer: Could be a Herpetic infection Detailed Answer: What you describe as a painful and severe pain (perhaps with a burning quality which seems to be lateralized toward the right side of the head lasting 30 seconds may be a herpetic rash known as HERPES ZOSTER or commonly SHINGLES. If this is the case then, you need to be seen by a doctor who can verify this diagnosis so you can be started on proper medication. This could include medication such as ACYCLOVIR which could be given in addition to an anti-inflammatory such as PREDNISONE and then, an agent for pain such as GABAPENTIN or PREGABALIN. Alternatively, this rash could also be a streptococcal phenomenon such as IMPETIGO caused by a bacterial invasion of the scalp. It is usually not as painful as you describe but rashes on the scalp could in fact be due to a virus or bacteria. Treatment of impetigo is with antibiotics. If it is a dermatitis caused by some allergic reaction such as poison ivy or sumac then, again, usually these rashes are much more ITCHY than painful so that doesn't sound likely. You could try putting a cold compress on the rash. If your concoction of apple cider and honey makes the rash feel better then I don't see the harm in using, however, if the rash is irritated or appears to become reddened or otherwise reactive to that intervention my recommendation is to stop doing that particular activity and simply get the rash looked at by someone who can identify what is going on before recommending any further action. If I've answered your concerns satisfactorily would you do me the largest of favors and CLOSE THIS QUERY with a few words of positive feedback? Please write back to me if other questions or comments at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi should arise and I will gladly answer. This query has utilized 25 min. of research and response time on behalf of this patient.