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What Causes Blistering Rash On Trunk Followed By Sore Throat?
Question: Why hello,
Last week I broke out with a blistering rash, on my trunk, from my spine to mid section in front on left, making a belt about 6" wide. Unpleasant itchy but not painful. My MD was on vacation so I was seen by another Dr., he saw the rash and called in another DR.
She said it looked like shingles, took a culture and wrote a prescription for Valacycloveir. Two days later called and test was negative. This afternoon I have developed a sore throat, red and white on the left side.
The Dermatologist cant see me for a week & a half. I have RA.
Last week I broke out with a blistering rash, on my trunk, from my spine to mid section in front on left, making a belt about 6" wide. Unpleasant itchy but not painful. My MD was on vacation so I was seen by another Dr., he saw the rash and called in another DR.
She said it looked like shingles, took a culture and wrote a prescription for Valacycloveir. Two days later called and test was negative. This afternoon I have developed a sore throat, red and white on the left side.
The Dermatologist cant see me for a week & a half. I have RA.
Brief Answer:
Herpes Zoster
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you had a blistering rash followed by a sore throat.
From your description, the blistering rash does seem to be Herpes Zoster. The culture from the blister fluid will be negative in most of the cases.
The sore throat confined to the left side alone could be a part of herpes zoster. In some cases, it can disseminate or involve multiple nerves.
It should settle down with the course of Valacyclovir. It is not clear whether you took the prescribed dosage or not. Please confirm.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any more queries, I will be glad to answer them.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Herpes Zoster
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you had a blistering rash followed by a sore throat.
From your description, the blistering rash does seem to be Herpes Zoster. The culture from the blister fluid will be negative in most of the cases.
The sore throat confined to the left side alone could be a part of herpes zoster. In some cases, it can disseminate or involve multiple nerves.
It should settle down with the course of Valacyclovir. It is not clear whether you took the prescribed dosage or not. Please confirm.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any more queries, I will be glad to answer them.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The Dr. that called re:the negative test told me to stop taking Valacyclovir. So you thing that I should continue. I had only taken it two days before the call. I have to say that also my skin on that side say on my arm feels ultra sensitive. I have continued to be scrupulous in keeping a safe environment, Hand sanitizer, sterilizing wipes for surfaces, soaking toothbrushes in alcohol. Made my husband get the vaccine. Also yesterday before the throat I had gone and gotten a Vit. B shot, the first in my life, as I have had low energy. I am a Realtor and have to be at the top of my game as I have two projects going at the moment. Financially I will have to work until my brain goes, as we lost our $ in the crash.
Thank You, XXXXXXX
Thank You, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Herpes Zoster
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I understand your health is affecting your activities.
From your history, I strongly suspect Herpes Zoster. It comes along a nerve on one side of the body and probably because you did not complete the course of Valacyclovir, it has involved more than 1 dermatome. ( dermatome is a path where a nerve branch travels).
It could also be precipitated by stress either physical or mental.
Cultures could be negative. However, if you want to confirm it, you can get a PCR test done. It seems to be late now even for a PCR test and you could get false negatives.
I would suggest that you complete the course of Valacyclovir. You could also do warm saline gargles for soothing your sore throat.
Try not to exert yourself too much as herpes can leave behind pain called as post herpetic neuralgia which could persist for weeks, if not taken care of in the initial period.
You do have an option of uploading a photograph. You could use it if you want me to re- confirm the diagnosis.
Hope this helps you.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Herpes Zoster
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I understand your health is affecting your activities.
From your history, I strongly suspect Herpes Zoster. It comes along a nerve on one side of the body and probably because you did not complete the course of Valacyclovir, it has involved more than 1 dermatome. ( dermatome is a path where a nerve branch travels).
It could also be precipitated by stress either physical or mental.
Cultures could be negative. However, if you want to confirm it, you can get a PCR test done. It seems to be late now even for a PCR test and you could get false negatives.
I would suggest that you complete the course of Valacyclovir. You could also do warm saline gargles for soothing your sore throat.
Try not to exert yourself too much as herpes can leave behind pain called as post herpetic neuralgia which could persist for weeks, if not taken care of in the initial period.
You do have an option of uploading a photograph. You could use it if you want me to re- confirm the diagnosis.
Hope this helps you.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thank you Dr. Chacko,
A very feeble attempt to photograph the rash. One the left front quarter, second bad side to spine.
Should I ask for the two days additional Valacyclovir that I took then stopped, so I can have full regime in seven days in a row?
Frustrated with no call back from my GP. Maybe I should call my Rheumatologist, as this kind of rash I had before my first attack, what now six years ago?
