Had A Red Pimple Rash Burnt Terribly. Treated For Shingles. Either Side Of Sternum Was Burning And Tingling. What Could It Be?

Posted on Tue, 5 Nov 2013

Question: In March 2013 out of nowhere i looked down and between my breats I had a red pimple rash that burnt terribly. Went to doctor and she said it looked like shingles and gave me Valtrexv and the rash and symptoms were gone for 5 months. In August the rash cam up again in same place and I was put again on Valtrex and it disappeared in two days but this time I started to get on either side of my sternum burning and tingleing. i went into the hospital for 3 days with a esophageal spasm and they did an endoscope. I came home and after the scope about 4 hours, I started to feel sick and had tingle on my chest and down both arms not to hands. I felt better in about 5 days but the tingle and burn on either side of the sternum from above the breasts into each side of the neck began. I went for blood work, all the panels, CBC, ANA etc which all came back fine. I now notice that i have scattered white small bumpson my neck either side that are sensitive to the touch that burn and tingle. I had the Shingles on my head and face in 2000, severe case and recovered well. Don't know what this is and neither does any other doctor. Dermatologist said that I may have to stay on Aclovir for life. Could I have an impingement since my left side of chest hurts on and off like a huge muscle spasm to my underarm and my arm gets sore,.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Could be impingement,need further evaluations

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

May I ask if you could get a picture of the bumps and send uploaded to me in order to evaluate better your current situation.

In lack of that picture, the current symptoms you are describing indicate to another attack of Shingles that requires adequate treatment with antivirals.

With regards to impingement, you are saying that are experiencing huge muscle spasm to your underarm. Have you noticed any swelling to the shoulder or other arm joints?

Furthermore, if the swelling is present, then, I'd suggest to do an X-ray for further evaluation.

Meanwhile, I'd suggest to avoid spicy foods that can aggravate stomach acidity, thus, relieving the pain of your chest that could be because of GERD.

Drink lots of water that would help relieve the symptoms; get some massage of the shoulder and arm; keep the joints exercised as much as you can without overloading.

Hope it answered to your inquiry!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (37 minutes later)

I can send a picture via mobile phone

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, please upload your picture via mobile phone

Detailed Answer:
Yes, please upload it via mobile phone. Waiting for your picture in.

please check the option indicating where to upload your picture.

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. Raju A.T