A very long line of red bumps

[ChrisStPaul]

Hello everyone! Last week I had noticed some slight itching and a small red patch on my groin. I thought it was just some chafing or dry skin so I didn't care too much. But a few days ago I started getting very itchy and I noticed a long trail of red bumps on my leg. When I say long, I mean I have a trail of itchy red bumps that go from my groin, down my thigh, and all the way to my heel. It's not wide, only a 1/4" to 1/2" wide.
I do not see any blisters/fluid filled bumps, they are just red and itchy. My groin area is very itchy and slightly painful when I do itch.

I don't remember doing anything out of the ordinary the past week. I did go swimming in a river 10 day ago. I don't believe I contacted poison ivy. I'm not aware of any allergies that would cause this. First I thought it was some slight jock itch because it has been hot/muggy and I was sweaty for a few days. But I am more worried now that I see a trail of bumps running down to my heel. Any ideas?

[ChrisStPaul]

I am doing very well, thank you. I am on Acyclovir medication right now and it worked very fast. The bumps on my leg are gone but I still see some redness. I assume this is just "left overs" from the bumps on my leg.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. 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.

Treatment of shingles includes antiviral drugs, steroids, analgesics and anti viral eye drops.
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.

[ChrisStPaul]

I went to the doctor today and turns out it was shingles. They said that the virus travels along nerves so if you see a line of red bumps then its a classic symptom of shingles.

[ChrisStPaul]

I also forgot to say that I am a 23 year old white male, fairly healthy and only slightly overweight. I do have a small problem with eczema on my hands but only in the winter weather.