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Rash On The Back Of Shoulder, Arm And Inside Of Elbow Joint, Flaky, Started To Scab. Any Thoughts ?
I have broke out with a rash on my the back of my shoulder and down my arm , heavy in the inside of my elbow joint , My arm feels like I threw it out, stiff in the shoulder area and elbow. The only thing I can think of is we have eaten LOTS of tomatoes from the garden, and I have had a lot of anxiety about being laid off. In the past I have suffered from phoresis. The rash is like that only not dry and flaky more like burning boils that have started to scab over. It has been stiff for about three days. I am 52, ANy thoughts?
Tue, 16 Oct 2012
Hi there.
For best results of course, any dermatologist worth his salt would require a visual, so feel free to upload a clear digital photograph on this site using the 'upload data' icon.
Alternatively & if privacy desired, do directly get in touch with mois using the 'ask-a-doctor' premium portal & ask for a specific doctor.
Off the cuff, given your history & clinical description, the rash appears to be 'Herpes Zoster'.
If so, it is a reactivation of latent Varicella (chicken pox) that you must have had at some point in the past.
The worst is over. No point in systemic antivirals as 48-72 hrs has already elapsed. Treat all the symptoms eg pain, burning; apply a 5% aciclovir cream locally 3-5 times /day till all lesions scabbed over.
The lesions will all scab & fall off.try not to pinch or prise them off to avoid scarring.
Take adequate rest, eat good food & relax. Stressors that cause a depression in immunity frequently predispose to its occurence.
Wishing you good health & a quick recovery! Do visit your nearest dermatologist in person.
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Venereologist
Vikram Hospital, Bangalore
For best results of course, any dermatologist worth his salt would require a visual, so feel free to upload a clear digital photograph on this site using the 'upload data' icon.
Alternatively & if privacy desired, do directly get in touch with mois using the 'ask-a-doctor' premium portal & ask for a specific doctor.
Off the cuff, given your history & clinical description, the rash appears to be 'Herpes Zoster'.
If so, it is a reactivation of latent Varicella (chicken pox) that you must have had at some point in the past.
The worst is over. No point in systemic antivirals as 48-72 hrs has already elapsed. Treat all the symptoms eg pain, burning; apply a 5% aciclovir cream locally 3-5 times /day till all lesions scabbed over.
The lesions will all scab & fall off.try not to pinch or prise them off to avoid scarring.
Take adequate rest, eat good food & relax. Stressors that cause a depression in immunity frequently predispose to its occurence.
Wishing you good health & a quick recovery! Do visit your nearest dermatologist in person.
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Venereologist
Vikram Hospital, Bangalore
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