Lamictal rash or possibly shingles?

I developed an itchy area on my side that lasted for over a week and then broke out into a circular area or raised red itchy and painful rash. It is approx half dollar size. I have been treating w/hydocortisone cream without help. The area no longer feels very itchy. It feels lightly painful. The pain seems to go deep into my body. I am on Lamictal. Wondering if this is possibly a Lamictal rash? Shingles? I am 46.  Ellen L.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since the rash is painful, it is more likely a shingles rash. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus. The first sign is usually a tingling feeling, itchiness, or stabbing pain on the skin. After a few days, a rash appears as a band or patch of raised dots on the side of the trunk or face. The rash develops into small, fluid-filled blisters which begin to dry out and crust over within several days. When the rash is at its peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to extreme and intense pain.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[workin]

All I can do is convey my personal experience with Lamictal. First time I took it, I developed a rash similar to the one you mention, on my thigh, then it progressed to shingles. The second time I took the drug two years later I developed a Stevens Johnson reaction. No comment or speculation here, just stating my facts. Use the info as you see fit.