Thank you, XXXXXXX
A very feeble attempt to photograph the rash. One the left front quarter, second bad side to spine.
Should I ask for the two days additional Valacyclovir that I took then stopped, so I can have full regime in seven days in a row?
Frustrated with no call back from my GP. Maybe I should call my Rheumatologist, as this kind of rash I had before my first attack, what now six years ago?
Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Herpes Zoster
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I saw the pictures that you have uploaded.
The lesions are very much suggestive of herpes zoster, which now seem to be healing.
However, since you are on Prednisolone which is an immunosuppressant, I would still suggest you to restart the course of Valacylcovir. Prednisolone could also be the reason for involvement of multiple dermatomes.
Take the entire 7 day course of Valacyclovir. Apply calamine lotion 2-3 times a day on the skin lesions. Continue warm saline gargles.
I understand your frustration in not getting a call back from your GP.
Hope this forum helped you.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Herpes Zoster
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I saw the pictures that you have uploaded.
The lesions are very much suggestive of herpes zoster, which now seem to be healing.
However, since you are on Prednisolone which is an immunosuppressant, I would still suggest you to restart the course of Valacylcovir. Prednisolone could also be the reason for involvement of multiple dermatomes.
Take the entire 7 day course of Valacyclovir. Apply calamine lotion 2-3 times a day on the skin lesions. Continue warm saline gargles.
I understand your frustration in not getting a call back from your GP.
Hope this forum helped you.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I thank you Dr. Chacko. Now seems to be in the same ear near the throat. Gurr.
What a creepy thing to have. Can this come back? What about scaring?? My GP finally got back, told me to continue the medication, witch I had at your suggestion. Question- since there was a three day break in taking the meds. Should I ask for an extra nine pills to make it a seven day course? Or does the break not matter?
I usually take my husband to his medical appointments, as his memory is no longer the best. He has a visit with his cardiologist today. I feel I shouldn't go, am I correct in this?
So you have a practice and do this. Busy guy. But great way to pay back for your education.
Cheers, XXXXXXX
Cheers, XXXXXXX
What a creepy thing to have. Can this come back? What about scaring?? My GP finally got back, told me to continue the medication, witch I had at your suggestion. Question- since there was a three day break in taking the meds. Should I ask for an extra nine pills to make it a seven day course? Or does the break not matter?
I usually take my husband to his medical appointments, as his memory is no longer the best. He has a visit with his cardiologist today. I feel I shouldn't go, am I correct in this?
So you have a practice and do this. Busy guy. But great way to pay back for your education.
Cheers, XXXXXXX
Cheers, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Herpes Zoster
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Herpes Zoster is usually a one time episode in life. It does not recur.
It could cause scarring considering the size of your lesions and also the fact that you are on prednisolone. You can treat the scars once the lesions completely subside. You could use a gel containing Silicone and allantoin twice a day over the scars.
I suggest that you ask for the extra pills and take the entire 7 day course.
It is OK if you accompany your husband to the hospital. Herpes zoster is not contagious.
Since you have mentioned that the lesions are now near your ear, please look out for lesions on the concha ( the inner hollow part of the ear). There is a rare chance of the facial nerve being involved if the lesions spread to that area and this could cause a condition called as Bell's palsy. I do not mean to scare you. But I am keeping you informed knowing that you have trouble getting in touch with your GP on an urgent basis. Also, please consult your GP if the lesions spread even after 2 days of restarting Valacyclovir.
I hope I have answered your queries.
I am glad you could utilize this forum for your medical help. Yes, I do have a busy practice but positive feedback from people like you keeps me going.
Take care and wish you and your family good health.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Herpes Zoster
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Herpes Zoster is usually a one time episode in life. It does not recur.
It could cause scarring considering the size of your lesions and also the fact that you are on prednisolone. You can treat the scars once the lesions completely subside. You could use a gel containing Silicone and allantoin twice a day over the scars.
I suggest that you ask for the extra pills and take the entire 7 day course.
It is OK if you accompany your husband to the hospital. Herpes zoster is not contagious.
Since you have mentioned that the lesions are now near your ear, please look out for lesions on the concha ( the inner hollow part of the ear). There is a rare chance of the facial nerve being involved if the lesions spread to that area and this could cause a condition called as Bell's palsy. I do not mean to scare you. But I am keeping you informed knowing that you have trouble getting in touch with your GP on an urgent basis. Also, please consult your GP if the lesions spread even after 2 days of restarting Valacyclovir.
I hope I have answered your queries.
I am glad you could utilize this forum for your medical help. Yes, I do have a busy practice but positive feedback from people like you keeps me going.
Take care and wish you and your family good health.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
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
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