HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Red Itchy Area On Chest

default
Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: I have had a red itchy area on my chest , maybe two weeks now . I did get a shot from the VA almost 2 years back ? I am 66 years old ..
Is there an over the counter aid . Will it go away with out Med, aid ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Difficult to comment on that sir, let me tell you why

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. An itchy region over the chest region could have various causes sir, and the cause can only be narrowed on to from a physical examination, without which any treatment will only be a shot in the dark

I would like to take this opportunity to list some of the most common causes for such a presentation, they are:

+Dry skin: Could be due to weather, poor hydration level, washing the region too often, increased exposure to air conditioning,etc. But an increased intake in fluids and a good moisturising cream should certainly help
+Liver abnormalities
+Thyroid abnormalities
+Kidney abnormalities
+Intestinal abnormalities (e.g. celiac disease)
+Allergic reaction from perfume, deodorants, talcum powder, washing detergent, etc. You should be able to narrow this cause down if you have introduced any new product (i.e. shampoos, perfumes, deodorants, detergent, etc.)
+Iron deficiency
and a few other causes.

As you can see sir, the list of causes is quite long and so to comment on whether or not it will go away on its own would be difficult, I hope you understand. Advising any treatment would again be a shot in the dark, but what you can do is to increase hydration levels and use a moisturising cream on the region. Also get your hands on an anti-histamine medication (anti-allergy medication) to see if that helps.

If none of the above works, then visiting a doctor would be wise sir. I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (53 minutes later)
Thank you for the reply . I will try some moisturiser and more fluid intake . If nothing changes rigt away . I will call the VA and try and set up an appointment .

as a rule does the Vacine shot usually keep you from getting Shingles ?

Hopefully better than the latest Flue shot :-0
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes; No sir it will not

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

Yes sir, do try improving hydration and moisture. But also, try to get your hands on some anti-histamine to rule out/confirm an allergic reaction.

The flu shot will protect against all seasonal influenza infections, but Shingles will not be included on the list (as it is a viral Herpes Zooster infection).

I am sincerely apologetic about the delay in responding to you. Please feel free to write back to me with any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (5 hours later)
I did get the shingle vacine , a while back . @ the VA
Just hoping it works better than the flue vacine :-)
If so I won't worry a much about it ..

Thank you again for the reply .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I hope it does its job sir

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

I hope so too, but I am not completely sure which other conditions it will help protect you from. Although, it would be wise of your doctor to look into shingles and rule it out.

I hope and pray things improve at the earliest and you begin to feel better as soon as possible. Please sir, do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best of luck sir.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (13 minutes later)
Thank you again .
I will put a call in to the VA Dr,
See about a visit .

Thank you again for your help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Best of luck sir

Detailed Answer:
Hi sir.

Yes sir, please do so and do not hesitate to keep me updated or write to me for any other doubts you have, I am always here to help.

Best of luck sir.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Red Itchy Area On Chest

Brief Answer: Difficult to comment on that sir, let me tell you why Detailed Answer: Hello sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. An itchy region over the chest region could have various causes sir, and the cause can only be narrowed on to from a physical examination, without which any treatment will only be a shot in the dark I would like to take this opportunity to list some of the most common causes for such a presentation, they are: +Dry skin: Could be due to weather, poor hydration level, washing the region too often, increased exposure to air conditioning,etc. But an increased intake in fluids and a good moisturising cream should certainly help +Liver abnormalities +Thyroid abnormalities +Kidney abnormalities +Intestinal abnormalities (e.g. celiac disease) +Allergic reaction from perfume, deodorants, talcum powder, washing detergent, etc. You should be able to narrow this cause down if you have introduced any new product (i.e. shampoos, perfumes, deodorants, detergent, etc.) +Iron deficiency and a few other causes. As you can see sir, the list of causes is quite long and so to comment on whether or not it will go away on its own would be difficult, I hope you understand. Advising any treatment would again be a shot in the dark, but what you can do is to increase hydration levels and use a moisturising cream on the region. Also get your hands on an anti-histamine medication (anti-allergy medication) to see if that helps. If none of the above works, then visiting a doctor would be wise sir. I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help. Best wishes.