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Red Spots With Tiny Heads On Front And Side Below Ribs, Not Itching, Feeling Warm
Question: I have six or seven small red spots, some with tiny heads on my front and side just below my ribs. The spots do not itch but may feel a little warm.
Thanks for writing in.
I am a medical specialist with a degree in cardiology and read your question with diligence.
Considering your medical history you do not have any problem for which you could be taking medicines. Are you taking any medicine for many a medicines can cause allergic reaction as red fixed drug eruptions. In fact any other medicine like Tylenol or OTC drugs or substances can cause allergy. From the photograph you enclosed and your description it appears these spots are on one side of chest parallel to ribs.
1.First and foremost we have to consider these are in anyway related to Herpes Zoster, as these are following a nerve path.As herpes zoster transitions from the pre-eruptive to the eruptive phase, flat red spots appear in the skin area affected by abnormal sensations. These spots develop into raised bumps marking the beginning of the eruptive phase of the illness. You are also complaining of warm sensation. Visually, these however do not exactly look like Herpetic lesions. It is worth keeping a watch.
Other causes of such lesions are:
2. Fungal infection: however these are ring shaped lesions, they itch. So, not likely
3. Eczema
4. Dermatitis
5. Bacterial infection usually associated with systemic signs like fever which you did not mention, though you did say warmth that can be sign of local infection,
If you are sure these spots existed for long, nothing to worry if they change in appearance or number. But if you think they are new spots or they start to itch, you will have to see a doctor for prescription medicine.
When you see your doctor let me know what he/she thinks about it. Meanwhile, keep your hands and part of body where spots are clean. Calamine lotion is also soothing agent available OTC. Apply that. If you feel itching, you can take drugs available over the counter, to name a few Benadryl tablets shall also prove useful to deal with the itching. Note that Benadryl may cause drowsiness. This common over-the-counter antihistamine frequently gets used as a sleep aid that does not have the potential to be habit forming. You can take Tablet Benadryl 1 tablet at bedtime. Others include Claritin and Zyrtec both are similar choosing one is matter of personal preference. Instead of Benadryl, you can also take tablet Zyrtec 10 mg one tablet daily. The last one is Alavert 10 mg advantages are it can be chewed, swallowed or taken in dissolved form. It cause far less drowsiness.
Let us know if you need any other information and I will be most happy to answer. Finally do what your doctor advises.
With Best Wishes.
Dr Anil Grover MD(internal medicine), DM (cardiology)
I am a medical specialist with a degree in cardiology and read your question with diligence.
Considering your medical history you do not have any problem for which you could be taking medicines. Are you taking any medicine for many a medicines can cause allergic reaction as red fixed drug eruptions. In fact any other medicine like Tylenol or OTC drugs or substances can cause allergy. From the photograph you enclosed and your description it appears these spots are on one side of chest parallel to ribs.
1.First and foremost we have to consider these are in anyway related to Herpes Zoster, as these are following a nerve path.As herpes zoster transitions from the pre-eruptive to the eruptive phase, flat red spots appear in the skin area affected by abnormal sensations. These spots develop into raised bumps marking the beginning of the eruptive phase of the illness. You are also complaining of warm sensation. Visually, these however do not exactly look like Herpetic lesions. It is worth keeping a watch.
Other causes of such lesions are:
2. Fungal infection: however these are ring shaped lesions, they itch. So, not likely
3. Eczema
4. Dermatitis
5. Bacterial infection usually associated with systemic signs like fever which you did not mention, though you did say warmth that can be sign of local infection,
If you are sure these spots existed for long, nothing to worry if they change in appearance or number. But if you think they are new spots or they start to itch, you will have to see a doctor for prescription medicine.
When you see your doctor let me know what he/she thinks about it. Meanwhile, keep your hands and part of body where spots are clean. Calamine lotion is also soothing agent available OTC. Apply that. If you feel itching, you can take drugs available over the counter, to name a few Benadryl tablets shall also prove useful to deal with the itching. Note that Benadryl may cause drowsiness. This common over-the-counter antihistamine frequently gets used as a sleep aid that does not have the potential to be habit forming. You can take Tablet Benadryl 1 tablet at bedtime. Others include Claritin and Zyrtec both are similar choosing one is matter of personal preference. Instead of Benadryl, you can also take tablet Zyrtec 10 mg one tablet daily. The last one is Alavert 10 mg advantages are it can be chewed, swallowed or taken in dissolved form. It cause far less drowsiness.
Let us know if you need any other information and I will be most happy to answer. Finally do what your doctor advises.
With Best Wishes.
Dr Anil Grover MD(internal medicine), DM (cardiology)
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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