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What Causes Large Clusters Of Scabs On Extremities?
Question: I've been to derm 5 times. Small and large clusters of pinprick scabs or scratch like scabs appearing on extremeties as well as some singular. Not terribly itchy but when scratched and scabs comes off some have a perfectly round crater like indentation and and all take significant time to heal. I've had all types of topical prescriptions to no avail. Tea ree oil seems to help heal but they keep appearing. I have active hv6 and chronic fatigue but what now is this??
Brief Answer:
?? Strongly suspecting herpes gladiatorum
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. After checking your attached image with diligence and understanding all the information at hand I believe you could be suffering from a form of herpes called herpes gladiatorum.
Herpes gladiatorum initially presents with clusters of painful fluid filled blisters in different regions of the body (face, stomach, neck, etc.). Herpes gladiatorum is caused by herpes simplex virus and is usually transmitted from direct contact.
But, with recurrent infections the appearance of the rash and skin can be like scabs, which is when most individuals report to the doctor getting worried about disease progression. Another characteristic of these scabs is that they usually never leave scars, and in some cases the scabs can result without the appearance of blisters altogether.
I do not believe this is anything new and also believe that 1 gm of valacyclovir to be taken once a day (after prescription from your local doctor of course), should help suppress the infection and in turn the scabs and rash as well.
I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.
Best wishes.
?? Strongly suspecting herpes gladiatorum
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. After checking your attached image with diligence and understanding all the information at hand I believe you could be suffering from a form of herpes called herpes gladiatorum.
Herpes gladiatorum initially presents with clusters of painful fluid filled blisters in different regions of the body (face, stomach, neck, etc.). Herpes gladiatorum is caused by herpes simplex virus and is usually transmitted from direct contact.
But, with recurrent infections the appearance of the rash and skin can be like scabs, which is when most individuals report to the doctor getting worried about disease progression. Another characteristic of these scabs is that they usually never leave scars, and in some cases the scabs can result without the appearance of blisters altogether.
I do not believe this is anything new and also believe that 1 gm of valacyclovir to be taken once a day (after prescription from your local doctor of course), should help suppress the infection and in turn the scabs and rash as well.
I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.
Best wishes.
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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