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Red Spot In Hairline, Sensitive To Touch, Bleeding, Using Moisturizer
Question: Hi - I have a red spot close to my temple in my hairline that suddenly appeared and it is sensitive to the touch (like a burning sensation) and bleeds easily. Two others have appeared since I noticed the first one. My doctor looked at it and said it was just a "dry patch" but they aren't healing and I use moisturizer on the one that is not in my hairline. I am 35 years old 5"9" and 130lbs and in otherwise good shape. I am fair skinned and have burned many times in my life, unfortunately.
Dear Mmcgilligan,
Thank you for your query.
1. Since you have burning, pricking red rash spots appearing near each other in the skin which is sensitive to touch and bleeds easily (and if it crusts over), you have to visit a skin specialist (Dermatologist) to rule out Herpes Zoster Opthalmicus.
2. Herpes Zoster is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus infection during childhood. This may occur during times of stress or immune suppression and even in times of apparent good health. You may have had nonspecific prodromal symptoms such as malaise, feverishness or numbness before the burning sensation. It requires aggressive treatment.
3. There is no substitute for direct visual examination of skin rashes. Other common causes will be a heat rash, contact dermatitis (allergy), insect bites, dandruff or fungal. If it spreads on to the neck or body then the diagnosis will change to a generalized rash such as measles, chickenpox and so on.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Thank you for your query.
1. Since you have burning, pricking red rash spots appearing near each other in the skin which is sensitive to touch and bleeds easily (and if it crusts over), you have to visit a skin specialist (Dermatologist) to rule out Herpes Zoster Opthalmicus.
2. Herpes Zoster is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus infection during childhood. This may occur during times of stress or immune suppression and even in times of apparent good health. You may have had nonspecific prodromal symptoms such as malaise, feverishness or numbness before the burning sensation. It requires aggressive treatment.
3. There is no substitute for direct visual examination of skin rashes. Other common causes will be a heat rash, contact dermatitis (allergy), insect bites, dandruff or fungal. If it spreads on to the neck or body then the diagnosis will change to a generalized rash such as measles, chickenpox and so on.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Hi Dr. Bhatti,
I did have shingles last year, but it appeared on my torso on the right side of my body. The 3 tiny spots that have appeared a few months ago are on the left side of my face (one on my temple and two into my hairline). I was under the impression (perhaps falsely) that any re-appearances of shingles would be on the same side as the initial outbreak. Also, is it common to have them in such a small amount (3) and spread out like this?
Thanks,
Melora
I did have shingles last year, but it appeared on my torso on the right side of my body. The 3 tiny spots that have appeared a few months ago are on the left side of my face (one on my temple and two into my hairline). I was under the impression (perhaps falsely) that any re-appearances of shingles would be on the same side as the initial outbreak. Also, is it common to have them in such a small amount (3) and spread out like this?
Thanks,
Melora
Dear Mmcgilligan,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Though it is very rare, you can get more shingles, usually at another site which is not necessarily on the same side. That is why you should get a dermatologist's opinion.
The fluid from the eruptions can be examined for HSV (Varicella Zoster Virus). When the outbreak is 'zosteriform' (small and spreads along a cutaneous nerve) it is difficult to differentiate.
2. If you have confirmed VZV or HSV, then you should search for any underlying condition which is causing immune suppression. Early use of antivirals will help.
3. There is every possibility of this rash also being due to other causes.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Thank you for writing back.
1. Though it is very rare, you can get more shingles, usually at another site which is not necessarily on the same side. That is why you should get a dermatologist's opinion.
The fluid from the eruptions can be examined for HSV (Varicella Zoster Virus). When the outbreak is 'zosteriform' (small and spreads along a cutaneous nerve) it is difficult to differentiate.
2. If you have confirmed VZV or HSV, then you should search for any underlying condition which is causing immune suppression. Early use of antivirals will help.
3. There is every possibility of this rash also being due to other causes.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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. Radhika
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