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Recurring itchy and painful rash on torso and back

I currently have a red, terribly itchy, rash that is covering portions of my torso and back.  It is concentrated mostly under my bra and waist lines.  It is raised and painful to the touch, but possibly because I have scratched it too much.  It is spreading every day, and I have had it now for about five days.  The older patches, some of which are about two and a half inches across, are starting to scale over somewhat, but there is no oozing of fluid coming from them.  Topical creams are not helping with the itch or the pain.  The main issue, is that I had this same thing three months ago.  I went to the doctor then, and she thought it may have been pityrius rosea, but gave me cream for scabies "just to be sure."  The scabies medication did nothing, and eventually after about three weeks the rash went away on it's own.  But now I have it again.  I am currently miserable with itching, pain and burning from the itch.  What is your take?


This discussion is related to Painful rash on stomach, back again?  Freaking out!.
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Avatar universal
Wendy, It is Jan 2011 and I have my second rash (2 weeks free) exactly as you describe it. I had shingles back in July. My doctor said it was a herpes rash and no treatment helped but it is back again so any more ideas!
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Although from your symptoms the first possibility that came to my mind is of shingles but since you have had it prior also, so other possibilities need to be ruled out. It can be due to intertrigo also which is an itchy rash and at the same time is sore.

My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated. Treatment is diagnosis specific. 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.

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