What Do Painful Spots Of Skin On Chest And Armpits Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: In the past day, I have developed painful spots of skin on my chest and the back of my armpits. It feels like a sunburn or a scrape. If I sit still, it goes away, but movement or my shirt rubbing me makes it hurt again. There is NOTHING visible - no rash, redness, puffiness, anything. The spots are very clearly defined - I could probably trace the outlines with a pen.

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
sounds like shingles

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam!

Welcome to HealthcareMagic.

I understand your concern.Since you mentioned your rashes are very painful and increases on movement,this sounds like rashes of shingles by herpes virus.

These generally grow in a specific pattern in the location which you have mentioned.Just mild painkiller would not help much.Please see a physician as soon as possible because this is going to pain a lot if increases.A doctor might prescribe you antiviral medications and nerve related painkiller like gabapentin.

Hope this helps.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (14 minutes later)

Hi Dr. Chakraborty! I do NOT have a rash, just the pain. Does that make a difference?

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No it does not make any difference

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam!

Shingles generally starts with pain and then rash.It would be good if you rule out shingles first,that would be big relief.If diagnosed ,start treatment as soon as possible.

Thanks for writing back.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

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