I started having a rash shortly after having shoulder replacement surgery in January of 2012. It started at the site of the incision on my left shoulder. Eventually it spread to my chest, both arms, both thighs, my face, my neck and my scalp. I had different opinions from 3 doctors about how to treat it. The first was actually not a doctor, but a nurse practitioner. She treated me for a very long time with the same meds over and over. I itched and scratched so she would just chastise me and still prescribe the same things. During this time I had to be seen urgently so I went to my primary care module and saw a student doctor. He and I had a bad communication problem. Since I have cervicalgia and had very bad soreness from that at the time I saw him, that is all he heard. I tried to explain how the rash had spread to my neck and was extremely bad, very red and itched like crazy. I told him I had enough pain meds for my cervicalgia but, needed something for the front of my neck where the rash was. He just didn t listen. His notes are a testimony to that. Anyway, he prescribed Capsaicin. I thought it was for the rash. The instructions said apply liberally. So I applied the cream to the rash right away for some relief. I was sitting in the main lobby where there are huge windows and a lot of hot sun was coming through. Immediately I felt a burning sensation which got worse and worse until I was ready to scream. I went to the restroom and tried to wash it off, but it obviously was too late. My neck was incredibly bright red, burning like nothing I have ever felt before, and I had no idea what was to come. My cab came so I left and was taken home. My husband wanted me to go to the ER. I don t know why I didn t. I called the nurses hotline since it was after hours. I ended up getting an appointment in dermatology with another doctor who drove up from San Diego one day a week to the Loma Linda VA. However, I had to wait a week to see her. My neck blistered and peeled 3 times before my appointment. I was diagnosed with phototoxicity. The doctor told me it was probably from burning too many candles my entire life. I don t believe this. I know it was from the Capsaicin and for some reason the VA hospital is lying to me. Will I have this condition forever?