HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Remedies For Itchy Rashes On The Chest

Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017

Question: I have an alcoholic son (44) and he has developed a rash on his side around his rib cage....he had this before when he was in rehab about two years ago...the docs at that time said it was not shingles....he has had another bout with this rash last summer and docs not sure if it was shingles...but treated it like it was shingles...with medication by mouth and suave?.....He is now trying to stop drinking again and has developed this rash again....but it is reacting like the first rash....dry patch, itching and a bit of tenderness (on his side) he said he has been putting Neosporin and lotion on it and not getting any better....what do you suggest?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Upload pictures

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I would recommend you to upload the pictures of the affected areas so that I can have a clearer picture of the condition and can guide you accordingly.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (28 minutes later)

I AM NOT IN PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH MY SON, ONLY BY PHONE....SO PICTURE IS NOT GOING TO BE AVAILABLE...SORRY.....I KNOW THIS IS NOT AN IDEAL SITUATION ....JUST THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE AN ALL HEALING RASH OINTMENT ( I KNOW Smile I’M ASKING FOR A MIRACLE CREAM)...but I’m not sure Neosporin is the way to go...... ???

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please answer a few questions then

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I need to ask you a few questions for clarification then :

Is the rash present on one side of the rib cage ?
Is the rash in the form of tiny blisters and excoriations ?
Is it associated with any pain and burning ?

Kindly revert back with the answers.

Awaiting....

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (3 hours later)

The rash is only on one side.....
No blisters, just dry skin patch a little pink, about 3 inches in size...
It itches and has a bit of tenderness....

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Shingles seems to be unlikely

Detailed Answer:
According to your complaints shingles seems to be unlikely.
It could be an eczematous rash.
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend him to apply cortisone cream on the affected areas twice daily and take antihistaminic like tablet Cetrizine 10 mg once daily at night for 7-10 days.

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

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

Thank you....
Can you buy cortisone cream over the counter?
If so, would you recommend one, please

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cortisone cream is available as over the counter

Detailed Answer:
Yes cortisone cream is available as over the counter medicine.
It can be available at any local pharmacy.

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

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (20 minutes later)

Thank you, again....
I really appreciate your prompt attention to my concerns...

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome!!

Detailed Answer:
Welcome!!
All the best!!

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. Nagamani Ng