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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For A Spreading Red Rash On The Face , Neck And Elbow

I have a developing red rash, bumpy in nature on my face, neck and left hand and elbow joint. It is itchy and some bumps are looking like blisters. I am suspicious that it is shingles, since it is only on the left side. I have tried antibiotic topical creams and hydrocortisone creams to no avail. It seems to be spreading. I had chicken pox as a child.
Thu, 18 Aug 2016
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to HCM
From your history and description shingles is a possibility but you have not mentioned the duration of your symptoms. The blisters would normally spread and then start to heal and dry in 7-10 days. also it would be associated with severe burning and pain along the rash. Fever would be present.
Do you have any other illness or did you undergo any stress which couls have flared up an episode of shingles?
If your symptoms do not fit then you must consider an allergic reaction? probably to outdoor activity, any medication, application, food, etc.
Shingles, though self healing would heal faster with a course of acyclovir 800mg five times a day for a week , if started early in the disease or other antivirals.
before starting the course do get diagnosis confirmed visually.
Apply an antibiotic cream over the fresh blisters for few days till they dry.
Calamine lotion at regular intervals can help if itching or burning.
If shingles is not the cause then we will have to think of other lines of treatment.
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Suggest Treatment For A Spreading Red Rash On The Face , Neck And Elbow

Hello Welcome to HCM From your history and description shingles is a possibility but you have not mentioned the duration of your symptoms. The blisters would normally spread and then start to heal and dry in 7-10 days. also it would be associated with severe burning and pain along the rash. Fever would be present. Do you have any other illness or did you undergo any stress which couls have flared up an episode of shingles? If your symptoms do not fit then you must consider an allergic reaction? probably to outdoor activity, any medication, application, food, etc. Shingles, though self healing would heal faster with a course of acyclovir 800mg five times a day for a week , if started early in the disease or other antivirals. before starting the course do get diagnosis confirmed visually. Apply an antibiotic cream over the fresh blisters for few days till they dry. Calamine lotion at regular intervals can help if itching or burning. If shingles is not the cause then we will have to think of other lines of treatment.