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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
chickenpox or what
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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chickenpox or what
by too old for this, Jan 16, 2006 12:00AM
On Jan 13 I started feeling a little ill {fever Chills } would go away with advil. On jan 15 i noticed some red bumps with a clear fluid on my back. By the morning of the 16th they were in full bloom {back ,scalp, chest face}. Over Christmas my mom developed shingles IE. 18-20 days earlier. I saw my Doc on the afternoon of the 16th, he thought chickenpox was probably the cause and prescribed valtrex 1000mg 3x daily i should tell you that i'm 41 male. My question is the doc is a really busy guy and spent about 2mins looking at me . He said he thought chickenpox and said because I look healthy no blood test required . If not chickenpox what else could it be? I should tell you I was recently in india, isreal, china , and japan for work. One last note I seem to be getting a sore throat Ive heard this can be serious for someone my age . Thank You your 2 cents are appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jan 16, 2006 12:00AM
, Jan 16, 2006 12:00AM
The kind of rash you describe sounds viral. Chickenpox is indeed a strong possibility. The classic description of chickenpox lesion is a "dewdrop on a rose petal," which certainly fits your description of "red bumps with a clear fluid." The time interval between exposure to shingles (zoster, which sheds the chickenpox virus) also fits quite well. An experienced clinician should be able to diagnose this quickly, without a blood test, which would not be helpful at this point anyway. As much as I can say from a distance, your doctor sounds right on.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
