Misdiagnosis, or Herpes?

[HelpMePleezz]

Hello,

About a week ago I developed a rash on one cheek of my buttocks. It started off as white bumps that extremely itched, and then morphed into about a dozen circular red spots. I thought that this was poison ivy, so I put some cream on the area to see if it would clear up. However, the rash just seemed to get worse.

Now, the red circles have seemed to come together and have produced one large "red blotch" with darker, blister-looking areas. I have also noticed several smaller red circles spreading to the other cheek of the buttocks, and a few other itchy spots on my leg and on my chest.

Yesterday, I went to the doctor and at first glance, he suspected that my rash is caused by the herpes virus (in the same way that people develop shingles) since my skin is also blistering where the rash is. But he also said that the rash should only appear on one side of my body since it only runs through one nerve and should not pass the midline. I received some medication for my condition, but I'm still skeptical since I have not noticed a difference in the rash since I've begun taking the medicine, and the area still itches and burns.

Since the same spots that the larger rash started out on are appearing on my body past the midline, can I have a herpes rash? If not, then what may it be??

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Herpes zoster or shingles do present with itchiness but may be more associated with pain or a tingling sensation. Just continue with  your medications. In most cases, shingles may resolve spontaneously in 3 to 5 weeks. If the symptoms persist after the medical therapy and if there appears to be no change in the skin condition, then it is best to have this reassessed.

A dermatitis or a fungal infection are also differentials. Corticosteroids may also help in both cases of dermatitis or shingles.A topical steroid cream may be used if this is  a case of dermatitis. "steroids (prednisone) and tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) are also prescribed to lessen shingles symptoms, and the former might help prevent Post Herpetic Neuralgia. "

Source: http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21722

Do discuss this with your physician.

[HelpMePleezz]

Yes, I have had the chicken pox when I was about 6.

The rash is extremely itchy, and does not seem to be abated very long with any anti-itch cream.

There is not a whole lot of pain or tenderness, nor any fever, or other symptoms.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Have you had chicken pox or a varicella infection before?

Another differential will be a dermatitis or fungal infection. In the presence of these blisters, a folliculitis may also be a differential.

Continue with the medications that your physician has given you. After completing the course, see if the medications have improved the condition. Have a follow up with your physician once the course of medical therapy is completed.

Is the rash itchy?

Is there any pain or tenderness?

Any other associated condition like a swollen lymph node, fever?