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Suggest Treatment For Numbness In The Thumb, Arm And Shoulder

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Posted on Wed, 1 Feb 2017
Question: I have numbess in in my thumb and arm. It is now in my shoulder and neck too. I noticed yesterday that I have a little red patch or circle on my arm. Could this be ringworm that is making me numb?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Cervical spine conditions and shingles to consider.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Ringworm may cause itching and numbness in a small area around it, but not numbness in the thumb, arm and shoulder.

A pinched nerve at the exit from spinal cord or during its pathway may cause such symptoms.

If that skin mark turns out to be shingles, it i s possible that the nerve(s) of the arm are affected too.

So, I suggest you to get evaluated by your Doctor about cervical spine conditions such degenerative discs or herniated disc diseases, as well as abot shingles outbreak.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (51 minutes later)
what is the difference in ringworm and shingles? My rash is small, red, and round.
I know u can get ringworm from pets, but how do u get shingles? I had chicken pox when I was 16 or 17, many years ago.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Differences explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, shingles is a viral infection that affects nerves and skin.

Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox in youth.

The virus stays in nerves and may reactivate many years after initial infection.

If you will experience pain too,and spreading of skin rash with blisters, this is most likely shingles.

Get evaluated by your Doctor.

Hope this helps.

Greetings.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (22 minutes later)
I will go see a doctor tomorrow, but for now, should I buy shingles cream that is at my pharmacy? I have tried aleve, but it is not strong enough for the pain. I am having trouble sleeping- the pain keeps me up all night. My shoulder hurts- it feels like bursitis, a dull aching pain. It is hard to lift right arm too long. I have shooting pain that comes and goes in my right arm where the red rash is. And my thumb has been numb for 3 weeks. I type on my ipad for hours and hours a day, so i thought i had carpal tunnel. Is it possible to have both carpal tunnel and shingles?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You can use the cream.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

You can use the cream locally as a symptoms reliever, but before treatment a correct diagnosis is necessary.

Your symptoms are not typical for carpal tunnel syndrome, however, medical evaluation and tests ( imaging studies, nerve conduction study) is necessary to achieve a correct diagnosis.

I think that tomorrow's evaluation by your Doctor will give important information.

Hope I helped you.

Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4492 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Numbness In The Thumb, Arm And Shoulder

Brief Answer: Cervical spine conditions and shingles to consider. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Ringworm may cause itching and numbness in a small area around it, but not numbness in the thumb, arm and shoulder. A pinched nerve at the exit from spinal cord or during its pathway may cause such symptoms. If that skin mark turns out to be shingles, it i s possible that the nerve(s) of the arm are affected too. So, I suggest you to get evaluated by your Doctor about cervical spine conditions such degenerative discs or herniated disc diseases, as well as abot shingles outbreak. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Kind regards.