Rash - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Rash or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Shingles - Herpes Zoster
Shingles, is a viral disease causing a blistering skin rash that appears as stripes. Usually the rash only occurs on one side of the body and is preceded by general itching and headache. The virus that causes shingles, called herpes zoster, also causes the short duration rash, chickenpox. The chickenpox virus never leaves the body once an individual has the disease but instead remains dormant in the spinal nerves. Unexpectedly, in old age the herpes zoster virus flares-up and manifests as shingles. Usually shingles occurs in patients fighting an infection that has weakened the immune system. Patients with HIV or receiving anti-cancer therapy are at an especially high risk of developing the disease. Approximately five out of every thousand adults over the age of 65 contract shingles. The main clinical sign is the rash, but most people report intense pain that lasts for four weeks as a result of nerve irritation from the virus. Since the nerves are mainly affect by the virus, some people even report eye pain and temporary losses of vision as a result of a rash on the face. Most symptoms depend upon the location of the body presenting the rash.
Shingles Diagnosis
Since the rash is distinct a doctor can easily diagnose shingles with a physical examination. Often, a patient history is necessary to confirm that the individual had chickenpox. If the rash is not present or the rash is not the distinct line form on one side of the body, biochemistry tests can reveal the virus circulating in the body.
Shingles Treatment
Similar to chicken pox, the virus must run its course in the body before disappearing. Most treatment options focus on lessoning the pain, fever, and itching that accompanies shingles. Antivirals commonly reduce the spread of the virus in the body and decrease the duration of the rash but do not treat the residual nerve pain. Lotion helps relieve the itching while pain medications such as morphine or steroids can lesson the pain and help stop the inflammation. If the itching and pain does is not reduced with lotions, local anesthetic such as lidocaine can often reduce the irritation from the rash.
Shingles Management
After taking medication, the patients should stay out of direct sunlight which can irritate the rash. Proper rest is essential since stress is one of the main factors promoting further inflammation and outbreaks. The shingles virus is contagious to people who have never had chicken pox. Therefore, young children and adults who never had the virus should stay away from the individual with shingles.
Shingles Prevention
A new vaccine called Zostavax was recently developed and has been proven to reduce the occurrence of herpes in half of the people who are infected. Since 2007, adults over the age of 60 who have had chickenpox as a child are recommended to take the vaccine. Some research has also shown that adults who have had chickenpox develop some immunity to shingles by being around children who have chickenpox. Most importantly, a healthy immune system greatly decreases the chances of developing shingles and low stress environments minimize the risk of outbreaks.
Shingles - Resources
Chicken Pox / Shingles (Varicella - zoster)
VZV Research Foundation
36 East 72nd St
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212-472-3181
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/detail_shingles.htm
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I’m a 36 year old female. Live in Wisconsin. I donated platelets LAST weekend..last night, the inside of my right elbow broke out in a rash randomly after dinner(prime rib roast with mushrooms and can of brick tea). And tonight BOTH of insides of my elbows have this rash. It is itchy at onset and lasts for about half hour and then stops itching. The itchiness begins at the sites of the double needle donation and spread out in redness. About 4 inches wide left to right and top to bottom. It looks like a baby diaper rash. Its red with blotchy tiny bumps all throughout.
I cant tell if it’s a food allergy, a late reaction to the adhesives hiding needles in place for the donation?
So sorry to hear that. Our blog does not replace the acute care setting. It answers questions of general interest. I recommend that you see your dermatologist tomorrow or go to urgent care.
im african american and i have a small bump behind ear very small rash on back of both knees and on my right thigh
Please note that this blog does not serve as a platform for a personal diagnosis. Please schedule a consultation with a dermatologist.
skin on chest area has small red like bumps not area not dry or all over local to chest area going upward to neck help
Please see you primary doctor for an urgent visit or schedule a short notice appointment with our office. You can call 610-525-5250 during business hours or conveniently book the appointment online on every page of our website.
What is the type of rash in the above photo?
Atopic dermatitis- the bumps were induced by scratching severely itchy skin.
I’ve had this problem for about a week or two. It started on my elbow but now its on the inside of my thighs, along parts of my arm, my armpits, even on my fingers. Its a rash that looks like little white does and they bleed if I scratch them hard. They kinda itch a lot. What should I do!
Please schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if you have not already done so.
skin rask around my neck and down on my privit spot and between my arms
I recommend you make an appointment with a dermatologist at our office. You can schedule the appointment online on our homepage https://www.ringpfeildermatology.com or call 610-525-5250.
how do you know if a rash is caused by scabies or bed bugs and how do you treat this problem
Bed bugs often create a typical line of three bites in a given area of the body, whereas the rash of scabies is often widespread and often in web spaces of the fingers, on ankles and around the genitals. Under the microscope, the distinction can be made if a scabies mite or parts of it was biopsied. A bed bug is too big and does not live in the skin. It cannot be biopsied. The reaction that our body makes around the bite can look similar under the microscope.