deep red rash on leg

[batey]

I am 61 year ol female.  About 3-4 days ago I noticed a small rashy spot on the inside of my calf, and also an itchy spot (with nothing at all there) inside of same leg by the knee.  The rashy spot on calf has since grown to an oval over 1 inch long, with hard blisters on it and reddish area around it.  The itchy spot has also erupted two smaller spots, though without the blisters.  Also, about two inches below the large oval area, about in the middle of the calf, is a series of about six random spots that appear to be growing together.  Until today none itched or hurt.  Now the largest , original area with the blisters is very tender to touch and my clothing rubbing these areas irritates them. The skin on my thigh has been tender to the touch since this started.  I am taking no meds, nor do I have any known food allergies.  These lesions are very red and solid and slightly raised.

[batey]

Thank you for your response. I believe now I had a bacterial infection, and possibly a fugal one as well.  I had forgotten that in humid summers I get what I call "yeast bumps", horribly itchy chicken pox looking bumps that respond to OTC monistat cream, and that what I thought was razor burn every time I shave my legs is probably folliculitis.  I also forgot to mention that all but the original lesion appeared AFTER I shaved my legs with an electric razor.  I couldn't see a doctor, so I started using anit-fungal cream, then obtained Altabax ointment and Clindamycin 300 mg caps, which I took t.i.d. for eight days. There is no question I had bacterial involvement, since the origianl lesion had a 3" red area all around it, and it was extremely painful to touch and I was feeling ill for a day or two.  I really wish I could have gotten a medical diagnosis on this, but all is resolving now. Just healing scabs are left. Thank you again, Dr. Kaur, for your response.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms the possibility of shingles rash involving a particular dermatome needs to be ruled out. 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.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.