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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Blisters On The Arm Be Treated?

I am writing on behalf of my elderly mother. She does not want to go out to ER nor call her on call doctor. When the blisters showed on her arm a week ago I thought it looked like poison ivy and told her not to drain them. Unfortunately she did not listen. She has had shingles in her 50’s or 60’s. Her shoulder and neck pain showed itself a week ago. Now she has red marks in that area and still having pain there. My e-mail address is YYYY@YYYY and my phone # is 985-373-3917. Thank you
Tue, 22 May 2018
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Blisters on the skin in elderly people could be indicative of bullous pemphigoid. Shingles would be small, grouped blisters whereas bullous pemphigoid has larger blisters that pop easily and leave a red, sore mark on the skin. In my opinion she needs steroid (Cortisol) cream to treat the skin lesions. If severe, cortisone tablets can be necessary. She should see her family doctor or a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and suggest the best treatment for her. Since untreated those blisters can get worse and cause a life-threatening infection, in my pinion she should see her doctor right away.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can Blisters On The Arm Be Treated?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Blisters on the skin in elderly people could be indicative of bullous pemphigoid. Shingles would be small, grouped blisters whereas bullous pemphigoid has larger blisters that pop easily and leave a red, sore mark on the skin. In my opinion she needs steroid (Cortisol) cream to treat the skin lesions. If severe, cortisone tablets can be necessary. She should see her family doctor or a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and suggest the best treatment for her. Since untreated those blisters can get worse and cause a life-threatening infection, in my pinion she should see her doctor right away. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.