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What Causes Red Itchy Rashes On Stomach, Hip And Waist Line?

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Posted on Mon, 6 Jul 2015
Question: I have a red rash that showed up about a week ago above one hip and above my belt line & below my stomach .
Does not respond to benydryll cream, neosporin
it itches like crazy and is hot like sunburn
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
May be Shingles?

Detailed Answer:
Without seeing your rash, it is impossible to tell for sure what it is. It could be a contact dermatitis - something you were in contact with causing a reaction.

If it is predominantly on one side and in one region, it may be Shingles. This is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that you probably had when you were a kid. Years later the virus can come out in one region and cause red blistery looking lesions that are painful, and then later, itchy. There is no medicine that cures it but your own immune system will get it in check. Oral antiviral medicine like Acyclovir can lessen the duration and intensity but works best overall if started in the first 3 days.

Poison ivy or poison oak can cause very itchy rashes too.

For itchy rashes, and oral antihistamine such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) can be helpful. This might lessen the itching in whatever cause.

If it is poison ivy/oak, a short course of oral corticosteroid can help (Prednisone). This will turn down your immune system's overreaction to the problem. But if this is Shingles, you do not want to turn down your immune system as you need it to get the virus in check.

So please go in to your doctor or an urgent care and have your rash looked at.

I hope this information helps.
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. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Causes Red Itchy Rashes On Stomach, Hip And Waist Line?

Brief Answer: May be Shingles? Detailed Answer: Without seeing your rash, it is impossible to tell for sure what it is. It could be a contact dermatitis - something you were in contact with causing a reaction. If it is predominantly on one side and in one region, it may be Shingles. This is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that you probably had when you were a kid. Years later the virus can come out in one region and cause red blistery looking lesions that are painful, and then later, itchy. There is no medicine that cures it but your own immune system will get it in check. Oral antiviral medicine like Acyclovir can lessen the duration and intensity but works best overall if started in the first 3 days. Poison ivy or poison oak can cause very itchy rashes too. For itchy rashes, and oral antihistamine such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) can be helpful. This might lessen the itching in whatever cause. If it is poison ivy/oak, a short course of oral corticosteroid can help (Prednisone). This will turn down your immune system's overreaction to the problem. But if this is Shingles, you do not want to turn down your immune system as you need it to get the virus in check. So please go in to your doctor or an urgent care and have your rash looked at. I hope this information helps.