Brief Answer: Herpes Zoster or Folliculitis; symptomatic treatment Detailed Answer: Hi there. Given your age & your clinical description of the lesions, my every clinical hunch tells me you are ailing from a viral eruption called Herpes Zoster assuming it is down one leg; If not, it could be a form of folliculitis & I suggest uploading a clear digital photograph of the region. The former is quite a common occurrence but usually a once in a lifetime appearance & will disappear with or without medications in about a week or 2. It is the 'reactivation' of the chicken pox (varicella) virus that you may have acquired at some point in your life-most likely childhood. When there is a dip in the immunity for whatever reason...physical or mental, this rash XXXXXXX out & is localised to what we term a 'dermatome'. It will be restricted here & you may count your blessings that unlike some people who get a severe reaction on the face that can affect the eyes etc adversely, you have it on a relatively 'safer' location. The burning & pain may increase over the next few days & I suggest symptomatic treatment with a anti-inflammatory agent like Ibuprofen 400l600 (depending on your body weight & tolerance to gastritis) taken with meals three times daily together with a tablet like Pregabalin admixed with a B complex supplementary vitamin or both separately. Topically an antiviral cream like 5% acyclovir (zovirax) may be applied 4-5 times daily sparingly & avoid rupturing the blisters that occur so that the end result healing will be good...allow them to resolve themselves. If the rash is still within 48 hrs of initial onset & you are covered with insurance et al, please start some sort of oral acyclovir (antiviral) tablets in a dose of 800mg 4-5 times a day. This will require a dermatologist or ER room prescription & the earlier it is started the better. There is really not much worth for it 72 hrs after onset of rash. The latter requires a course of an antibiotic & antihistamine & this too needs a prescription. Please eat well & keep up your strength & do very light work & give yourself some rest & then this will heal faster & well if either condition. If you exert & don't take care, the pain may sometimes persist for months much after the rash is gone. So Relax & do take my advice & all will be well soon. Trust this answer has been prompt, given you a clear diagnosis & sense of direction, calmed you & wish you a clear skin soon. Good Luck & Godspeed! Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

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