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

Suggest Treatment For Red Rash On Arms, Shoulder And Bicep

Posted on Wed, 15 Jul 2015

Question: Red rash on husband's arm. Under arm, on shoulder, bicep. Hot to touch and swollen. Not getting better.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Which drug did your husband take?

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for your query.

I would like to know some more information.
What is the drug that your husband has taken?
Since when is he taking and when did he notice this rash?
Can you please upload a snap of the rash to help you better?
Does he have any history of allergy?
Did similar events happen in his past?

Await your reply soon.

Regards
Dr.Praveen

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (4 hours later)

I will try to take photo but he is reluctant for me to do so. The drug is Lexapro. He took it once before without a problem. He doesn't have any allergies but has had strong reactions to bee stings and occasionally gets skin rashes from various things such as heat. The rash is not spotty; it is an area that is very red that is spreading on his upper and under his arm.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suggest to stop Lexapro if rash started after popping the drug

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for sharing the information.

I completely understand your concern and deeply regret for what has happened.

If the rash was seen after starting Lexapro then I were to suggest to stop the drug for a while since rash is one of the listed events of Lexapro usage seen in post-marketing studies.I agree that this drug was safely taken in the past.

Apply calamine lotion and ice packs localy.
Give your husband anti-histaminics(Tab.Levocetrizine or Cetrizine) once daily after food for a week.This is available over the counter.

Nothing to panic.He shall get well soon!

Feel free to revert for further queries you may have.

Regards
Dr.Praveen

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (10 hours later)

He called his local urgent care and was told his doctor is booked but also told by NP that it probably was not related to medication. (America has a shortage of primary care docs. - or at least the east coast does) He has continued the drug today and the swelling and redness seem to be diminishing. He thinks it msg have been an insect bite- especially because of the lumpy hardness and swelling in one area of his arm. Any other ideas are welcome.
By the way , I don't mean to be rude at all, but culturally here in XXXXXXX referring to a woman as dear is kind of considered " talking down to them. " I'm sure you mean no harm and just curious what country you are from.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Apply same action as discussed earlier.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

I am extremely sorry if I might have unknowingly hurt your values.I deeply regret and I am very sure that I did not mean anything to harm.

By the way I am from XXXXXXX I meant 'dear friend' and I hope this should be okay.Just in case if have sounded anything wrong please excuse me for that.

Yes you are correct.The fact that the swelling and redness are subsiding in the presence of Lexapro makes it less likely because of drug.

Probably it would have been due to insect bite as you have rightly mentioned.I would recommend you to apply the same action that was discussed previously.
He shall get well soon.Nothing to panic.

Please feel free to revert for any other queries you may have.Good day ahead!

Regards
Dr.Praveen

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