Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Viral Rash???

Hello,
On Dec. 31, 2005 I had a fever and ear infection, then I developed a chest cold/respiratory infection.  I still have a slight cough but not too bad.  2 days ago, I developed a rash on my inner thighs that resembles a razor burn.  It is more red after a shower.  Yesterday, the rash was on my stomach (small red bumps - feels like sandpaper - doesn't itch).  The only other thing I did different was start taking zoloft and ativan 2 weeks ago for anxiety.  I also used a new lotion 3 days ago but used this on my entire body.  Yesterday, I went to the Dr. and saw the nurse practitioner.  He said it looks like the rash is an after affect of the virus I had the past few weeks.  I have never heard of such a thing.  Is this really possible?  He said it isn't from the medications because it would have started before now and I've taken both of those before.  He said it wasn't the lotion either.  I feel fine except my dry cough every now and then.  Today, the rash has spread a little.  Dr. did say it would probably get worse before it got better.  What are your thoughts?  Do I need to worry about something else going on?  Could this be something more serious?  I think my anxiety is coming out!!  :o)  Thanks!
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I would say it could be but I'm not a Dr. so....

Mine finally cleared up after about 2 weeks and finally taking  Benedryl which tells me that mine was more allergy related but who knows.  Mine got worse before it got better and was hot to the touch.  My Dr. still feels that the pimply rash on my stomach and sides was from the virus but the leg rash was from something else.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I started taking Strattera, an AD/HD medication that is also an anti-depressant (SNRI) about 1.5 months ago.  A feww weeks ago, I started using a new lotion that was gluten-free, called Sensaria.  My Stattera does was increased 1 week ago to 25 mg.  In the past 5 days, I started to develop a cold, with scratchy, dry throat and no congestion, to a night of joint aches and chills (2 nighs ago), to now, where I have nasal and chest congestion, a semi-productive cough, and foginess.  I, too, have noticed a pimple-like rash over my body, mainly in the armpit region, upper inner arms radiating from that armpit region, some pimple-like rash on my abdomen, the upper center of my back, and many pimple-like scratchy rashes on my inner thighs and back of thighs.  No rash on my face or forearm or hands/feet.  Non on neck.


Now, I wonder if this rash is a viral rash as well, which I know to occur in infants and young children.  

Could this be?
Helpful - 0
242489 tn?1210497213
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I think your doctor is right--this sounds like a rash that goes along with a virus.  It should go away on its own in a few days.  I doubt that there is a drug allergy, much less anything else serious.  I suggest you just stay in touch with your doctor, who seems to have matters under control.  If your skin feels dry as it's healing, any moisturizing lotion will help.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I should probaby add that on 12/31, I was prescribed Azithromax 5 day and then on the following Monday was prescribed Azithromax 3 day.  Don't know if this has anything to do with it or not.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Forum

Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions