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Suggest Remedies For A Rash On The Upper Thigh

Posted on Wed, 12 Oct 2016

Question: I woke up with a weird rash or bite on my upper thigh.Its 1inch circular and red with white bumps.Currently not itchy, just stings.. However this exact situation happened a year ago in the same exact spot! It left my skin scarred and now its happened again. Can anyone tell me what it is?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Either herpes or paedrous dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I am Dr Asmeet Kaur Sawhney, a dermatologist.
I have reviewed the attached photographs and can appreciate fluid filled blisters along redness.
There are 2 possibilities: either herpes which is a viral infection or paedrous dermatitis which is a insect bite hypersensitivity reaction.
Are are having this just on one spot or more such lesions on the leg?
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to take tablet valciclovir 1 gram twice daily for 5 days and apply topical antibiotic like neosporin ointment or mupirocin cream on the affected area twice daily for 5-7 days.
For stinging take antihistaminic like tablet Cetrizine 10 mg once or twice daily depending on the intensity of stinging.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (13 minutes later)

How could I have contracted Herpes or Paedrous Dermatitis? I only have it on one spot of my upper thigh. This exact mark happened last year in the same spot, is that a coincidence? Can you pleasetell me more about these two conditions since i know nothing about it? this is pretty expensive for me and I would like as much information as possible. Can I be prescribed through the app or do I have to go see a doctor? Im currently using baccitracine and cortisone cream which is what I used last year when this happened, and it went away in couple weeks but left a scar.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
More chances of it being herpes infection

Detailed Answer:
Paedrous dermatitis is caused by bite or crawling of an insect.
It is basically a reaction to the secretions of the insect.
Herpes is a viral infection which is caused by coming in contact with the infective secretions of a person.
It is a very common disease and once a person develops herpes there are always chances of recurrence as this virus stays in the nerves of the infected individual and gets reactivated time to time and causes skin eruptions.
According to your history chances of herpes are more as it has recurred on the same spot and herpes usually affects the same area or in the neighbouring skin.
Ideally you should consult a doctor and start with antiviral medication.
These are prescription drugs and you need to see a doctor in person to get them.
If it is not possible for you to consult a doctor you can simply apply the topical antibiotic like bacitracin cream on this rash twice daily for 7-8 days.
No need to use cortisone cream as it is a steroid.
This will resolve the rash in 10-14 days.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (15 minutes later)

Ok thank you for your time. This concerns me as ive been tested through my gyno and came back clean. Last year my boyfriend was tested and came back clean as well and as i stayed home for most of the year and only have come into contact with my boyfriend, i feel i must have got it from him somehow. If i make him get tested again, will it show up? On the other hand, it could be because of the insect. I do have pets and they kill bugs for us when they see them and we get pretty weird bugs here in nevada. Picture-wise to me, it looks more like herpes and thats so scary and concerning and upsetting. I will continue to use baccitracine and stop using cortisone for now.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not necessarily sexually transmitted

Detailed Answer:
Herpes in this site is not necessarily sexually transmitted.
It can be transmitted directly from secretions or infected fomites of any person.
It is very difficult to predict the time when you have contracted the infection.
No need to get your boyfriend tested as it is not essential that you got the infection from him.
Yes you should stop cortisone cream and apply only antibiotic on this area.
No need to get upset as it is not something very serious.
All the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Okay. If it happens to be herpes, and we both tested negative beginning of the year, and it doesnt have to be sexually transmitted, is it permanent/curable? Im so baffled how i could have contracted it considering i dont have an active life outside my home and i work from home.. As does my boyfriend. If we both got tested again tomorrow - will it show up on the testing? Is there something specific i should ask for? Id like to go just in case. Thanks for your help, i understand this was my last question available.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No permanent cure

Detailed Answer:
We don't have permanent cure for it.
As I said earlier it remains dormant in the affected individuals and can reactivated at any time to cause the eruption.
Although it has been seen that the frequency of recurrence varies from person to person.
In some it can show up every to 2 months and in others it appears after every 10 years or so.
If you want to go for tests go for ELISA test for HSV 1 IgG and IgM and ELISA test for HSV 2 IgG and IgM.

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. Veerisetty Shyamkumar