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Joint Pain, Burning Sensation On Rib And Redness On Hand. Took Benadryl. Arthritis Or Bursitis?

Posted on Wed, 20 Mar 2013

Question: I woke up this morning and noticed a kind of burning itchy sensation along my rib about 5 inches down from my arm pit- I rubbed it a few times (thru my clothing) and later as I was getting ready to shower, noticed that there were raised welts, like hives inside a large area of redness about the size of a dinner plate in this spot. In looking further, there was another streak of redness about the size of my hand on the inner side of my arm (same side of body). Both areas have a slight burning sensation and are very warm to the touch. The red areas are flat and not a rash. I took some Benadryl and the welts went away but the redness and warmth didn't. I am somewhat fatigued today as well with a slight headache.
I have had severe joint pain and muscle pain/weakness for several months now that my doctor believes is due to my arthritis. I have been taking Etedolac for some time now. Would these red areas have anything to do with arthritis or bursitis? I have not changed detergents or anything like that.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (16 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing to us.

From the description provided by you what comes to my mind is Herpes zoster.

I do not think it is related to your arthritis or bursitis.

Can I request you to upload a photograph of the area so that I can help you better.

Herpes Zoster occurs because of reactivation of varicella zoster virus which causes chicken pox.....which one might have had in childhood.

It is typically localized to a particular area. It iss associated with significant pain (very severe burning or stinging). Antiviral agents and analgesics may be prescribed by your doctor for the same.

You may contact me with further details on the following URL...........

WWW.WWWW.WW
In such scenario the questions are directly forwarded to me .............. and I can answer your queries regarding your health online regularly.

Hope this helps.
Take care

Dr Y V Siva Sankara Murty
M.D.(Pediatrics)
Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (14 hours later)

There were no blisters- just bright red skin and the hives appeared where I rubbed the itch.
I was concerned that it may be something I should go to the doctor to have checked out. I took Benadryl every 4 hrs and it has disappeared this morning. I am wondering if it may be my medication is causing it now. Should I still see my doctor or wait to see if it reappears after I take my meds today? Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (8 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

If there is good improvement with benadryl that you used it should be allergic dermatitis.

One of the side effects of Etodolac (lodine) is skin rashes.

So request you to see your doctor before continuation of the medication to rule out it as a causative factor

Hope this helps.
Take care

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar