Red pimple-like rashes on chest, back, forearm, and inner thighs

I have suddenly developed red pimple like (appear to be insect bite like) rashes all on my back, my chest, my posterior forearms and my inner thighs. They are extremely itchy. I am 36, and I have never had this before. I am starting to worry, as My husband and my 7 year old son have started to develop this as well. I have gotten 2 pimple like rashes on my face till now.

There has been no change in our diet, or place. We have been living in the same house for years now and this is the first time it has ever happened. Could there be a water associated infection, or is it viral as its the winter season? As, another person in our area of living has also developed similar rashes. Going to a dermatologist next week, but in the mean time some help would be appreciated.




This discussion is related to Itchy flesh-color large and small bumps....

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since most of your family members have the same symptoms so it sounds like viral exanthematous rash or some contagious disease like scabies or fungal infection. Apply some calamine lotion on the rashes and take some oral antihistaminic for the itching. Also get it examined from a dermatologist for the confirmation of diagnosis.

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.

[beetle8888]

Hello,

     I got an immediate appointment with a dermatologist. She examined all of us, and came to a conclusion that it is chicken pox. I dont remember having chicken pox when I was a child. My husband has already had them when he was little, but has also developed them. The dermatologist has given my son and my husband vaccine and some tablets, to prevent the progression. And she said that it would not be much affective on me, since it has been 12 days that I have had it.

  Another question. I understand that the virus goes away in 5-10 days. Is it normal to last this long on me. It has been 12 days, and the lesions have not become scaly as yet (characteristic of the coarse). Appreciate your help and advice.

  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In children, chickenpox lasts 7 to 10 days and in adults, it lasts for a longer time. In adults, the fever and generally feeling unwell can last several days. The blisters gradually dry up and scab. They slowly fade over a week or so, but may take 2-3 weeks to go completely. Full recovery usually takes more than 15 days after the first symptoms appear. But if there is persistent fever or if fever goes above 102°F (38.9°C),there are signs of infection of blisters(like pus drainage, redness, tenderness, warmth or swelling),neurological symptoms(nervousness, confusion, sleepiness, headache, neck stiffness, convulsions), repeated vomitings or difficulty in breathing, then please consult your doctor immediately.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[beetle8888]

Thank you for your advice. I am so far not getting any of these syptoms (symptoms), except a few chills. Should I be worried? My son and my husband are doing fine (no extra symptoms except for the rashes). Thank you,

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,

Fever and chills accompany this disease and that is nothing to be worried about.Take care and best wishes for a speedy recovery.